As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season churns on, meteorologists are keeping a watchful eye on Invest 94L — a system likely to become Tropical Storm (or Hurricane) Imelda over the coming days. While the exact track remains uncertain, forecasts suggest it could brush or parallel Florida’s eastern coastline, bringing storm surge, heavy surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding even if the storm does not make direct landfall.
For homeowners and insurers, weather like this highlights why insurance-certified 4-point inspections are more important than ever. Here’s what every Florida homeowner should know:
What Is a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-point inspection is a focused evaluation of the four major systems in your home:
- Roof — age, condition, leakage, visible damage
- Electrical — wiring, panel type, capacity, safety
- Plumbing — pipe materials, leaks, water heater condition
- HVAC — heating and cooling equipment condition and age
Insurance providers use these reports to assess risk and decide whether they’ll insure your home. In Florida, many insurers require 4-point inspections for homes older than 20 years. Also, inspections must be performed by a Florida-licensed home inspector, with a signed and dated inspection report.
Failing to maintain these systems — especially the roof, electrical, or plumbing — can lead to denial of coverage or coverage exclusions on renewals.
Why “Imelda” Makes This Timely
- A storm is the ultimate stress test. High winds, torrential rain, flooding — these conditions expose weaknesses in roofs, leaks in plumbing, overloaded or aging electrical systems, and strained HVAC units.
- Insurers will pay extra attention. In the aftermath of storms, claims go up. Companies will want clear, recent data about your home’s condition.
- You can act before damage happens. If minor issues are caught now, you can repair them before storm damage makes them worse (or causes a failed inspection).
- Peace of mind during uncertain times. Knowing your home’s vital systems are in good shape gives you one less worry when hurricane watches are issued.
Tips for Homeowners Before & During the Storm
- If your 4-point inspection is older than 12 months, schedule a fresh one now.
- Trim overhanging branches, secure loose roof items, and check gutters for clogs.
- Document and photograph any pre-existing damage to roof edges, flashing, leaks, or electrical wear.
- After the storm, let your inspector re-assess systems before filing major claims.
At Umbrella Home Inspections, we specialize in insurance-certified 4-point inspections and understand how critical they are — especially with storms like Imelda looming. We’re ready to help Florida homeowners get ahead of risk and protect their investments. If you’d like to schedule an inspection or learn more, reach out — before the skies turn gray.
Stay safe, stay prepared.