Older Properties Can Still Qualify for Wind Mitigation Discounts

When most investors hear the term “wind mitigation inspection,” they think of it as a strict pass-or-fail process. If the property doesn’t have every single feature, they assume it won’t qualify for insurance savings. However, that’s simply not true. Wind mitigation inspections are actually a detailed checklist of features that can reduce wind damage—and every box checked adds up to savings on your insurance premiums.

This means even older properties, with the right features or affordable upgrades, can qualify for discounts. The key is understanding how the process works and focusing on cost-effective improvements that deliver real returns. Let’s explore what wind mitigation is, how it works, and how you can make older properties qualify for savings without breaking the bank.

---

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is a specialized evaluation of a property’s ability to withstand strong winds, particularly in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. Unlike other types of inspections, this isn’t about identifying problems to fix. Instead, it’s about finding specific features in the property that help reduce wind damage.

Insurance companies in Florida are legally required to offer discounts for homes with wind-resistant features. The more qualifying features your property has, the bigger your insurance savings.

---

Debunking the Pass-or-Fail Myth

Wind mitigation isn’t all or nothing. Your property doesn’t need to check every box to qualify for savings. Think of it like a buffet: each wind-resistant feature is an item on the menu. The more you have, the more you save—but even having just one or two features can still reduce your premiums significantly.

This is especially good news for investors working with older properties, which may not have all the modern wind-resistant upgrades. With the right approach, you can still save money by targeting specific, affordable improvements.

---

7 Key Features That Save You Money

Let’s break down the specific features that inspectors evaluate during a wind mitigation inspection and how they can add up to big savings.

1. Building Code Compliance

• What It Is: Homes built in 2002 or later follow the Florida Building Code, which includes modern wind-resistance standards.
• Why It Matters: If your property was built after 2002, you likely qualify for significant discounts automatically. For older homes, upgrades that bring the property closer to code can also help.
• Savings Estimate: Typically $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

2. Roof Covering

• What It Is: The material and installation of your roof must meet specific wind-resistance standards. Roofs installed after 2003 are usually compliant.
• Why It Matters: Replacing an old roof with modern, wind-rated materials not only provides peace of mind but can also lower your insurance premiums.
• Savings Estimate: Around $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

3. Roof Deck Attachment

• What It Is: This refers to how the roof deck (the wooden base under the shingles) is secured to the structure. The use of stronger nails, like 8D nails with closer spacing, can make a huge difference.
• Why It Matters: Stronger attachments prevent the roof from lifting during high winds. If your property’s roof deck doesn’t qualify, upgrading nails during roof repairs is a cost-effective improvement.
• Savings Estimate: Approximately $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

4. Roof-to-Wall Connection

• What It Is: This evaluates how securely the roof is attached to the walls of the house. Hurricane clips or straps are the gold standard.
• Why It Matters: Secure connections prevent the roof from detaching during a storm, a critical factor in reducing wind damage.
• Savings Estimate: Around $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

5. Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)

• What It Is: This refers to an additional layer of protection, such as a self-adhering membrane, that prevents water from seeping into the home if the roof is damaged.
• Why It Matters: SWR reduces the risk of water damage, which is a common issue during hurricanes. Adding this feature during roof replacements is relatively simple and affordable.
• Savings Estimate: About $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

6. Roof Geometry

• What It Is: This refers to the shape of your roof. Hip roofs (sloped on all sides) are more wind-resistant than gable roofs (flat-sided).
• Why It Matters: If 90% or more of your roof is hip-shaped, you qualify for a significant insurance discount. This is one feature you can’t easily change, but it’s something to consider when buying properties.
• Savings Estimate: Typically $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.

7. Opening Protection (Windows and Doors)

• What It Is: Impact-resistant windows and doors, or hurricane-rated shutters, protect openings from windborne debris.
• Why It Matters: While this feature qualifies for discounts, the high cost of upgrading windows and doors makes it a poor investment for most properties.
• Savings Estimate: About $50 per year, or $250 over 5 years.
• Cost Recovery: At $10,000–$30,000 for new windows and doors, it would take 20–30 years to recoup the investment in insurance savings.

---

Advice for Investors: Skip the Windows and Doors

For most investors, upgrading to impact-resistant windows and doors isn’t worth the cost. Here’s why:

1. High Upfront Costs: Installing impact-resistant windows and doors can easily cost $10,000–$30,000.
2. Minimal Savings: With typical savings of $50 per year, it would take decades to recoup the cost.
3. Better Alternatives: Focus on affordable upgrades like roof-to-wall connections or secondary water barriers, which offer faster returns on investment.

As an investor, it’s about being strategic. Save the big-ticket upgrades for long-term renovations or properties you plan to hold for decades.

---

How to Maximize Savings on Older Properties

Older properties may not have all the modern wind-resistant features, but that doesn’t mean they can’t qualify for savings. Here’s how to make the most of wind mitigation:

1. Start with an Inspection

Hire a licensed wind mitigation inspector to evaluate the property. They’ll identify which features already qualify for discounts and recommend cost-effective upgrades for others.

2. Focus on Affordable Improvements

• Upgrade roof deck nails to 8D nails during roof repairs.
• Add a secondary water barrier during a roof replacement.
• Install hurricane clips or straps for roof-to-wall connections.

These changes are relatively low-cost and provide immediate savings.

3. Leverage Existing Features

If the property was built after 2002 or the roof was replaced after 2003, you may already qualify for significant discounts without making any changes.

4. Plan Strategically for Future Upgrades

If major renovations are already planned, consider adding wind mitigation features like a secondary water barrier or modern roof materials.

---

Why Wind Mitigation Is Worth It

Beyond the financial benefits, wind mitigation features make your property safer during storms. For investors, this means:

• Attracting Tenants: Tenants feel more secure in homes with hurricane-resistant features.
• Protecting Your Investment: Reducing storm damage means lower repair costs in the long run.
• Increasing Property Value: Homes with wind mitigation features are more attractive to buyers.

---

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection

Wind mitigation inspections aren’t about checking every box—they’re about making progress. Even if an older property doesn’t qualify for every feature, targeting a few cost-effective upgrades can lead to meaningful savings and a safer property.

As an investor, focus on the features that offer the best return on investment, and skip expensive upgrades like windows and doors unless they’re part of a larger renovation. With the right strategy, even older properties can perform well when it comes to wind mitigation savings.

Written by CEO of Graystone & companies & Coach of the Property Profit Academy
http://propertyprofitacademy.com