FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is an inspection needed?

2. Who makes the inspections?

3. When is the inspection performed?

4. Do you inspect our structure before we start work?

5. What if the new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair or reroof has already been completed and no inspections were conducted?

6. How do I apply for an inspection?

7. How long will I have to wait?

8. How much do inspections cost?

9. What if the inspector finds deficiencies?

10. What happens after an inspection?

11. Who is responsible for making sure my WPI-8 is forwarded to TWIA to ensure my windstorm and hail coverage is in force?

12. I am an insurance agent and need to know the procedure once I receive a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance from the TDI.

(Scroll down for more answered FAQ not listed above)

1. When is an inspection needed?

Some types of repairs may be minor or involve only a small part of the structure, which makes full inspections unnecessary. Only the repaired area must be inspected. Areas with out damage are still covered by the previous windstorm certificate. If an insurance claim was made, an inspection is required. If windstorm insurance was not previously enforce, a complete inspection of the entire structure may be required.

2. Who makes the inspections?

Construction and repair work must be inspected by a TDI inspector or by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer.

3. When is the inspection performed?

Near the completion of the work.

4. Do you inspect our structure before we start work?

If asked yes we will; however, we do not require this, inspections should be performed while the work is in progress. The Inspector General is available to meet and/or discuss the work that is to be performed in an effort to educate and inform all parties about compliance requirements.

5. What if the new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair or re-roof has already been completed and no inspections were conducted?

If a new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair or re-roof has already been completed, then an appointed Texas licensed Professional Engineer (PE) must perform the inspections. The Inspector General is Matt B. Phelps, P.E., who is a TDI appointed windstorm licensed Professional Engineer.

6. How do I apply for an inspection?

If you plan to build, add to, alter or repair a structure, either you or your builder should notify The Inspector General. The Inspector General will submit Form WPI-1 Application for Windstorm Building Inspection to inform TDI of your project. You or your builder should contact The Inspector General each time an inspection is needed for a new phase of construction. You should be sure to contact us if you have any questions and as soon as you know a date that the first inspection will be needed

7. How long will I have to wait?

The inspection will be conducted by The Inspector General within 24-48 hours of the requested date of inspection, excluding weekends, state, federal or national holidays.

8. How much do inspections cost?

Basic fees are $250 per trade (roof, siding, doors, windows, structural) additional fees may apply for high or steep roofs for residential construction. Multi-family and commercial project are by the job with roofing by the square.

9. What if The Inspector General finds deficiencies?

If the structure does not comply with applicable construction requirements, The Inspector General will work with your builder to bring the structure into compliance with the International Residential Code (IRC), for single family and duplex or the International Building Code (IBC) for multi-family or commercial structures. A list of deficiencies with a drawing of their location(s) and photos will be furnished your contractor and we will meet with him to review the items that need to be corrected.

10. What happens after an inspection?

After all inspections are complete and approved, we will issue a WPI-1 and WPI-2 Certificate to the TDI. The TDI will issue the windstorm certificate (WPI-8) making your building eligible for windstorm and hail insurance through TWIA. You should immediately contact your insurance agent and advise them of the work. Please keep the WPI-8 with other important papers so it can be transferred to subsequent owners should you sell your property.

11. Who is responsible for making sure my WPI-8 is forwarded to TWIA to ensure my windstorm and hail coverage is in force?

Your local insurance agent is responsible for forwarding the WPI-8 to TWIA.

12. I am an insurance agent and need to know the procedure once I receive a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance from the TDI.

The WPI-8 should be forwarded to the TWIA, along with the renewal or new application for windstorm and hail insurance.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor BEFORE You Build or Repair

1. Is the construction being done to meet the Windstorm Building Code?

It is very important to make sure that all construction be compliant with the TDI Building Code in order to receive a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance, which acknowledges eligibility for windstorm and hail coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). If your not sure, call, we are here to help.

2. Are the products that are going to be used on my house approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)?

Only approved products may be used with in the wind zone areas. If you or your contractor are not sure, call, we can help.

3. Am I going to get a windstorm inspection on this project?

Inspections must be performed in order to determine compliance with Windstorm requirements. This is the part were The Inspector General comes in!

4. Who will coordinate the inspections and when will they be performed?

Normally, it is the contractor who should coordinate the inspection dates and times. It is essential for the inspections to occur during the construction phase or as soon afterwards as possible.

5. Will I be kept informed as to the status of the inspections?

The Inspector General will leave documentation outlining the findings of each phase of the project. Being kept informed of inspection times will also allow you to personally meet with the inspector and discuss any issues which may be present.

6. What are my options if my project is disapproved?

You should discuss with The Inspector General AND builder/roofer what corrective measures are necessary for the project to be compliant.

7. If my project is approved, when do I receive my WPI-8?

Once we submit the appropriate documentation to the Austin Windstorm office, it is checked and processed. If everything is in order, a WPI-8 will be posted on our website, this typically takes about 10 business days. A hard copy of the WPI-8 may also be mailed to the submitter.

8. What should I do when the WPI-8 arrives?

The WPI-8 should be stored in a safe place along with your other valuable papers. Always inform your insurance agent when you have construction projects and make them aware that you did get the WPI-8. Your agent will most likely want to add a copy of the WPI-8 to your file, which can be printed from the TDI web-site.

Are These Items Included?

1. Is the house built to the windstorm building code and eligible for wind and hail insurance?

In the first tier counties along the Texas coast, it is in the best interest of a homeowner to require the builder to furnish a Certificate of Compliance upon completion of the home. The Certificate of Compliance is “proof of eligibility” for wind and hail insurance coverage through the State’s catastrophe pool, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

2. Wind-resistant roofing material conforming to ASTM D 3161 class F (or better) requirements.

Choose products that have been tested to ASTM D 3161 Class F and have a 110 mph wind resistance or higher.

3. Class 4 impact-resistant roofing material.

Roofing products are tested for impact resistance using the UL 2218 impact resistance test. Approved products are classified 1 through 4, Class 4 being the most resistant. In an area where windborne debris is likely, Class 4 would be the better choice.

4. A secondary water barrier under the roofing material.

A secondary water barrier provides protection if the roof covering is damaged. This is achieved by installing self-adhering flashing tape or modified polymer bitumen strips on top of the joints in the roof deck. The underlayment should be a 30# roofing felt, which is thicker and heavier than 15# felt. Roofs with slopes of less than 4:12 must have two layers of felt. Roofs less than 3:12 can not use shingles, roll roofing is allowable.

5. Are gable ends adequately braced to withstand severe windstorms?

Collapse of a gable end wall is a common failure during hurricanes. To accommodate the strong pressures of hurricane force winds, gable ends need additional bracing. Information on this procedure is available from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (www.flash.org).

6. Truss-to-wall connectors and wall-to-foundation connectors.

The only way to create a wind-resistant home is to secure all connections – roof-to-wall, floor-to-floor, and wall-to-foundation. One way to accomplish this is by installing hurricane clips at those intersections. Structures built from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have very good hurricane resistance.

7. Impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters.

Impact-resistant windows are designed to resist a combination of impact and continuous wind pressure. Always use products that have been tested to one of these standards – ASTM E 1886 or ASTM E 1996 – and have been designated as such through a recognized product approval system.

8. Garage door/doors that impact resistant.

Garage doors are particularly vulnerable to high winds, because of the long span of the opening they cover and the relatively lightweight material they are made of. Two options are available for strengthening garage doors: replace the door and track with a system that is designed to withstand high winds and wind-borne debris; or use a tested and approved impact resistant covering. In Texas, garage doors must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 330. Glass panels should be rated with ASTM E 1996 standards.

9. Skylights that are impact-resistant.

Skylights are extremely vulnerable to wind borne debris and hail. Skylights should be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 or other approved standards.

10. The required upgrades to qualify for all insurance credits or discounts offered.

Investigate possible construction credits and discounts available through your insurance company and then review with your builder.

11. A safe room.

A safe room, or storm shelter, provides the highest degree of protection for you and your family from the dangerous forces of extreme winds and debris impacts. Safe rooms can be site-built or manufactured and can be installed in new or existing homes.

12. Continuous load path construction.

When a house is being constructed, it is an opportune time to build in a continuous load path, creating a structure highly resistant to extreme wind force. Balloon framing and the use of hurricane straps or clips connecting all intersections including the foundation can easily be designed into the structure at this time.

13. 5/8” thick plywood decking attached with 10d common nails spaced 4” O.C. at the edges and gable ends and 6” O.C. in the field of panels.

Use this method to make your roof more impact-resistant.

14. Impact-resistant exterior wall surfacing.

Some siding manufacturers market their products as impact-resistant, but at this time a safer choice might be a hard surface such as brick, stone, or stucco.

15. Porch exterior walls properly connected to the foundation.

Porch walls should be treated as any other exterior wall and anchored to the foundation. If blown loose it can be a threat to the main house in high wind situations.