This is a picture of a Barrel Tile roof in South Florida, this is a original roof on a home built in 2001. The roof is a hip roof that would qualify for a wind mitigation discount.
This is a picture of the opening protection shutter label.
This is one of the panels stored in the garage.
This is the label on all the shutters for the opening and the openings have the proper fasteners to attach.
It is very hard to determine glazed opening sometimes. I have come across several people who say they have the film on the glass and are told that that will count as glazed protection. I have to explain to them that it may or may not keep the glass from breaking but it does not test the frame that the glass is installed. The window frame and glass must be tested together for the complete unit to be rated properly.
FYI- I don’t agree with the way the video was done in marking the fastener spacing. He does not calibrate the MT6 before using and then runs across the truss and takes a guess as to where the fasteners are located. I was taught that when you hear the beep you put a mark down the side of the equipment and continue to move for the next fastener and mark. If the spacing is 8" you will not know if you do not mark the fastener as the MT6 passes the fastener.
This is a photo of a sticker installed on a single hung impact rated window. You can usually find these in the upper track area if they haven’t been cleaned off yet. You should always take a picture of one or more of these for rating proof. I also track down any permits and or documentation that the homeowner may have. If you have the capability to add arrows and or boxes on your mitigation photos, it helps the underwriters see exactly what you are referring to and leaves the guess work out. You will find that it helps eliminate any issues with underwriting by giving them as much information as possible.
Good luck to you!
I wanted to say thanks for all the work put into this course. I will usually take it each year just to keep up with any changes. I do many wind mitigation inspections each year and it’s good to know there is always a better or more effective way, so thanks for continuing to sharpen things up.
The pictures are of a roof to wall connector. The connector is embedded into the bond beam of a concrete block wall. The connector is embedded withing one half inch of face of the truss. There are two fasteners on the side the connector is embedded into the bond beam or face of the truss and one fastener on the other or back side of the truss. There is some rust or corrosion of the fastener but it is not severe. The connector meets minimum conditions and would qualify as a single wrap strap or C on the Form 1802.
Re: Wind Mitigation article
Wind mitigation is implementation of certain building techniques to limit wind damage caused by intense wind storms. Florida passed a law requiring insurance companies to offer discounts and credits for building features that reduce damage and loss from wind storms. Qualified inspectors can determine which improvements are necessary.
Re: Tobacco Odor Removal article
Tobacco smoke creates an odor that is know to saturate living spaces and persist long after the source is gone. Inspectors may be asked how to remedy the situation. Smoke particles can be as small as .001% of the width of a human hairs. It is not clear if smoke odor is dangerous or is merely a nuisance. There are a variety of odor absorbing materials and removal strategies for removing this odor.
I don’t recall this part of the 1802:shock:
This wind mitigation report was performed in Dec. of 2015
The referral came from a roofing company that submitted an invoice stating they had met the FBC building code and installed the swr
The end wall attachment of the truss shows 3 nails as required
My metal detector detected nail spacing of 6"
The nail length protruded down below the decking 2" indicating a 2 3/8" 8 penny ring shank nail was used
This was also stated in the invoice supplied to me by the roofer
The elevation pictures of each corner shows the roof geometry of a gable type roof
The customer received discounts for the roof covering, sheathing attachment, clips, and swr
This wind mitigation report was performed in Dec. of 2015
The referral came from a roofing company that submitted an invoice stating they had met the FBC building code and installed the swr
The end wall attachment of the truss shows 3 nails as required
My metal detector detected nail spacing of 6"
The nail length protruded down below the decking 2" indicating a 2 3/8" 8 penny ring shank nail was used
This was also stated in the invoice supplied to me by the roofer
The elevation pictures of each corner shows the roof geometry of a gable type roof
The customer received discounts for the roof covering, sheathing attachment, clips, and swr
Below are several of the pictures taken during the wind mitigation taken for this course requirement. The roof sheathing is 1/2" plywood and is fastened with 2-1/2" ring shank nails installed every 6". The roof to wall attachment was completed with H2.5 straps with 3 nails on each strap. The was one strap installed per truss end. The home had gable ends that appeared to have been retrofitted with gable end bracing, however it was completed incorrectly using toenails and not straps or clips.
For the course reading assignment requirements I read the Wind Mitigation article and the Wind Turbine article. The wind mitigation article was basically a summary of the course and also discussed the insurance increases that occurred here in FL after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. While all insurance companies had upwards of a 45% increase many insurers canceled policies and no longer offered policies. I observe this first hand as my insurance company stopped offering homeowner policies.
I read the wind turbine article as after reading the wind mitigation article concerning the destructive forces of wind it was a change to see the positive forces of wind as well. I believe use of wind to produce electricity is a very under used source. In addition to the costs associated with wind energy the aesthetics are the primary reason for the lack of use. The area of Florida where I live has ordinances against its use.
This attached pictures are of building in Central Florida 48 miles North of Orlando. This is in the 130 MPH requirement area of Florida.
The following are the items observed in the inspection:
-
The windows are crank out encasement windows which do not meet the required rating and do not have any identifying
-
the Gables are not of sufficiently rated material to meet the requirements
-
The shingle roof looks to be adequate however the attic area was not accessible to inspect the nailing pattern as the access point in the gable has been nailed shut.
Wind Mitigation
The course on Wind Mitigation relating the Florida licensing requirements show the various regions and the minimum, standards for each area.
The various types of approved products are defined and how to inspect for them.
There is a great deal of difference in the requirements for the Miami Dada County than the balance of the State of Florida.
The above photo is of a single strap. It is properly nailed with at least 3 nails. It is nailed on the opposite side. It is also imbetted close to the truss
I am about half way through this wind mitigation inspection - course -
and I am starting to think that this type of inspection is very time consuming -
Is there anyone out there who will tell me honestly what amount of time these inspections take?
And given the time required - who is willing to pay the fee that these inspections would take?
I am having a hard time seeing these as a profitable service.
What say you - seasoned inspectors?
DeWayne Silberhorn
I have attached photo(s) that I took in my attic - to help fulfill the requirements I suspect that this effort is not easily accomplished on all house types and classification of roof design, and verifying compliance on un-labeled items could be time consuming. As I look at the requirements for verifying all the items involved I suspect that with a home inspection this should fetch a price of about $175, as a stand alone inspection I suspect it would be considerably more. I hope that those who are involved in this value their time appropriately. To maintain the professionalism professional rates are just part of the way to do business.
One of the 2 articles I read was on Wind Mitigation - I guess I have some questions about this program - 1) once a hose has been inspected and in fact “certified” does that certification stay with the house and for how long is this certification good for any applicable discounts? - 2) is the purpose of this program to encourage inspections and upgrading? 3) does anyone know how much any discounts be - percentage wise? 4) Do different insurance companies have different form or reporting requirements?
So I have more questions than worthwhile input on this subject. Maybe I will get some feedback on this issues I have listed.
Not really expecting that I will get involved in this type of inspection in the near future.
DeWayne
They definitely are not for everybody. The going rate is $50-60 in some areas. You won’t be doing any of them for $175.