Inspection Services
Windstorm Inspections / Certifications
As of January 1, 2019, all new construction, roof replacements, major repairs, and other alterations must be inspected by an engineer appointed by TDI (Texas Department of Insurance) or a TDI inspector for a TDI WPI-8 OR by a Texas licensed engineer for a TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) WPI-8-C.
Who’s Affected
TDI has designated the 14 coastal counties and some areas of Harris County to be in the catastrophe area. Homeowners in these areas may not be able to obtain private insurance that covers windstorm and hail damage and must get coverage through TWIA.
Windstorm inspections allow for wind and hail insurance coverage, over applicable structures located in 14 counties along the Texas Gulf Coast. This includes Nueces county and any other counties displayed in the State Designated Catastrophe Areas.
Building to Code
To buy a TWIA policy, most homes and properties must have a certificate of compliance verifying that the structure meets applicable building codes and can withstand high winds and hail. There are two types of certificates of compliance:
- A WPI-8 is issued by the Texas Department of Insurance for ongoing construction. These inspections can be done by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer or TDI windstorm inspector while the work is underway.
- A WPI-8-C is issued by TWIA for completed construction. These inspections can be done by a Texas licensed professional engineer.
For alterations like reroof (non-shingle), resides, new windows, new doors, new skylights etc, our professionals will inspect that these products are installed in accordance with TDI product evaluations. You may contact our offices for questions regarding product evaluations.
Concerning reroofs utilizing asphalt shingles, choose shingles tested to meet the ASTM D 3161 Class F or ASTM D 7158 Class H requirements. The manufacturer should indicate compliance with these requirements.
For new construction and additions, windstorm/structural engineering and design must be completed for ALL projects. We will engineer your project to meet the design requirements of the code. This must include a Windstorm Compliant Plan and Foundation Plan.