There are many forms of roof coverings including wood and asphalt shingles, metal and tile. Effectiveness of materials vary across locations and environmental conditions and they also vary in cost generally related to lifespan. All roofing systems have several things in common. They are designed to protect the inside of a building from the elements outside and they all require varying degrees of maintenance.
Wind mitigation inspections are performed to determine the fitness of the structure pertaining to its ability to withstand significant wind conditions. The inspection will start at the front of the house with a front whole-house picture, followed by a front openings condition assessment. The inspection continues around the house taking pictures of all four sides and observing the condition of all exterior openings as well roof covering(s). Conditions should be noted. The roof shape(s) should be noted. This should be followed by a careful examination of all openings to determine their ratings/conditions (as appropriate). Any hurricane protection covers should determined, ratings verified, and documented. A trip to the attic is next to determine the sheeting, sheeting attachment, attachment spacing, secondary water barrier, and roof to wall attachment method (gable-end structure if it applies). All findings must be carefully documented.
This is just a quick summary of a much more detailed inspection/report process.
Robert J. Clark
How to perform wind mitigations
I inspected the roof to wall attachments. I located a the weakest point, it was a single strap that was installed wrong. It had two nails on one side and the other side was not nailed at all. This would be marked as a toe nail because it does not meet B,C, or D requirements.
I read two articles for this class. I read one on Garage Doors and Openers and the second was Wind Mitigation. Garage doors can be a safety hazard. The article pointed out there are around 20,000 emergency room visits annually because of garage doors. Inspectors should check them for proper attachments prior to operating. There are several warning labels that should be on or near the garage door or opener. Also the emergency release handle should not be more than 6’ off the ground.
During a follow-up on a property me and my wife considered buying last year, I inspected the structure’s openings for wind mitigation features. The home had been completely remodeled on the interior with new paint and a landscape clean up on the exterior. I concluded only cosmetic improvements had been made with no structural component upgrades. The home was built in 1980; it still had the original roof decking and windows and doors. The windows were all single-pane aluminum framed with no markings of any kind, nor did they have any impact rated coverings or attachment hardware present. The windows would all be non-impact rated, marked X on the form and be the weakest point. Also, there was no access to the attic from new drywall covering the old scuttle hole; this would be marked G on the form with the comment of “no scuttle hole present to access attic”.
The article describes “wind mitigation” as the implementation of building techniques to limit damage from intense wind. A home’s wind mitigation features would be of special interest and a major concern for anyone living in a high wind classified area. Not only can these features help protect the home, its occupants and all their belongings, but properly installed and certain confirmed requirements, can save the homeowner a substantial amount on their insurance premiums and deductibles.
It would be highly recommended for homeowners to invest in a low cost wind mitigation inspection, performed by a qualified inspector, to help protect their lives, their investments and to receive insurance discounts.
Attic pull-down ladders are for convenience of access to the attic area of a home. I believe they are a necessary component of a home as the roof structure is one of the most important components in protecting a home, its occupants and all their belongings. The pull-down ladder would be a permanent access point to the attic.
Safety is vital when installing and operating a pull-down ladder. Keeping children away from ladders, properly installing the ladder and keeping the ladder in good condition are all key to pull-down ladder safety.
I recently found myself trying to observe wind mitigation features In an attic but the dry wall installers had covered over the old scuttle hole. Having a professional and proper installation of a pull-down ladder to access an attic is important for safety and easy access to a home’s primary structural component for annual inspections and mechanical access
I read the articles on collar ties/rafter ties and structural issues. The inspection photos show the roof deck nail spacing 6" oc, the thickness of the roof decking,7/16, the length of the nails, 2" 6d and "hurricane clips for truss to wall connection.
This is a picture of an accordion style hurricane shutter. The shutters are impact rated for hurricane protection. There owner has paperwork - permit card, notice of acceptance, model numbers, and installation invoice from contractor. The problem is the locking mechanism is broken. The shutter is not able to be secured… This goes into the report.
Wind mitigation is the implementation of certain building techniques in order to limit damage caused by intense wind. Wind mitigation benefits homeowners, private insurers, and all levels of government. Wind mitigation helps protect the home from damage. Even if a home is insured, it is always costly when a house is damaged, both for the homeowner and the insurer. Repairs can take months, especially during material shortages that follow massive destruction to entire communities. Wind mitigation is a strategy designed to limit the amount of wind damage inflicted on a structure. Various incentives are in place to motivate homeowners to implement these enhancements, and qualified inspectors can determine which improvements are necessary. Contact your local qualified wind mitigation inspector today for more information.
In this report the roof was replaced in 2013. However it is a gable style roof and the gables have no added bracing. The nailing pattern is every 6 inches and the deck is half inch sheeting. It also has single strap with only 2 nails on one side.
in regard to hurricane garage doors notice this particular door has horizontal braces. notice also there are no places to attach vertical braces to the hinges.to me this indicates this is not a hurricane rated door.
I inspected the strap connections on the truss rafter of a home. you can see that the straps are embedded in the masonry wall and are within 1/2" of the truss at a 90 degree angle. The strap goes up and over and is nailed on both sides. This form of strapping is typical with the age of the home. This picture as well as several others would be sent with the wind mitigation form. You are required to check these connections in several areas to verify consistency.
I read the article on wind mitigation and found it to be a very good “nutshell” of information, I don’t feel like I learned anything but thought it was a great source of easy to understand information for homeowners to grasp the concept and the importance of protecting your home. The second article was windbreak and I enjoyed it very much, I never thought about the added benefits of a windbreak like keeping the land from drying out during drought, attracting wildlife and adding to the appeal and value of your home. Very interesting
wind mitigation is implemented by using certain building matierals and techniques to lessen damage caused by intense winds. in Florida up to 70% of a homeowners premium (depending on location) can be attributed to windstorm damage coverage. the use of wind mitigation helps protect homes from damage.
A winmit report that I did recently…My boss caught a mistake and noted the correction .
NOTE: Any documentation used in validating the compliance or existence of each construction or mitigation attribute must
accompany this form. At least one photograph must accompany this form to validate each attribute marked in questions 3
though 7. The insurer may ask additional questions regarding the mitigated feature(s) verified on this form.
Building Code: Was the structure built in compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC 2001 or later) OR
for homes located in the HVHZ (Miami-Dade or Broward counties), South Florida Building Code (SFBC-94):
A. Built in compliance with the FBC: Year Built ___. For homes built in 2002/2003 provide a permit
application with a date after 3/1/2002: Building Permit Application Date (MM/DD/YYYY) //
B. For the HVHZ Only: Built in compliance with the SFBC-94: Year Built __. For homes built in 1994,
1995, and 1996 provide a permit application with a date after 9/1/1994: Building Permit Application Date
(MM/DD/YYYY) //
C. Unknown or does not meet the requirements of Answer “A” or “B”
Roof Covering: Select all roof covering types in use. Provide the permit application date OR FBC/MDC
Product Approval number OR Year of Original Installation/Replacement OR indicate that no information was
available to verify compliance for each roof covering identified.
A. All roof coverings listed above meet the FBC with a FBC or Miami-Dade Product Approval listing current at time of
installation OR have a roofing permit application date on or after 3/1/02 OR the roof is original and built in 2004 or later.
B. All roof coverings have a Miami-Dade Product Approval listing current at time of installation OR (for the HVHZ only) a
roofing permit application after 9/1/1994 and before 3/1/2002 OR the roof is original and built in 1997 or later.
C. One or more roof coverings do not meet the requirements of Answer “A” or “B”.
D. No roof coverings meet the requirements of Answer “A” or “B”.
Inspectors Initials: KCB Property Address: 400 Sunny Isles Blvd, Unit 307, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
*This verification form is valid for up to five (5) years provided no material changes have been made to the structure or
inaccuracies found on the form.
OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 01/12) Adopted by Rule 69O-170.0155
2.1 Roof Covering Type
Asphalt/Fiberglass
Shingle
Permit Application
Date
FBC or MDC
Product Approval #
Year of Original
Installation or
Replacement
No Information
Provided for
Compliance
Concrete/Clay Tile
Metal
Built Up
Membrane Original 2015
Other:
Section Continued:
Roof Deck Attachment: What is the weakest form of roof deck attachment:
A. Plywood/Oriented strand board (OSB) roof sheathing attached to the roof truss/rafter (spaced a maximum
of 24” inches o.c.) by staples or 6d nails spaced at 6” along the edge and 12” in the field. -OR- Batten decking
supporting wood shakes or wood shingles. -OR- Any system of screws, nails, adhesives, other deck fastening
system or truss/rafter spacing that has an equivalent mean uplift less than that required for Options B or C
below.
B. Plywood/OSB roof sheathing with a minimum thickness of 7/16”inch attached to the roof truss/rafter
(spaced a maximum of 24”inches o.c.) by 8d common nails spaced a maximum of 12” inches in the field.-ORAny
system of screws, nails, adhesives, other deck fastening system or truss/rafter spacing that is shown to
have an equivalent or greater resistance than 8d nails spaced a maximum of 12 inches in the field or has a
mean uplift resistance of at least 103 psf.
C. Plywood/OSB roof sheathing with a minimum thickness of 7/16”inch attached to the roof truss/rafter
(spaced a maximum of 24”inches o.c.) by 8d common nails spaced a maximum of 6” inches in the field. -ORDimensional
lumber/Tongue & Groove decking with a minimum of 2 nails per board (or 1 nail per board if each
board is equal to or less than 6 inches in width). –OR Any system of screws, nails, adhesives, other deck
fastening system or truss/rafter spacing that is shown to have an equivalent or greater resistance than 8d
common nails spaced a maximum of 6 inches in the field or has a mean uplift resistance of at least 182 psf.
D. Reinforced Concrete Roof Deck.
E. Other:
F. Unknown or unidentified.
G. No attic access.
Roof to Wall Attachment: What is the WEAKEST roof to wall connection: (Do not include attachment of
hip/valley jacks within 5 feet of the inside or outside corner of the roof in determination of WEAKEST type)
A. Toe Nails
Truss/rafter anchored to top plate of wall using nails driven at an angle through the truss/rafter
and attached to the top plate of the wall, or
Metal connectors that do not meet the minimal conditions or requirements of B, C, or D
Minimal conditions to qualify for categories B, C, or D. All visible metal connectors are:
Secured to truss/rafter with a minimum of three (3) nails, and
Attached to the wall top plate of the wall framing, or embedded in the bond beam, with less than
a ½" gap from the blocking or truss/rafter and blocked no more than 1.5” of the truss/rafter, and free
of visible severe corrosion.
B. Clips
Metal connectors that do not wrap over the top of the truss/rafter, or
Metal connectors with a minimum of 1 strap that wraps over the top of the truss/rafter and does
not meet the nail position requirements of C or D, but is secured with a minimum of 3 nails.
C. Single Wraps
Metal connectors consisting of a single strap that wraps over the top of the truss/rafter and is
secured with a minimum of 2 nails on the front side and a minimum of 1 nail on the opposing side.
D. Double Wraps
Metal Connectors consisting of 2 separate straps that are attached to the wall frame, or
embedded in the bond beam, on either side of the truss/rafter where each strap wraps over the top
of the truss/rafter and is secured with a minimum of 2 nails on the front side, and a minimum of 1 nail
on the opposing side, or
Metal connectors consisting of a single strap that wraps over the top of the truss/rafter, is secured
to the wall on both sides, and is secured to the top plate with a minimum of three nails on each side.
E. Structural Anchor bolts structurally connected or reinforced concrete roof.
F. Other:
G. Unknown or unidentified
H. No attic access
Inspectors Initials: KCB Property Address: 400 Sunny Isles Blvd, Unit 307, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
*This verification form is valid for up to five (5) years provided no material changes have been made to the structure or
inaccuracies found on the form.
OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 01/12) Adopted by Rule 69O-170.0155
Section Continued:
Roof Geometry: What is the roof shape: (Do not consider roofs of porches or carports that are attached only
to the fascia or wall of the host structure over unenclosed space in the determination of roof perimeter or roof
area for roof geometry classification).
A. Hip Roof Hip roof with no other roof shapes greater than 10% of the total roof system
perimeter. Total length of n on-hip features: ______ feet; Total roof system perimeter:
_______ feet
B. Flat Roof Roof on a building with 5 or more units where at least 90% of the main roof area has a
roof slope of less than 2:12. Roof area with slope less than 2:12 ________ sq ft; Total
roof area __________sq ft
C. Other Roof Any roof that does not qualify as either (A) or (B) above.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): (standard underlayments or hot-mopped felts do not qualify as an SWR)
A. SWR (also called Sealed Roof Deck) Self-adhering polymer modified-bitumen roofing underlayment applied directly
to the sheathing or foam adhesive SWR barrier (not foamed-on insulation) applied as a supplemental means to protect the
dwelling from water intrusion in the event of roof covering loss.
B. No SWR.
C. Unknown or undetermined.
Opening Protection: What is the weakest form of wind borne debris protection installed on the structure:
First, use the table to determine the weakest form of protection for each category of opening. Second, (a)
check one answer below (A, B, C, N, or X) based upon the lowest protection level for ALL Glazed openings and
(b) check the protection level for all Non-Glazed openings (.1, .2, or .3) as applicable.
Glazed Openings Non-Glazed Openings
Opening Protection Level Chart
Place an “X” in each row to identify all forms of protection in use for
each opening Type. Check only one answer below (A thru X), based
on the weakest form of protection (lowest row) for any of the glazed
openings and indicate the weakest form of protection (lowest row) for
Non Glazed openings.
Windows or
Entry Doors
Garage
Doors
Skylights
Glass
Block
Entry
Doors
Garage
Doors
N/
A
Not Applicable-There are no openings of this type on the structure. X X X X X
A
Verified cyclic pressure & large missile (9lb for windows doors/4.5
lb for skylights)
B
Verified cyclic pressure & large missile (4-8 lb for windows doors/2
lb for skylights)
C Verified plywood/OSB meeting Table 1609.1.2 of the FBC 2007
D
Verified Non-Glazed Entry or Garage doors indicating compliance
with ASTM E 330, ANSI/DASMA 108, or PA/TAS 202 for wind
pressure resistance
Opening Protection products that appear to be A or B but are not
verified
X
N
Other protective coverings that cannot be identified as A, B or C
X No Windborne Debris Protection
A. Exterior Openings Cyclic Pressure and 9-lb Large Missile (4.5 lb for skylights only) All Glazed
openings are protected at a minimum, with impact resistant coverings or products listed as wind borne debris
protection devices in the product approval system of the State of Florida or Miami-Dade County and meet the
requirements of one of the following for “Cyclic Pressure and Large Missile Impact” (Level A in the table above).
• Miami-Dade County PA 201, 202, and 203
• Florida Building Code Testing Application Standard (TAS) 201, 202, and 203
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1886 and ASTM E 1996
• Southern Standards Technical Document (SSTD) 12
• For Skylights Only: ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996
• For Garage Doors Only: ANSI/DASMA 115
A.1 All Non-Glazed openings classified as A in the table above, or no Non-Glazed openings exist
A.2 One or More Non-Glazed openings classified as Level D in the table above, and no Non-Glazed openings classified as Level B,
C, N, or X in the table above
A.3 One or More Non-Glazed Openings is classified as Level B, C, N, or X in the table above
B. Exterior Opening Protection- Cyclic Pressure and 4 to 8-lb Large Missile (2-4.5 lb for skylights
only) All Glazed openings are protected, at a minimum, with impact resistant coverings or products listed as
windborne debris protection devices in the product approval system of the State of Florida or Miami-Dade
County and meet the requirements of one of the following for “Cyclic Pressure and Large Missile Impact” (Level
B in the table above):
• ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 (Large Missile – 4.5 lb.)
• SSTD 12 (Large Missile – 4 lb. to 8 lb.)
• For Skylights Only: ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 (Large Missile - 2 to 4.5 lb.)
B.1 All Non-Glazed openings classified as A or B in the table above, or no Non-Glazed openings exist
B.2 One or More Non-Glazed openings classified as Level D in the table above, and no Non-Glazed openings classified as Level C,
N, or X in the table above
B.3 One or More Non-Glazed openings is classified as Level C, N, or X in the table above
Inspectors Initials: KCB Property Address: 400 Sunny Isles Blvd, Unit 307, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
*This verification form is valid for up to five (5) years provided no material changes have been made to the structure or
inaccuracies found on the form.
OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 01/12) Adopted by Rule 69O-170.0155
Comment [CG5]: Not sure why you
had “C” here? It is “A”
Section Continued:
C. Exterior Opening Protection- Wood Structural Panels meeting FBC 2007 All Glazed openings are
covered with plywood/OSB meeting the requirements of Table 1609.1.2 of the FBC 2007 (Level C in the table
above).
C.1 All Non-Glazed openings classified as A, B, or C in the table above, or no Non-Glazed openings exist
C.2 One or More Non-Glazed openings classified as Level D in the table above, and no Non-Glazed openings classified as Level N
or X in the table above
C.3 One or More Non-Glazed openings is classified as Level N or X in the table above
N. Exterior Opening Protection (unverified shutter systems with no documentation) All Glazed
openings are protected with protective coverings not meeting the requirements of Answer “A”, “B”, or C” or
systems that appear to meet Answer “A” or “B” with no documentation of compliance (Level N in the table
above).
N.1 All Non-Glazed openings classified as Level A, B, C, or N in the table above, or no Non-Glazed openings exist
N.2 One or More Non-Glazed openings classified as Level D in the table above, and no Non-Glazed openings classified as Level X in
the table above
N.3 One or More Non-Glazed openings is classified as Level X in the table above
X. None or Some Glazed Openings One or more Glazed openings classified and Level X in the table
above.
MITIGATION INSPECTIONS MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A QUALIFIED INSPECTOR.
Section 627.711(2), Florida Statutes, provides a listing of individuals who may sign this form.
Qualified Inspector Name: Carlos Gonzalez License Type: State Licensed Home Inspector License or Certificate #: HI218
Inspection Company:
Atlantic Building Inspections
Phone:
305-851-2909
Qualified Inspector – I hold an active license or certificate as a: (check one)
Home inspector licensed under Section 468.8314, Florida Statutes who has completed the statutory number of hours of
hurricane mitigation training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and completion of a proficiency exam.
Building code inspector certified under Section 468.607, Florida Statutes.
General, building or residential contractor licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes.
Professional engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statutes.
Professional architect licensed under Section 481.213, Florida Statutes.
Any other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete
a uniform mitigation verification form pursuant to Section 627.711(2), Florida Statutes.
Individuals other than licensed contractors licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes, or professional
engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statues, must inspect the structures personally and not through
employees or other persons. Licensees under s.471.015 or s.489.111 may authorize a direct employee who
possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and experience to conduct a mitigation verification inspection
Read 2 articles on drones and on inspection damage…my opinion is that drones are great if you are certified to use them and be aware that if you cause damage with one you will be liable to pay for the damage .
This post is a requirement to complete the wind mit course.
Wind mitigation inspections began in 2006/2007 to allow homeowners to receive discounts for protecting their homes. The forms have changed several times since then. Even tho the form states the report is good for 5 years, many insurance companies are requiring new inspections for reports that are older than Feb 2012.
This is an insulated aluminum garage door. The track is fastened to the bucking with 5 connecting brackets. This door is reinforced horizontally but does not meet the impact resistant standards. On form 1802 I would mark box x 6. No wind borne debris protection on garage door.
