If you live in a certain part of the country, your insurance company will ask for a wind mitigation inspection. This inspection involves assessing your home for wind damage risk. You could get higher insurance rates or lose insurance coverage without proper wind mitigation. The biggest part of the wind mitigation inspection is your home's roof condition. Here is more information about what insurance companies look for in a wind mitigation roof inspection.
Roof Age
Older roofs have a higher chance of problems and weaknesses. Materials wear and become weaker as they age. Also, roof construction codes can change over time. The codes may have allowed for techniques and materials that may no longer be up to code.
Roof Decking
The roof decking is the base of your roof that holds the shingles and other roof materials. When it has problems like soft spots or loose attachments, it will not be wind or water-resistant. Also, the inspector will check to see how well the deck connects to your home's walls.
Roof Construction
The inspector will check the nails and clips that hold your roof together. Inadequate nail lengths and broken straps could mean a weakened roof. The roof needs strong wall attachments to handle the pressures that affect the home during a wind storm. Also, the inspector will check the type of nails and nail spacing that attach the shingles to the decking.
Roof Design
Roof designs can affect the airflow around your home. Certain roof shapes are better at withstanding strong winds than others. Many insurance companies prefer hip roofs with four-sloped sides for the best wind mitigation. Pyramid roofs also offer a good shape. Gable roofs can be at higher risk of wind damage if not in good condition. Flat roofs can also lift in higher wind conditions.
Roof Material
Roof materials vary in terms of wind resistance. Metal roofs have high wind resistance. Clay and slate are also good at staying in place during high winds. Lighter shingles have a higher chance of blowing away during high winds. However, properly attached shingles in good shape should have good wind resistance.
While the roof is only one part of a wind mitigation inspection, it is one of the most important. If your roof fails in a storm, you could lose your whole home. Your insurance company may ask for repairs or a re-roof if you have problems. The best time for inspections and repairs is before the storm season starts. Contact an inspection company to learn more about a wind mitigation inspection.
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