Key benefits of a wind mitigation inspection of your home

Homeowners in regions prone to hurricanes and severe storms can benefit from having a wind mitigation inspection of their property and subsequently taking steps to improve the resiliency of their homes. In these regions, Chubb requests wind mitigation inspections performed by an independent licensed inspector to assess whether your home’s mitigation features were installed correctly and whether they can help you qualify for credits on your premium. It’s especially important to have such features to help protect against wind damage if you live in coastal areas.  

To complete a wind mitigation inspection, a certified inspector will closely examine your roof—and will need to access your attic, if possible. The inspection will also include an examination of your windows, shutters, foundation, and exterior doors and roof.

If your home already has wind mitigation features, you can prepare for a wind mitigation inspection by gathering the following documentation:

• Photos—Take comprehensive photos of your roof area before installing spray foam, which can obscure critical components of your roof such as roof deck attachments, nail sizes and spacing, and secondary water barriers. Photos will provide evidence of any wind mitigation features that are properly installed and meet building codes. In addition, photos can serve as an important reference for making future repairs.
• Blueprints—Blueprints or design documents can help the inspector verify what wind mitigation features are incorporated into your home. These documents can also help confirm what appears in your photos and what the inspector observes through direct visual inspection.
• Product documentation—You can help your inspector by sharing documents that provide evidence of your home’s wind mitigation features. This documentation might include roofing permits, receipts or invoices for materials or installations, and product information.

Completing a wind inspection—generally a quick and affordable process—has several benefits, including:

• Identifying ways to enhance the safety and resilience of your home—Your inspection report will show vulnerabilities in your home that could be addressed through a range of upgrades, such as installing impact-resistant windows and reinforcing your roof.
• Saving money through prevention rather than repair—When your inspection reveals areas to address, you’ll have the opportunity to take preventive steps before a storm hits. This could help you save money and limit the disruption to your home by preventing wind damage rather than having to make costly repairs after a severe storm.
• Preventing long-term wind damage—Strengthening your home against wind can also prevent long-term structural damage—and the need for costly repairs—than can occur as a result of wind stress over time.
• Increasing your property value—A home that has been inspected and upgraded to improve its wind resistance can potentially have a higher resale value. Prospective buyers may view the property as more secure and prepared to withstand severe storms without further investment.
• Potential for insurance savings—If a wind mitigation inspection shows that your home can withstand strong winds, you may be eligible for a reduced premium on your homeowners insurance. Similarly, you may be able to save on insurance if you invest in needed upgrades identified during the inspection.
• Providing peace of mind—Knowing that your home has been evaluated for wind mitigation features can reduce anxiety and provide peace of mind, especially during storm season.
• Supporting your community—When your home withstands wind damage during a severe storm, it helps make your community more resilient. Homes that better withstand high winds can help reduce the strain on local infrastructure and emergency services caused by severe storms.