🌪️ Wind Mitigation Inspections: Protecting Your Florida Home
Hurricane Season Happens Every Year — Is Your Home Ready?
Living in Florida means sunshine, beaches… and hurricanes.
Each year, high winds test the strength of homes across Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Green Cove Springs, and insurance companies take notice.
That’s why a wind mitigation inspection isn’t just another box to check — it’s a powerful way to protect your home and save money on insurance premiums.
At High Road Home Inspections LLC, we perform hundreds of wind mitigation inspections across Northeast Florida, helping homeowners identify safety upgrades and qualify for discounts that last for years.
Let’s break down what this inspection includes, why it matters, and how it can benefit you immediately.
🏠 What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection evaluates how well your home can withstand high winds and severe storms. The goal is to determine how effectively your property has been constructed — and what features reduce potential damage.
The report focuses on seven main categories required by Florida insurance carriers:
Roof Covering Type & Age
Roof Deck Attachment
Roof-to-Wall Connection
Roof Geometry
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
Opening Protection (Windows, Doors, Garage)
Construction Year & Building Code Compliance
The better your home scores in each category, the higher your insurance credits — meaning lower premiums.
💰 Why Insurance Companies Reward Wind Mitigation
In Florida, hurricanes and tropical storms cause billions in damage each year. Insurance carriers want to reduce risk, so they reward homeowners who strengthen their homes.
In short: if your house is built to resist high winds, your insurance company will likely charge you less.
Depending on your home’s construction, you could save 10% to 40% on your annual policy. These discounts typically last for five years, after which you can renew the inspection to maintain the credits.
🧱 What Our Inspectors Look For
1️⃣ Roof Covering
The type and condition of your roof make the biggest difference.
Newer shingles (within 15 years) and hurricane-rated materials score highest.
Inspectors note manufacturer type, permit date, and visible condition.
2️⃣ Roof Deck Attachment
We evaluate how the plywood roof sheathing is fastened to the trusses — nails, staples, and spacing matter.
8d nails spaced 6” apart provide superior resistance compared to older staple patterns.
3️⃣ Roof-to-Wall Connections
This section examines how the roof is secured to the home’s walls.
Clips or hurricane straps are the gold standard — they can prevent your roof from lifting off during extreme winds.
4️⃣ Roof Geometry
Hip roofs (sloped on all four sides) perform better under wind stress than gable or flat designs, earning higher mitigation points.
5️⃣ Secondary Water Barrier (SWR)
This is a protective layer beneath the roof covering that prevents water intrusion if shingles are blown off. Peel-and-stick membranes like “Ice & Water Shield” are common examples.
6️⃣ Opening Protection
We document storm-rated shutters, impact-resistant windows, and garage doors.
Homes with fully protected openings can qualify for some of the largest insurance discounts available.
7️⃣ Construction Year
If your home was built after 2002, it likely meets Florida’s updated building codes, which emphasize wind resistance and anchoring strength.
🧾 How the Process Works
Schedule the Inspection
Book online or call us to set up a convenient appointment.On-Site Evaluation
Our certified inspector examines and photographs key structural elements — typically from the attic and exterior.Detailed Report
You’ll receive a same-day digital report formatted specifically for insurance carriers.Submit to Your Agent
Send it to your insurance company for immediate credit review and premium reduction.
The inspection usually takes about 45–60 minutes and pays for itself many times over in savings.
🧮 Typical Costs and Savings
Service: Wind Mitigation Inspection
Cost: $125 - $150
Average Annual Savings: $200 - $600+ per year
In other words, your inspection can pay for itself in the first few months — then keep saving you money every year.
⚡ Combine It With a 4-Point Inspection
If your home is older than 20 years, insurance companies often require a 4-point inspection in addition to wind mitigation.
Bundling both services:
Saves time and money
Provides all documentation insurers require
Helps qualify for both coverage and discounts
You can schedule both inspections in one visit for maximum convenience.
🌧️ Why Jacksonville Homes Need Wind Mitigation
The Jacksonville area’s mix of coastal winds, heavy rainfall, and older housing stock makes mitigation especially important.
Local factors include:
Frequent tropical storms during hurricane season (June–November)
Aging roofs in historic neighborhoods like Riverside and Avondale
Newer coastal developments with strict code compliance that benefit from insurance credits
Even homes several miles inland experience wind speeds strong enough to cause roof damage and water intrusion — so every homeowner in Northeast Florida can benefit.
🧰 How to Prepare Before Your Inspection
Clear Attic Access so the inspector can view roof decking and fasteners.
Locate Permits or Receipts for your roof installation.
Open Shutters and Windows (if applicable) to demonstrate impact protection.
Replace Missing Shingles or repair minor roof damage before scheduling.
These simple steps ensure accurate documentation and maximum credit eligibility.
🏡 Common Upgrades That Increase Wind Resistance
If your inspection reveals opportunities for improvement, here are the most cost-effective upgrades:
Upgrade: Add hurricane clips or straps
Average Cost: $500–$1,500
Benefit: Prevents roof uplift
Upgrade: Install secondary water barrier
Average Cost: $700–$1,200
Benefit: Prevents leaks if shingles blow off
Upgrade: Replace old garage door
Average Cost: $900 - $1,800
Benefit: Reduces structural failure
Upgrade: Upgrade to impact windows
Average Cost: $4,000 = $8,000
Benefit: Maximum protection, large discount potential
Most upgrades quickly pay for themselves through lower premiums and reduced repair risk.
📦 After the Inspection: What Happens Next
Once your inspection is complete:
You’ll receive a digital copy of the report the same day.
Email it directly to your insurance agent or upload via their online portal.
Your agent applies the discounts, often reducing your premium before your next billing cycle.
Most homeowners see results within a few weeks.
🌟 Real-World Example
A Jacksonville Beach homeowner recently called High Road Home Inspections for a wind mitigation evaluation. Their 2008 home already had hurricane straps and impact-rated windows — but the insurance company didn’t have documentation.
We completed the inspection, submitted the report, and their agent applied an $460 annual premium discount — proof that knowledge and documentation pay off.
❤️ Why Homeowners Trust High Road Home Inspections LLC
Certified InterNACHI Inspectors specializing in Florida’s building standards
Same-Day Reports ready for your insurance company
Affordable Packages for combined 4-point and wind mitigation services
Local Experience with Jacksonville-area homes and coastal weather
Community Commitment: A portion of our revenue supports Victory Homes Jacksonville, helping local families in need
Our mission is simple: to help Florida homeowners Cross With Confidence through every season.
📍 Serving Jacksonville & Surrounding Florida Areas
We proudly serve Jacksonville, Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Atlantic Beach, Fernandina Beach, Callahan, Palm Coast, and neighboring communities across Northeast Florida.
👉 Protect your home and lower your insurance premiums today.
Schedule your wind mitigation inspection or call (904) 257-8381 to speak with our friendly office team.