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Roof Shape - A hipped roof is one that slopes upward from all sides of the building. Because of its aerodynamic properties and construction techniques, most hipped roofs will perform better in windstorms than other designs. On a square the home the roof would resemble a pyramid. If you have a hip roof you most likely have this credit already, you would see hip roof as the roof type on your declarations page.
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Roof Covering – Shingles attached to current code are less likely than older roofs to be damaged or torn away by high winds. Beyond the cost of a roof, insurance companies are concerned with the interior of a house becoming vulnerable to rainwater. If you’ve replaced your roof since 2002 your home should qualify for wind mitigation credit. If your home has been built since 1994 your roof still may qualify if it was built to the 1994 Dade/Broward code – which some builder adhered to.
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Roof Deck Attachment – The length of nails used to attach the roof deck to the trusses and their spacing affects the strength of the roof.
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Secondary Water Resistance – Customarily houses are built with Tar (Felt) paper, which can easily tear away if the shingles have blown away. There is now a product that has a sticky backing that will adhere to the plywood covering all the seams. This is a great way to prevent water intrusion.
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Opening Protection – Windows and doors can easily be broken or fail by flying objects and/or high winds. There are a few levels of credit that can be given so even if your shutters meet the old code your house will qualify for credit.
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Roof to wall connection – This is the easiest of all credits to qualify for to receive a credit all you have to do is prove that your house was built with at least hurricane clips.
So how much are you going to save? The only way to find out is have your home inspected by a licensed General Contractor and have a Uniform Home Inspection Form completed. You can also contact My Florida Safe Home at 1-866-513-6734 or apply online at http://www.mysafefloridahome.com, you may qualify for a free inspection.
Who should get their home inspected? Every home that was built prior to 2002, I realize that this is a very broad statement but we have not seen one completed mitigation form that has not found a credit. Usually a house has at least hurricane clips as its roof to wall connection. Being able to give credit for hurricane straps or clips can save hundreds of dollars. In addition as a result of the 2004 storm season many homes have new roofs this would create even more credits.
Even a house built since 2002 (when new construction code when into effect) could save money getting a mitigation form completed. Yes – most of the credits are automatically given because of the year of construction but an inspection could dig up another $100 or two in savings.