I’ve noticed the same thing with window protection—my inspector was all over the place, checking every window label and even asking about the age of the seals. I get why garage doors are a big focus, but after a nasty storm last year, it was actually a blown window that let in a ton of rain. The water damage was brutal, way worse than I expected. I do think insurance companies are starting to pay more attention to the whole envelope, not just the roof or garage. It’s wild how much these details can affect your rates... sometimes feels like a lottery depending on who you get for an inspector.
That’s wild about the window—people always talk about roofs and garage doors, but I’ve seen water sneak in through the smallest gaps. After Hurricane Irma, my neighbor’s “hurricane rated” windows actually failed before his old shingle roof did. Makes you wonder if inspectors should be more consistent across the board. Insurance definitely seems to be catching up, but it still feels random sometimes.
That’s exactly what I’ve noticed too—everyone obsesses over the roof, but water finds the weirdest ways in. I’ve seen cases where a “hurricane rated” window actually let in more water than a decades-old wood frame. Makes you wonder if those ratings are more about marketing than real-world testing sometimes.
When it comes to inspections, I’ve found the process can be all over the place. One inspector might flag a tiny crack in the stucco, while another barely glances at the windows. It’s frustrating, especially when insurance premiums seem to swing based on who shows up that day.
Have you ever tried pushing back on an inspection report? I’ve had mixed results—sometimes they’ll reconsider if you show photos or get a second opinion, but other times it feels like you’re just spinning your wheels. Curious if anyone’s actually gotten an insurance company to budge after a questionable inspection call...
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve seen more issues start at the roof than anywhere else—especially in older homes. People love to blame windows or stucco, but half the time it’s a flashing detail or a missing shingle letting water sneak in. As for inspections, I’ve had insurance companies back down when I showed them photos of proper underlayment and recent repairs. It’s hit or miss, but sometimes being persistent pays off. Still, I agree—some of those “hurricane rated” products are more hype than help.
Funny you mention flashing—I've lost count of how many times I've found leaks traced back to a tiny gap or poorly done detail up there. I do think some of those “hurricane rated” labels are just marketing, but have you ever seen one actually hold up in a real storm? I’ve seen mixed results. Photos and documentation definitely help with insurance, though... persistence is key.
