How to Perform Wind Mitigations

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

When performing wind mitigation inspections, it is important to properly identify all types of roof decking material. Thickness of material should be minimum 7/16" and should be fastened with appropriately sized fasteners to count toward a home insurance credit for homeowner. Measure and document roof deck material, thickness, as well as nail size and nailing pattern.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Wind driven forces have a greater chance of uplift depending on the roof geometry. Generally, hip roofs perform better than gable roofs, and offer potentially insurance discounts to homeowner. For wind mitigation inspection, it is necessary to document and measure roof geometry.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

during the wind mitigation inspection, you must prove thickness of plywood/obs sheathing that is minimum of 7/16" thick. This pictures shows the measurement. After that I took pictures of the type of nail used and length to determine its strength.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read Mastering Roof Inspections - Wind Damage. I choose this to better understand how wind speeds effected the structures of roofs and the home itself. Great article for understanding the wind categories for hurricanes force winds of Cat 1 thru 5.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The photo shows a single wrap roof to wall connection. The single wrap requires 2 nails on the main side of the connection and one nail on the wrapped over side of the connection. Clips also require 3 nails. Double wraps require 3 nails per wrap, and the wraps must go in opposite directions.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The illustration depicts the airflow over an enclosed building. On the windward side we see an area of high pressure on the wall with an area of low pressure where the wind breaks direction and goes over the roof. On the leeward wall we see an area of low pressure.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

During attic inspection I noticed single straps in use on the Truss to Wall connections. Found missing straps in more than one location above garage area. Also strap in photo had only one nail on one side… Min required is 3. Strapping is non consistent and recommend correction.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Wind Mitigation inspections can help the home owner determine if proper high wind / hurricane protection was installed. Because of different architectural designs exist a calculation of the non hip areas of the roof must be made to determine its strength in high wind zones and must meet certain criteria to obtain discounts from insurance companys .

Research & Writing Assignment:

After hurricane Andrew hit Florida the state to a holistic approach to ensuring the stability and safety of the homes located in the state. Home owners insurance can be quite expensive if the appropriate actions are not taken in order to protect the property. Checking glazed and non glazed opening such as windows, doors, and garages can allow individuals substantial discounts on home owners insurance. In addition, the style roof can and its anchoring method can also substantially save homeowners money.

Source:https://www.nachi.org/wind-mitigation.htm

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Several factors are included on a wind mitigation report. First the style of roof age of the roof and the method of anchoring will be examined. If there is strapping present on the roof it will be photographed to ensure that there are at least 3 nails for the strap 1 on one side and 2 on the other. Also there will be photographs that show the amount of nails in a 6 inch space that were used to attach the sheathing to the rafters. And finally the inspector will measure the thickness of the sheathing for the roof and determine if any secondary water resistance material exist.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Attached is a photo of a garage door with impact/cyclic rating sticker. This garage door was installed 8/1/2014 and meets standards of a high velocity impact resistant garage door for Dade and Broward conunty. This door has seven track brackets. The door has 5 heavy duty cross members as well as exterior weatherproofing to prevent water intrusion.

Research & Writing Assignment:

In the state of Florida there are many different components of a dwelling that need to be checked in a wind mitigation report. The roof portion of the inspection should included the roof covering and the method of attachment of the roof covering material to the roof deck. The roof shape or geometry of the roof. Roof to wall connection is also critical to inspect. Garage doors as well as all openings (windows, doors and skylights) also need to be inspected for proper protection.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Three truss connections were observed in the attic space above the garage. Clips were observed on alternating trusses where they joined the top plate of the wall. Toe nail connections were observed and reported on the remaining truss to wall locations.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Wind Mitigation- This article focuses on the main items or systems that will be observed and reported on during a Wind Mitigation Inspection. Multiple items in the attic will be included in this inspection. It will be important to have a safe means of access to the attic area.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is an example of what an inspector may see during a wind mitigation inspection. This portion of the inspection looks at how the roof is tied to the building. In the picture you see a truss with one hurricane strap and two nails on the backside.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Florida wind mitigation inspections are commonly preformed to determine any savings for the homeowner on insurance. Several factors of a homes construction and improvements give an insight into a homes ability and performance during wind and rain events. It is also a way for insurance company’s to save money.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This image is of a roof deck attachment. The nail is a 8d and with this type of information it would fall under category "C"in the roof deck attachment section on the inspection sheet. You must make sure that you have a good understanding to be able to stop this.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Mastering Roof Inspection part 1: This article goes into detail about the slope of a roof and the safety that comes with walking on it. It states that most people are afraid of heights but get more comfortable over time once their own agility has improved.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Part of the wind mitigation inspection is looking for clips at the end of the rafters that tie
the rafter to the top plate. These clips must have a minimum of 3 nails per clip in both the rafter and the top plate. This home has the proper clips.

Research & Writing Assignment:

After viewing the Illustration Gallery on roof framing I noted that the gable end was not braced. This should defiantly be braced to help with the wind resistance to strong and high winds. A hip roof is the best roof structure for resistance against high winds.