What is Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) on a wind mitigation inspection?

Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) is a sealed roof deck barrier installed under the roof covering to prevent water intrusion if shingles or tiles are damaged during a wind event. It is documented on the wind mitigation form as an additional protective feature.

Which materials qualify as SWR for wind mitigation credits?

Qualifying SWR materials include self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen membranes and foam-applied adhesives that seal the joints of the roof decking. Traditional felt paper or mechanically fastened underlayment does not qualify.

How do inspectors verify the presence of SWR?

Inspectors verify SWR by examining attic photos, roof deck documentation, or visible evidence of sealed decking at roof penetrations. Foam adhesive patterns or peel-and-stick membranes are commonly photographed for verification.

Does SWR provide a significant wind mitigation discount?

Yes. SWR can provide a meaningful discount because it reduces the likelihood of interior water damage during wind-driven roof covering loss. Homes with SWR often receive higher credits on the wind mitigation form.

Is SWR required to qualify for other wind mitigation credits?

No. SWR is an optional feature. Homes can still qualify for roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof geometry, and opening protection credits without SWR. It simply adds an additional discount when present.

Florida Sealed Roof Deck / Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) Wind Mitigation Guide

Secondary Water Resistance (SWR) is one of the strongest wind mitigation credits available in Florida.

What SWR Means on the Florida Wind Mitigation Form

SWR is a supplemental layer that protects the home from water intrusion if the roof covering is lost during a wind event. Standard underlayment or hot‑mopped felts do not qualify as SWR. Only the specific materials listed on the OIR‑B1‑1802 form count toward this credit.

Sealed Roof Deck / SWR Options (Florida OIR‑B1‑1802)

Option A – Sealed Roof Deck (SWR):
Fully adhered polymer‑modified bitumen roofing underlayment complying with ASTM D1970.
Option A – Tape over roof deck seams:
A minimum 3.75‑inch strip of self‑adhering polymer‑modified bitumen membrane (ASTM D1970) or self‑adhering flexible flashing tape complying with AAMA 711 Level 3, with felt or synthetic underlayment installed over it.
Option A – Double‑layer underlayment:
Two layers of ASTM D226 Type II, ASTM D4869 Type III or IV, or ASTM D8257 underlayment (no tape required).
Option A – Spray foam products:
Spray foam applied along rafter/deck intersections and all panel joints.
Inspectors may check “entire roof deck underside covered.”
Option B – No Sealed Roof Deck:
Standard underlayment only; no qualifying SWR materials present.
Option C – Unknown or undetermined.

Which SWR Option Provides the Best Credit?

Option A is the strongest and only qualifying SWR category. Any of the listed materials under Option A count as a sealed roof deck and typically produce one of the largest wind mitigation credits available.

Why SWR Helps Your Premium

SWR significantly reduces interior water damage when shingles or tiles blow off. Because of this, carriers often apply substantial discounts when SWR is present. Homes with SWR frequently see meaningful reductions on the wind portion of the premium.

How Inspectors Verify SWR

Photographs of underlayment or taped seams
Documentation showing ASTM compliance
Evidence of spray foam coverage
Confirmation of double‑layer felt or synthetic

If you have a wind mitigation report and want to know how SWR affects your premium, I can review the form and apply all eligible credits across multiple Florida carriers.

Wind Mitigation Knowledge Center

Explore detailed guides for each wind mitigation feature:

For personalized quotes with all eligible wind mitigation credits applied, visit our
Florida Homeowners Insurance Quote Page.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects my interpretation of the Florida wind mitigation inspection form for the purpose of applying insurance credits. It is not a substitute for a licensed inspection. If you need clarification on any construction feature, material, or compliance item, please consult a licensed Florida home inspector or contractor.

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