⚡ Key Takeaways at a Glance
- A Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection verifies wind-resistant construction features and can save homeowners $500 to $2,500+ annually on property insurance.
- Secondary Water Barrier (self-adhering underlayment) is one of the highest-value discounts available on the form.
- Roof deck attachment (ring-shank 8d nails spaced at 6 inches on edges) earns major credit over older smooth-shank staples.
- Hip roof designs qualify for up to 30% lower wind rates compared to gable roofs.
What Is the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection?
By Florida law, insurance companies must offer discounts (credits) on the wind portion of your premium if your home possesses features that reduce wind damage. An inspector evaluates 7 specific categories using state form OIR-B1-1802.
The Key Roof Features Evaluated
1. Roof Covering: Installed under the Florida Building Code (2001 or later) with an approved product evaluation report.
2. Roof Deck Attachment: Documenting nail diameter (e.g., 8d common), fastener type (ring-shank nails vs. staples), and fastener spacing along the trusses.
3. Roof-to-Wall Connection: Clips, single straps, or double straps anchored into the concrete tie-beam or top wall plate.
4. Roof Geometry: Hip roofs (sloping down on all 4 sides with no gable ends exceeding 10%) qualify for the largest structural discount.
5. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): A self-adhering polymer modified bitumen membrane applied directly to the decking before the shingles or tiles are installed.
How a New Roof Pays for Itself in Premium Reductions
When New Edge Roofing replaces your roof, we document the deck re-nailing and peel-and-stick underlayment with high-resolution photo logs. Once the final municipal building inspection is signed off, you provide the new Wind Mitigation report to your insurer to immediately reduce your renewal premium.
General educational information, not legal or formal insurance adjusting advice. Always confirm specific requirements with your insurance carrier and local municipal building department.