InterNACHI Wind Mitigation study plan

Define the purpose of a wind mitigation inspection and distinguish it from a general home inspection, listing at least four differences in writing.

Explain how hurricane straps, continuous load path, and roof geometry interact to resist uplift, using a labeled hand-drawn diagram of the load path from roof to foundation.

Describe wind zone and design-pressure concepts well enough to state why the same house can be rated differently in different jurisdictions.

Identify at least six building envelope components (roof covering, deck, soffit, gable end, windows, doors) and write one sentence on how each fails under wind and rain intrusion.

Build a one-page glossary of at least 15 terms used across the course (uplift, load path, secondary water resistance, opening protection, mean roof height, and similar).

Compare window and door assemblies by glazing type, frame material, and anchorage, and record which attributes affect opening protection credit.

Explain gable end wall bracing and the difference between a braced and unbraced gable, sketching both.

Identify the roof deck attachment types in the course (6d, 8d, and similar nail schedules, spacing, and panel thickness) and state the inspection evidence for each.

Practice measuring nail spacing and edge distance on a photo or sample panel and record the values in a field-note format.

List the conditions that force a lower deck attachment rating, such as missed nails, overdriven nails, or widely spaced panels.

Distinguish toe-nail, clip, single-wrap strap, double-wrap strap, and anchor-bolt roof-to-wall connections and state the visual evidence for each.

Explain how to verify strap embedment and the number of nails per strap without removing finished surfaces.

Sequence a roof inspection from the ground to the attic, listing the safety checks performed at each step.

Classify at least four roof covering types and describe how covering condition influences the inspection report.

Draft the opening questions you would ask a homeowner before arriving on site, including roof age, prior permits, and any known repairs.

Define roof geometry categories used in wind mitigation ratings and compute mean roof height for a simple hip and gable example.

Explain how hip roof percentage is calculated and practice the calculation on two worked examples.

Identify secondary water resistance systems and the installation evidence required to credit them, including taped or sealed deck joints.

Explain why secondary water resistance matters when the primary covering is breached and describe the limits of that protection.

Write a short paragraph explaining roof geometry and secondary water resistance to a homeowner in plain language.

Classify opening protection levels for windows, doors, and garage doors and state the evidence required for each level.

Describe how to verify product approval markings, impact ratings, and shutter hardware during an inspection.

List the photographs required for each inspection section and the angle, distance, and scale reference each photo needs.

Draft a photo shot list organized by inspection sequence, from address verification through attic connection close-ups.

Identify common documentation errors, such as missing scale references or unlabeled photos, and describe how to avoid them.

Re-run the deck attachment, roof-to-wall, and opening protection decision tables from memory and correct any errors against the course.

Practice a full mock inspection walkthrough on a real or photographed house, recording evidence for all three domains.

Time yourself documenting each connection type and identify where your evidence collection is slowest.

Write the report sections for deck attachment, roof-to-wall, and opening protection for the mock inspection.

List the three most common reasons a rating is downgraded and the evidence that prevents each downgrade.

Re-run the roof geometry and secondary water resistance calculations and write the report sections from your mock inspection.

Assemble the full mock report across all ten domains and check it against the course documentation standards.

Peer-review or self-review the report for missing photos, unsupported ratings, and unclear language.

Rewrite any report section that lacks a cited photo or measurement.

Build a one-page pre-departure and on-site checklist covering safety, tools, and documentation.

Take a timed practice exam or self-quiz across all domains and record the score by domain.

Re-study the two weakest domains until you can explain each rating decision without notes.

Recite the evidence requirements for every rating category from memory in under 15 minutes.

Review the glossary and decision tables and update any entry that proved wrong during practice.

Write a final one-page personal reference sheet you would take to a job site.