What Are Wind Mitigation Retrofits & How Do Wind Retrofits Work?
When you invest in wind mitigation retrofits, you’re hoping to get a discount on your homeowners' policy. But how do these retrofits work, what do they do for your home, and how can you make the most of this investment?
Certainly, homeowners and windstorm coverage is important, but investing in the strength and stability of your home is just as important.
What is a Wind Mitigation Retrofit?
A retrofit for wind mitigation involves the strengthening of the exterior wall-to-roof connection. Where the wall meets the roof is often much weaker than you might imagine. In fact, some homes have large gaps in these spaces that allow air to pass through, making heavy windstorms and hurricanes that much more dangerous.
Generally, a wind mitigation retrofit uses:
- Engineered hardware to hold the wall and roof together
- Specialty nails to secure the brackets in place
What is a Wind Mitigation Retrofit?
Wind mitigation clips always have three holes and should be attached at both ends with three nails. When this is the case, your home’s roof system and exterior walls are much more secure.
You can even check your roof right now. Climb into the attic (where possible) and check the edges for these brackets. If you see clips with three nails, you should receive a discount on your homeowners policy.
While you’re up there, you may want to look at the toenails or clips that are already in place. Yes, most houses use brackets with two nails on each end, but some older homes might only use one nail on each end. In some cases, there is only a single nail pushing through the wall and into the roof. This should be an urgent sign for you to upgrade your roof sooner rather than later.
How Much Do Wind Mitigation Retrofit Cost?
While every contractor is different, our team at DSI has found that the average cost of adding clips to your exterior walls and roof system is around $1000. You should shop around for contractors to find the best person to do the job. Plus, you must make time so that they can do the work properly.
At times, contractors need to remove soffits so that they can access the meeting of the minds between the roof and exterior wall. If that is the case, they will need to charge extra. However, this level of security is more valuable than even the discount you’ll receive on your homeowner’s insurance. It’s an extra level of protection for your home in the worst of conditions.
There may also be mitigating factors that make the upgrade more difficult. Getting started now is the best way to protect your home during the hurricane season and beyond.
Should You Invest in Wind Mitigation Retrofits?
Yes, all homeowners and property owners in Florida should make the switch to wind mitigation clips. This retrofitting process is affordable, safe, and gives you up to a 15% or 20% discount on your homeowners policy. Reach out to our team at DSI for more information on wind mitigation, windstorm coverage, and homeowners insurance. We’re happy to help, provide insights where needed, and offer affordable coverage.
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Reach out to our team of life insurance experts at DSI to learn more about protecting yourself and your family. There are several options to choose from, and we will help you make the most of each policy. You decide how much coverage you need and how much you want to spend—we take care of the rest.