Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

Living in townhomes can present unique challenges when it comes to wind mitigation, especially in areas prone to high winds and storms. This week we are including some stories about how keeping Wind Mitigation features up to date is vital for the whole complex, not just the individual townhome. Shared Roof Damage in a Townhome Complex A group of townhomes with inadequate wind mitigation suffered extensive roof damage during a hurricane. Since townhomes often share walls and roof structures, the damage was not confined to just one unit but affected several homes in the complex, leading to complex insurance claims and disputes among homeowners. Increased Insurance Premiums for the Entire Complex In a townhome community, several owners neglected to upgrade their wind mitigation features. As a result, the entire complex faced higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies often assess risk based on the overall condition of a complex, and the lack of adequate wind mitigation in several unit...

In Florida, the requirement for wind mitigation inspections for townhomes and not for condos generally comes from the differences in ownership and responsibility structures between these two types of properties. Here are some key points to understanding these differences: Ownership Structure: In a condominium, individuals own their specific units but the building's exterior, roof, and common areas are typically owned and maintained by the condo association. In townhomes, the owner usually is responsible for both the interior and exterior of the unit, including the roof. Insurance Policies: Due to this ownership structure, the insurance policies differ. Condo owners typically have a Condominium Unit Owners Insurance Policy that covers the interior of the unit and personal property inside. The condo association generally holds a separate policy for the exterior and common areas of the building. Townhome owners, on the other hand, often have a standard homeowners insurance policy th...

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Review your home insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage, particularly for flood and hurricane damage. Take a look at your Water Heater. Look for signs of leaks, rust, or other damages, and check to make sure it is functioning properly. If your home as a septic system, look at it for any signs of problems or necessary maintenance. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

This week we are looking at a few real world stories of how the style of your roof can significantly impact your home’s resilience in severe weather. Gable roofs, while popular and cost-effective, can be more vulnerable to damage in high wind situations compared to hip roofs. Below are some example of stories illustrating this potential problem: Enhanced Wind Damage During a Hurricane: A homeowner in Florida had a gable-style roof. During a Category 3 hurricane, the high winds exerted immense pressure on the gable ends, leading to the roof structure becoming compromised. This resulted in significant roof damage and subsequent water intrusion. This ended up leading to mold remediation as much of the water intrusion ended up within the walls of the home. Costly Retrofitting Measures: After experiencing minor damage from a mild storm, a homeowner with a gable roof decided to take preventive measures against future incidents. They found that retrofitting their gable roof for better w...

Building a new home is full of many decisions, one of them being the type of roof your home will have. Today, let’s look into the differences between a Gable Roof and a Hip Roof and how choosing one over the other could be a game-changer for your wind mitigation insurance premiums. The Gable Roo f:  Imagine a child’s drawing of a house; that simple roof drawing is likely a gable roof. It has two slopes that meet at the top to form a triangle, with two sides covered in roofing material and the other two sides being the home’s walls. The Hip Roof: In contrast, a Hip Roof has all its four sides sloping downwards to the walls, forming a sturdy and symmetrical structure. It’s like giving your house a snug, well-fitted cap. Why Consider a Gable Roof? It’s simple and cost-effective to build and great for water runoff. However, its shape can be less stable in high winds, which will raise your wind mitigation insurance premiums. Why Consider a Hip Roof? Stability: Due to its uniform slope ...

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Check doors and windows for air leaks, proper sealant, or damage Take a look at your outlets, wiring, breaker boxes, for any safety concerns or maintenance needs Check your household appliances to ensure they are working correctly and efficiently Take a look at your smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment to ensure they are working Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

Homes in Florida without updated Wind Mitigation features can face several problems, especially considering the state's vulnerability to hurricanes and strong wind events. Some of the common issues in these homes include: Roof Damage : Older roofs or those not designed to withstand high winds can suffer significant damage during a storm. This can range from lost shingles or tiles to more severe structural damage. Water Intrusion: Without proper wind mitigation features, such as secondary water resistance barriers, homes may lose their shingles or tiles during a storm allowing water to enter the home from the roof during heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. This can lead to interior water damage, mold, and mildew problems. Window and Door Damage: Non-impact-resistant windows and doors are more likely to break or fail during high winds, allowing wind to blow water directly into the home, potentially causing extensive damage. Structural Integrity Issues: Homes without proper ro...

Today, let’s talk about something very important—Wind Mitigation. I'm going to keep it simple and straightforward. What is Wind Mitigation? Wind mitigation basically means making changes to your home so it can stand up better to strong winds, like the ones in big storms or hurricanes. It’s like giving your house a stronger shield to face the wind. Why is it Important? Safety : We all want our homes to be safe, especially when the weather is bad. Wind mitigation helps in keeping our homes safe from damages caused by strong winds. Save Money: Making your home stronger against the wind helps in avoiding damages, and this means less money spent on repairs! Discounts on Insurance: If your home is well-protected against wind, many insurance companies might offer you lower rates on your home insurance. This is of course the ideal situation and a win-win for both you and the insurance company. Types of Wind Mitigation? Strengthen Your Roof: A strong roof is important. Make sure it is se...

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Check for signs of infestations and assess the need for pest control services Look for leaks or damage Take a look at your foundation and structure for cracks or damage due to settling or other environmental factors. Look at your pool and surrounding area for any damage and take care of monthly maintenance  Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

Wind Mitigation Real World Examples We are often asked if a home really needs to have a Home Inspection or told “you know….I am just buying this home as an investment, I don’t think I will get a Wind Mitigation Inspection. Maybe I'll get it later”. These are statements that concern us. They remind me of the time I heard someone ask my dentist, “which teeth should I floss”. The dentist, without blinking, responded… “the ones you want to keep”. The same thing applies to your home or any investment you may make in a home. We decided this week to include a couple of examples of real world reasons/ examples of why you need to have a Wind Mitigation Inspection and then actually complete any updates on your home of these mitigations for the protection of yourself, your things, and others. Below are two examples: Roof Damage During A Hurricane: A homeowner neglected to update their wind mitigation features. When a Category 4 hurricane struck, their roof, not reinforced with modern wind-r...

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection? It sounds a bit formal, but let's break it down into its parts. Wind Mitigation Inspection : It is a check-up for your house to see how well it can stand against strong winds, especially in areas where storms and hurricanes are frequent. Why Have One? Safety Check: It helps you understand how well your home can handle high winds, ensuring you and your home stay safe during storms. Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies love homes that are well-prepared for winds and often offer lower premiums if your home passes this inspection. What Does It Involve? The inspection looks at several features of your home that play a role in resisting wind damage such as: Roof Shape : Some roof shapes, like hip roofs, are known to withstand winds better than others. Roof Coverings : The inspection checks whether your roof coverings (like shingles or tiles) are wind-resistant and properly installed. Opening Protection : It examines if windows, doors, and s...