The cost of homeowners insurance has increased significantly over the past few years. Having a wind mitigation survey performed can help lower your insurance. Wind mitigation is a process that involves taking steps to reduce the damage caused by windstorms to a home or building. By implementing wind mitigation measures, homeowners can make their property more resistant to wind damage, which can in turn lead to lower insurance premiums. Depending when your home was built, your home may already have some of these features.
Here are some examples of wind mitigation measures that can help reduce insurance premiums:
- Installing hurricane shutters: Hurricane shutters can help protect windows from breaking during a storm. This reduces the risk of damage from wind and debris, which can lead to lower insurance premiums.
- Reinforcing the roof: A properly reinforced roof can better withstand the impact of high winds, reducing the risk of damage and lowering insurance premiums.
- Installing impact-resistant windows and doors: Impact-resistant windows and doors are designed to withstand the impact of wind-borne debris, reducing the risk of damage and lowering insurance premiums.
- Securing the roof deck: By securing the roof deck with nails or screws, homeowners can prevent roof coverings from lifting off during a windstorm, which can lead to lower insurance premiums.
- Upgrading the garage door: A garage door is often a weak point in a home’s defenses against wind damage. By upgrading to a wind-resistant garage door, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage and lower insurance premiums.
- Installing roof-to-wall connections: Roof-to-wall connections help hold the roof securely in place during a windstorm, reducing the risk of damage and lowering insurance premiums.7.
- Adding a secondary water barrier: A secondary water barrier can help prevent water intrusion into a home or building during a windstorm, reducing the risk of damage and lowering insurance premiums8.
- Maintaining trees and landscaping: Trees and landscaping can become projectiles during a windstorm, causing damage to a home or building. By maintaining trees and landscaping, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage and lower insurance premiums9.
- Installing a wind-resistant roof cover: A wind-resistant roof cover can reduce the risk of damage to a home or building during a windstorm, lowering insurance premiums10.
- Conducting regular roof inspections: Regular roof inspections can identify potential weaknesses in a roof, allowing homeowners to address them before they become a problem. This can reduce the risk of damage and lower insurance premiums.
In general, wind mitigation measures are intended to make a home or building more resilient to wind damage. By implementing these measures, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage and lower insurance premiums. Homeowners should consult with their insurance company to determine which measures are appropriate for their property and can result in savings.
