Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
During a recent wind mitigation inspection, I came across something I didn’t expect — a roof-to-wall connection that was installed around 1950… and somehow still meets modern standards.
How? Three nails.
That’s the minimum required to qualify for the roof-to-wall connection discount under current Florida insurance standards. And this one had them — but barely. The connector and the nails were rusted so they were the same color, practically invisible to the naked eye. It wasn’t until I blew up the photo and marked the nail positions that I could confirm they were there.
This is exactly why attention to detail matters.
Wind Mitigation Is About the Details
In Florida, a wind mitigation inspection can make or break your insurance quote — especially if your home is older. Roof shape, secondary water resistance, roof-to-wall connections… each section of the form can impact your premium.
Many homeowners don’t realize that a single check mark on that form can save hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars every year. In this case, those three nails? They’re the difference between a standard connection and a “toe nail” classification, which offers no discount.
Most people wouldn’t have seen those nails. And many inspectors wouldn’t have looked that hard.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
We’re in a market where insurance rates are pushing people to the edge. In Indian River County — places like Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere — the difference between qualifying for a wind mitigation discount and missing it by one nail could be the difference between keeping your home or losing it.
That’s not an exaggeration. For some homeowners, every dollar counts. And that means inspections need to be accurate, thorough, and honest.
At SW Inspections, we take the time to get it right. We zoom in. We double-check. We know what these discounts mean to people.
What You Can Do as a Homeowner
- Don’t assume older means disqualified. Even homes from the 1950s can surprise you.
- Hire an inspector who knows what to look for. These aren’t just boxes to check — they’re decisions that affect real lives.
- Ask questions. If you don’t understand something in your wind mitigation report, ask. A good inspector will explain it.
What If You Don’t Qualify for the Roof-to-Wall Discount?
If your current roof-to-wall connection doesn’t meet the minimum standard — usually a metal strap with at least three nails embedded into the truss — you might still have options. This is where retrofitting comes in.
A roof-to-wall retrofit involves adding new hardware to strengthen the connection between your roof and the exterior walls. These upgrades are designed to meet or exceed current building codes and can make your home more storm-resistant while also helping you qualify for significant insurance discounts.
While it’s not a small project — it usually involves opening soffits and working around roof structures — the cost can often be recouped in a few years of insurance savings. Some contractors in Florida even specialize in this exact type of retrofit work.
If your home was built before 2002 and doesn’t qualify for the discount, it’s worth getting a quote from a licensed contractor. In some cases, state or local programs may even offer rebates or incentives for wind mitigation upgrades.
We’re happy to refer you to licensed professionals in Indian River County who know how to do it right.
Sean’s Advice
If I hadn’t taken my time and zoomed in, that homeowner would’ve missed a critical discount — and paid more for their insurance than they had to. That’s the difference a good inspection makes.
The roof-to-wall connection might be just one line on a form, but for some people, it’s the line between being able to stay in their home or not.
We take that seriously.
If your wind mitigation is due, or you’re not sure if your current report is accurate, call us. We work across Indian River County and know how to find the small things that make a big impact.