The most important reason for a wind mitigation inspection is to verify a building structures weakest point of vulnerability. Having the adequate number of fasteners and correct usage of attachment methods along with impact resistant opening protections, coupled with the building geometry, is imperative to ensure a higher wind mitigation rating, which can decrease insurance premiums, and there by give peace of mind, as the risk of damage assessment is less.
In this photo from D&D Windows and Doors, a garage door sticker clearly shows that is is large missile impact rated, uniform static air pressure and cyclic wind pressure rated with the Florida Building Code Standards FBC TAS 201-94, 202-94 and 203-94. Other garage door labels may not be so clear and the inspector must then verify the approval or Notice of acceptance NOA at:
http://www.floridabuilding.org/pr/pr_app_srch.aspx
Wind mitigation is more than just a way to reduce insurance premiums, it can actually keep a family safe during a tropical storm or hurricane. As a Florida resident my family and I have experienced several tropical storms including Wilma in 2005 and Irma in 2017. We’ve been lucky but many people have not been so lucky. As home inspectors we can help people make informed decisions to increase safety and even save lives.
The roof to wall attachment is a single wrap, which meets the minimum requirements by wrapping over the truss, being secured with a minimum of two nails on the front of the strap and one nail on the rear of the strap.
Infrared thermography or thermal imaging could be very helpful for inspecting the electrical components of the home. For example, scanning the electrical distribution panel (breaker box) with an infrared camera could indicate the actual temperature of the panel components and reveal any potential component that could be overheating.
This is a picture of a single wrap strap wrapping over the top of a 2x4 truss. This simpson hold down is rated for about 1000lbs. It appears to be installed correctly. The strap has 2 nails on one side and 1 nail on opposite side. Strap is free from corrosion and is embedded in the correct location. Under #4 Roof to wall attachment, I would mark “C” for Single wrap strap.
There will be total of 70 million baby boomers retiring by the year 2020. Most of them will want to live at home due to bad conditions and lack of freedom in nursing homes. Some safey improvements a home inspector may recommend are as follows: Raising up the waser & dryer for easy access. Replace oven with a side swinging door & also replacing cook top with induction so they do not get burned.
The image shown is of a single wrap or single tie down hurricane strap. The strap is embedded in the top course of concrete block, the appropriate distance from the truss, free of damage and has two nails on the front side of the wrap and one nail on the backside of the truss.
I chose to view GFCI Protecting a Branch Circuit. The images were very descriptive and would be most helpful to those individuals who may not have a back ground in the electrical field. The images show how a circuit that is GFCI protected originates from the electrical panel with the first outlet providing protection for the other outlets that are fed down the line or the first outlet receives the line wire and all outlets fed from it are the loads.
The house has grey/green/black architectural asphalt shingles on the roof. There is no grandular degradation. Per customer 3 months old on date of inspection. Gutters, downspouts,and boots around water vents were also replaced at time that the roof was replaced.
I viewed the image of the Chimney Flashing from the gallery. It gives a good view of where the sealant goes in the mortar between the bricks. In my experience, I have seen people only seal the surface instead of the entire void.
This strap wraps over the top of the truss, it has more than the minimum amount of nails. Two on the front side and one on the back side to qualify for a single strap. Most new homes have almost all nail holes filled in with strap nails.
Infrared cameras are very helpful for home inspectors. The heat from electrical devises, the cold from weatherstrips, the cool areas of a wey area on the drywall ceiling. The many ways it can help you are well worth the price they are to buy one.
Shed shingles sliding out. The shingles on this shed were improperly installed on this gambrel type roof. Upon further examination, many other shingles were either sliding out or had been nailed through the top of the shingles. No leaks on the interior at present.
This course for Florida wind mitigation is very similar in the content presented, to the Fortified Home Evaluator course for Alabama, for the applicable sections. Nice course giving me all the information I need for wind mitigation add on inspections for Florida.
This is a photo of a new air handler. I wish I had a photo of the old one which was not installed correctly which ended up rusting and falling apart at the bottom. The new air handler was properly installed to the ducts. No air leaks. It’s leveled correctly and runs great.
My topic will be on electrical safety outside of the home. One of the biggest safety issues that we all need to take in consideration are electrical poles. Power lines can be very dangerous. Never place a ladder on or near a power line. Nor should you install a swimming pool under a power line. Do not dig near power lines or plant trees or bushes under power lines. By taking the proper precautions and staying away from power lines will prevent you from being electrocuted.
Attached is a photo of an accordion shutter system that that is not is good working order. I know this because I was the one that closed it for my neighbor while the hours was unoccupied last summer. In addition there is no indication of the storm worthiness or if it is in compliance with the Miami-Dade standards. I would not be able to confirm such because the former owner has passed away and would not be able to indicate that on a wind mitigation form.
Mastering Roof Inspections: Wind Damage, Part 3
This article discusses the impact of direct pressure and vacuum cause by loss of laminar flow. These are the causes of the insurance3 industry favoring hip roofing as opposed to gable roofs. the hip roof is less likely to encounter direct pressure because of the angel of the eave and also less likely to suffer from increased vacuum pressure again because of the angel of the roof.
The picture shows a double exterior door.
Series 1800 outswing aluminum french door w/sidelites-L.M.I.
Miami Dade County Product Control Approved.The installation was following all the manufacture requirements.we can see the label on the corner of the door and the property owner provide additional
documentation.
