Garage Doors rarely pass the wind mitigation inspection because so much is required on them to be impact resistant. They must have 6-9 mounting brackets on each side and those must be properly mounted to the structure. They must also have horizontal and vertical reinforcements and then be approved by the proper documentation and authority.
This is a picture of a clip, which does not wrap over the truss. This clip has been properly installed, using four nails. The picture also shows staples used to fasten the roof decking. This roof showed no signs of being re-nailed when the new roof was installed.
I read the article, “Wind Mitigation” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. The article focuses on the insurance benefits, as well as safety benefits of wind mitigation. Many homeowners see wind mitigation as a means of lowering insurance premiums. But, in reality, wind mitigation can benefit the homeowner by reducing the risk of injury and property damage during a catastrophic wind event.
The photo above shows an attic inspection for wind mitigation features, such as the use of 8d nails within a 6 inch spacing along the roof deck sheathing. It would also need to be within 12 inches along the truss in the field of the sheathing. The 8d nail must protrude 2 inches below the roof deck, this would indicate a nail that is at least 2 7/16 long which is verified by measuring the depth of the roof decking. An inspector would choose typically 2 truss that are located on the edge of sheathing and one field example to have a reasonable sampling. It is recommended to access multiple areas of the attic.
Wind Mitigation article
Insurance companies provide discount credits for homeowners when an inspector has verified the presence of wind mitigation features. These features include impact rated doors and windows, large missile impact rated shutters, proper roof decking attachments with 8d nails 6x12, secondary water resistant barrier such as a peel and stick underlayment. How the truss is attached to the wall, be it a clip, a single or a double strap. And probably one of the most important features is the roof geometry, be it gable or hip for example.
After arriving at 309 Brown St and taking all elevation and house number pictures, it was noted that none of the openings within the property had either impact ratings nor impact protection installed. This photo shows the front living room window, located on the front of the home and located on the entrance deck area.
After reading the article 10 easy ways to save energy in your home, I wasn’t surprised that I already knew most of what is was telling us. However, I was happy to learn that laundry is a way to save significant amounts of energy if you only make subtle changes to the way laundry is done in your home. Until reading this article, washing clothes was just a thing you did when it needed doing. I now see ways my family can and will make changes to help further reduce our energy costs going forward.
How to safe energy in home , firt the a / c , clean the filter and use the thermotate in 72 F and 74 F and use a ceiling fan and use a tankless heater
water and change the bulb for saving bulb
This is a picture for a Wind mitigation inspection. The picture shows the fastening spacing for the 3/4" dimensional lumber, it is on average of 6" spacing. There are 2 fasteners per board. The fasteners are 8d common nails as was discovered by a few side split nails and a shiner that was located.
Wind Mitigation;This was a very interesting article along with the course. It was very informative as to what is involved with the inspection. Im sure that most people do not know that if they live in an older home and they re roof the home it opens up the ability to update the strapping and the fastening of the trusses or rafters and the plywood or OSB board to the point that they would be able to take advantage of the discounts from there insurance companies.
The home has 7/16" OSB panels that span less than 8ft. The panels are pre-drilled with the mounting hardware stored with the panels. The panels mount on double headed 1/4" lag screws secured to the exterior at less than 16" apart. This meets C.1 of the opening protection section.
Since 2006 the insurance industry has pushed certain standards upon home owners to qualify for insurance discounts and sometimes even to obtain insurance. The Florida building codes have outlined certain “best practices” to achieve improved building resistance to high winds and debris. The items covered in a wind mitigation inspection, if installed to code, can save the homeowner money on premiums. These steps can also save both the homeowner (in deductibles) and the insurance company (in repair costs)money once damaged has occurred.
Anti Scald Valves
These valves operate using a diaphragm or piston that balances pressure from hot and cold water supplies. This keeps temperature variation to a minimum when either hot or cold water is needed at multiple locations in one home. For example protection from being scalded in the shower after someone flushes the toilet.
Shiners-missed nails holding on roof sheathing.
This picture shows two shiners in the center and two driven nails, marked on the outside with a sharpie. A Zircon MT6 metal detector is used to locate these nails holding on the sheathing. Too many many shiners can cause unsecure sheathing.
This was a nice inspection for Wind Mitigation. I performed the inspection as the house was being built. This allowed me to get all the proper paperwork and photos for the report.
The property owner called me as the slab was being poured and I scheduled times with the builder to get my photos. I still needed to get in the attic for proper deck photos but it was free of insulation and I had a nice airflow.
I pass my business cards around to all the roofing and building contractors to let them know that I am on call 24/7.
I read the Wind Mitigation article. I enjoy reading about the technical aspects associated with Hurricane force winds. I live in Southwest Florida and watch wind directions constantly during tropical storms and hurricanes.
I utilize the wind information for my own house. Knowing the direction of the wind and the rotation of the storm in respect to the orientation of my house I can anticipate any potential wind damage. But, if a tornado comes through then my wind information is out the window!
This roof system classifies as a hip roof system, because there are no other roof shapes on the home apart from hip shapes. The architectural shingles on this property were permitted in 2014 and therefore should be up to date with the C nail off, to be determined in the attic.
I’d love to know who developed the universal wind mitigation verification form. I could only imagine how challenging it was for legislation to come to agreement on a universal form impact several thousand companies, but maybe they should have talked to someone in construction before implementing the form in it’s entirety.
The dwelling was built in 2003 and complies with the Florida Building Code. The dwelling is not located within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). The glazed and non-glazed openings are not impact rated and have no approved wind borne protection. The roof deck is 1/2" wide plywood and secured with 8d nails, spaced at 6 inches on the edge and 6 inches in the field. The roof to wall attachment is single wraps, with at least two nails on the face and one nail on the opposing side.
Cause of Deaths in the US: Owners often ask whether to have a radon test performed. Deaths from lung cancer from Radon Gas per EPA is approximately 21,000 deaths, with a ranking of 13th. The number one cause of deaths is heart disease at 611,105, followed by all cancers at 584,881. Smoking rounds out the top three at 160,000 deaths per year. Therefore, a radon inspection it is always recommended as a preemptive measure.