Homes that have been outfitted with certain features that help to mitigate damage caused by wind not only serve to provide homeowners with peace of mind, but in many cases, these features may also qualify homeowners for credits on the windstorm portion of their homeowners insurance policy.

In order to qualify, a licensed inspector will need to complete an inspection of the home and complete the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form (OIR-B1-1802).

High quality roof coverings, such as asphalt/fiberglass shingles, concrete or clay tiles, metal roofing, and others offer better protection from damage caused by wind, hail and debris, and may help to prevent leaks.

The roof deck attachment connects the trusses and the roof deck. Spacing the nails in compliance with the current Florida Building Code, and using specific sized nails helps to mitigate damage.

Clips, single straps/wraps and double straps/wraps connect the roof trusses to the walls of the house. These help to prevent the wind’s ability to pull up on your roof and provide more protection of your home from high winds.

Hip roofs are roofs appear to be shaped like a pyramid, due to their downward slopes on all four sides. Hip roofs have been determined to be the most wind resistant roof shape, due to the fact that the design makes it more difficult for wind to lift.

Openings, including but not limited to windows, doors, sliding glass doors, skylights and garage doors can be a source of vulnerability during heavy winds. Installing impact resistant windows and/or hurricane shutters may prevent glass breakage if heavy windstorms.