Hurricane-Ready Home? Why One Unprotected Window Costs Thousands in Florida
Think your South Florida home is ready for hurricane season? If your wind mitigation isn't 100% complete, you could be missing out on serious insurance savings — and putting your family at risk. Here's what every Florida homeowner needs to know about wind mitigation inspections.
Hurricane Season Reality: Your Insurance Discounts Could Be Blowing Away
Living in Southeast Florida means sunshine, palm trees, and — let's be real — the constant threat of hurricanes. Palm Beach County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County homeowners are no strangers to prepping for storms, but when it comes to wind mitigation, even seasoned residents can be caught off guard.
Most people assume that if they've got shutters or impact windows, they're covered. But here's the costly truth:
If even one opening isn't properly protected — a single door, window, skylight, or garage door — your entire wind mitigation credit could be denied.
That's right. One weak spot can cost you thousands in insurance savings annually.
What Is Wind Mitigation and Why Does It Matter in Florida?
Wind mitigation is a specialized inspection that evaluates how well your home is built to withstand strong winds during hurricanes. Florida insurance companies are legally required to offer discounts for homes that meet specific wind-resistant construction standards.
Key Wind Mitigation Features Include:
Roof-to-wall connections (clips, straps, or other attachments)
Roof shape and covering (hip vs. gable, shingle ratings)
Opening protection (impact windows, doors, shutters)
Secondary water resistance (roof deck protection)
Gable end bracing for additional structural support
Insurance companies use this information to determine whether your home qualifies for premium discounts. The better your protection, the bigger the savings on your homeowners insurance.
The "All or Nothing" Rule That Costs Florida Homeowners Thousands
Here's where things get expensive: opening protection must be 100% complete.
That means every single opening must be protected:
✅ All windows with impact-rated glass or approved shutters
✅ All exterior doors with impact ratings
✅ Garage doors with proper wind resistance
✅ Skylights with impact protection
✅ Even glass block windows need proper ratings
The Costly Reality:
If even one opening isn't up to Florida building codes, the discount vanishes. No partial credit. No "close enough."
Just higher premiums and a false sense of security during hurricane season.
Real Examples: How One Missing Feature Costs Big
At Kenco Home Inspections, we've completed over 55,000 inspections across Southeast Florida. Here are common costly oversights we find:
❌ Common Expensive Mistakes:
One old sliding door without impact rating = $0 in discounts
Missing garage door certification = Lost savings of $500-2,000 annually
One unprotected skylight = No opening protection credit
Improperly installed shutters = Failed inspection
✅ What Proper Protection Looks like:
All openings meet Miami-Dade or Florida Building Code standards
Impact windows and doors with proper certifications
Hurricane shutters installed according to manufacturer specifications
Garage doors rated for your wind zone
Is Your Palm Beach County Home Really Hurricane-Ready?
We've inspected thousands of homes across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Broward Counties. You'd be surprised how many homes are missing just one crucial element.
Common Problem Areas in South Florida:
Older sliding glass doors (pre-2002 construction)
Garage doors without proper wind ratings
Skylights added after original construction
Improperly mounted shutters
Missing certifications for impact-rated materials
The good news? These issues are 100% fixable, and we can help identify exactly what needs attention.
Why Choose Kenco Home Inspections for Your Wind Mitigation?
At Kenco Home Inspections, we've been serving Florida homeowners for over 24 years. We don't just check boxes — we educate our clients, provide honest feedback, and ensure you're getting the maximum insurance savings you deserve.
Our Wind Mitigation Service Includes:
Comprehensive evaluation of all wind-resistant features
Detailed, insurance-ready reports that meet Florida standards
Photo documentation of all inspected elements
Expert recommendations to help you qualify for maximum discounts
Professional guidance on cost-effective improvements
We Serve Homeowners Throughout:
Palm Beach County (Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Wellington)
Martin County (Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach)
St. Lucie County (Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce)
Indian River County (Vero Beach, Sebastian)
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach)
When You Need a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Schedule Your Inspection If You're:
Buying a new home in South Florida
Looking to lower your insurance premiums
Unsure about your current wind protection
Required by your insurance company
Made home improvements (new windows, doors, roofing)
Don't Let One Unprotected Opening Cost You Thousands
Hurricane season in Florida is serious business. If you want real peace of mind and maximum insurance savings, start with a professional wind mitigation inspection.
Kenco Home Inspections will help you protect your home, your family, and your wallet.
Get Your Wind Mitigation Inspection Today:
📞 Call: 561-718-6711 📧 Email: hello@kenco.org
🌐 Visit: www.kenco.org
Serving Southeast Florida for 24+ years | 55,000+ inspections completed
Let's make sure your home — and your savings — don't blow away in the next storm.