During a recent inspection I was practicing wind mitigation procedure in preparation for my certification. The home was a flip house; wood framed, built in 1956. The flipper, had a contractor blow in so much lose cellulose that I could not adequately determine the Roof Deck Attachment. The slope of the room was very low and additions to the home had flat roofs so accessibility was already an issue. There were no ‘shiners’ in any of the nearby rafters. The only measurements I could take were rood deck thickness, and spacing with the MT6. 2" nails were used to fasten the asphalt 3 tab shingles and underlayment to the roof deck. Considering the age of the home is it appropriate to assume there is no additional security measures in place i.e. hurricane clips or single wraps?
Wind mitigation is a strategy designed to limit the amount of wind damage inflicted on a structure. Various incentives such as discounts on insurance premiums are in place to motivate homeowners to implement enhancements like reinforced garage doors, opening protection, roof covering and shape, roof deck attachments and roof to wall attachments. Qualified inspectors can determine which improvements are necessary.
In this inspection, a roof to wall attachment was identified as a single strap. The front was attached using 2 nails, while the back was attached using 1 nail. Thus, this roof to wall attachment was installed correctly and eligible for a discount.
Approximately half the energy costs pertaining to a home are attributable to heating and cooling systems. A homeowner can do an array of things to make their home more energy efficient, thus reducing those energy costs significantly. Some of those things are - install ceiling fans, change air filters, install electronic thermostats, and draw curtains over windows to add additional insulation.
This is a right elevation photo of a house and roof. It shows the entire side of the home and the defect present is that the door is not rated for any wind protection so it would be classified as an “X.”
In keeping with the theme of this course, I chose the “Wind Mitigation” article from the library. It discusses concisely the facts about windstorms and wind insurance, and why we have the extra requirements in Florida due to hurricane risk. It also discusses incentives for wind mitigation available, as is required by Florida law. It is a nice article and I recommend others take the time to read it.
The attached image features roll down shutters in a unit. While they are in place correctly, the label on the shutters is difficult to read, so a chat with the homeowner regarding documentation would need to be completed. Once that has occurred, it can be verified whether these shutters are compliant with code and qualify under opening protection standards.
The image I have chosen is the Wind Mitigation Inspection one documenting roof geometry. The important areas of the home to note are all displayed, from the roof to wall connection, age of roof covering, the secondary resistance, roof deck attachment and protected openings. The importance of documenting whether a home has a hip or non-hip roof can make a difference in wind mitigation, and whether said home is indeed protected correctly.
The truss to wall connections can not be verified form the attic. It would have to be assumed that the type of connection is “toe-nail” given the year the home was constructed in addition to no visible signs of straps or clips.
Attic Pull Down Ladders: If not installed with the construction of a newly built home, these ladders are usually installed by the home owner and should be inspected for certain defects to the ladder itself or to the structural components of the structure.
The InterNACHI Library of Inspection Articles is an extremely helpful resource. The latest article I have read is titled Wind Mitigation. This article explains what wind mitigation is and how it can be beneficial to homeowners.
I was surprised to learn that many homeowners are unaware of the benefits and possible discounts associated with wind mitigation. I was also surprised to find out that Florida, my state, had become a leader in the understanding and implementation of wind mitigation in the country.
Overall a proper wind mitigation can minimize the amount of damage to a property and provide safety, as well as financial incentives, that encourage homeowners to implement the necessary upgrades and safety features.
After reading this article, I feel more knowledgeable and motivated to assist my clients with their wind mitigation inspections.
This picture is of the front of a residence that may need a wind mitigation inspection.
The roof covering material is a typical asphalt shingle. The hip style of the roof of this home has the owner expecting a sizable discount on their insurance rates.
I recommend they have a professional home inspector, such as myself, perform a wind mitigation inspection on the residence.
This is a roof to wall attachment. It is a clip with more than 3 nails attaching to truss. It is also embedded in the bond beam. This is a correct installation making this a clip discount on the wind mitigation form.
After reading the A Garage Inspection article, I was informed about proper framing/truss modifications and the consequences for improper modifications. Truss modifications can lead to serious structural issues that can adversely affect the condition and value of a structure. Poor installation/modifications should be corrected in the short term to prevent damage/safety issues.
This is A window installed in a block wall in a Florida home. This window is installed correctly. The window has no impact rating but is protected by precut and drilled 3/4 inch plywood not shown in picture. In the opening protection chart, this will be marked C.
Moisture intrusion is the cause of so many issues in a home or structure. Not just to the structure itself but to it occupants also. Moisture can cause a number of diseases from asthma, lung disease and can compromised the immune system. It is so important for home owners to know what to look for when identifying moisture issues and equally as important to know how to solve the problem.
Here is why everyone should get a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report done
This is an Exterior Opening Protection with an unverifiable shutter system. The home was built in 1986 and the shutter have a stucco finish. These then are unapproved and would be marked in the N category. The home did have 2 sliders and 1 window that were impact rated. The home had an approved garage door.
I reviewed the Wind Mitigation Inspection photo pointing out all the areas that are to be reported on; i.e. roof to wall connection, age of roof covering, roof deck attachment, secondary water resistance,protected openings and roof geometry. I found this to be an excellent visual aid to understand the systems to be reported on.
In choosing full hip roof you will not calculate any roof structure that are not structurally attached to the main roof. Florida rooms and screen enclosures that are hip or non-hip but attached to the wall and/or fascia should not be included. The exception would be if said structure was considered living space or part of main structure and 10% or more of total calculation.
Included picture is considered hip.
