What is Windstorm Insurance?

Windstorm insurance can help pay to repaid or rebuild your house if it is damaged by hail or wind, from a tornado, thunderstorm, or hurricane. Some people call it hurricane insurance.

What is the purpose of hiring a Windstorm Inspector? 

The purpose of a windstorm inspection is to determine the appropriateness of a given structure's construction in the event of a strong wind, such as those present in a hurricane.

Windstorm inspectors focus on roods, shear walls, framing, foundations, components, and cladding based on the windstorm drawings generated by the windstorm engineer. 

What windows, doors, garage doors, etc. should I use?

These specifications will depend on the project location.

Does Costa Brava generate structural or foundation drawings?

Both structural and/or foundation drawings can be generated depending on the needs of the client.

How do I find an inspector?

Make sure to ask your contractor how they will meet the requirements for an inspection and get a certificate of compliance.

How long will I have to wait for a TDI inspector to perform an inspection?

TDI inspectors try to conduct inspections within 48 hours of the requested date of inspection, excluding weekends or holidays. Large storms or weather events can affect the inspectors availability.

What if the new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair, or

re-roof was completed without an inspection?

If a new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair, or re-roof was completed without an inspection, then an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer must perform the inspection (a post-construction inspection).

Are commercial structures required to follow the construction guidelines adopted by TDI?

Yes, if the commercial structure will be insured for wind and hail coverage through TWIA. As a minimum, the structure must be built in accordance with TDI’s adopted building standards.

As a contractor, why do I need to make sure that Windstorm Inspections are performed?

If you are constructing within catastrophe areas, the municipality that you are working in may require the windstorm inspections.

What does a WindstormEngineer (PE) do?

The Windstorm Engineer generates drawings showing foundation details, shear walls, and different wind zones with details and instructions on how the construction needs to be done for the building to resist specific wind loads.

The calculations are based on the location of the building, stories, and structure dimensions. 

Depending on the location, the calculations will have different parameters. 

Codes and Specifications Used:

1. IBC and IRC

2. ASCE 7-16 Wind Load

How long does the windstorm process take?

The duration of a windstorm process is contingent on the amount of time it takes to complete the construction of the structure (this depends on the contractor and size of structure) and the amount of time in which TDI issues the certificate (typically 1-2 weeks).

What projects require an inspection?

Most new construction, roof replacements, major repairs, and other alterations require an inspection and certificate of compliance.

How can I search for a certificate?

You can check for a property’s certificate of compliance (WPI-8 or WPI-8-E) on the TDI Windstorm website. To check for a certificate issued by TWIA (WPI-8-C) between January 1, 2017, and May 31, 2020, use the TWIA certificate lookup tool.

How do I apply for an inspection?

If you plan to build, add to, alter, or repair a structure, you or your builder should notify TDI before starting construction. You can submit Form WPI-1 Application for Certificate of Compliance to inform TDI of your project. If a TDI inspector is performing your inspection, contact TDI each time you need an inspection for a new phase of construction. Contact TDI if you have any questions and as soon as you know the date that you will need the first inspection.

If an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer performs the inspections, make sure the engineer files the proper certification forms with TDI. You must apply with TDI (complete the WPI-1) before beginning construction.

What if the inspector finds deficiencies?

If the structure does not comply with applicable construction requirements, the TDI inspector will post a notice at the job describing the problems. A TDI inspector will return to the site for a re-inspection after the problems have been corrected.

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

After a TDI inspector or appointed Texas licensed professional engineer approves all inspections, TDI will issue a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance. A WPI-8 is required for the building to be eligible for wind and hail insurance coverage through TWIA.

Does Texas require Windstorm Insurance?

Windstorm Insurance isn't required by law in Texas, but if you live near the coast and have a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have windstorm coverage. 

Does Costa Brava certify buildings?

Costa Brava, or any other appointed qualified inspector, cannot generate a windstorm certificate (WPI-8). Our team provides the inspections required by TDI to certify structures.

What is the difference between

WPI-1 and WPI-2e?

WPI-1 is issued to new construction structures.

WPI-2e is issued to existing structures.

When are inspections performed?

TDI inspectors must perform inspections during - not before or after - the construction or repair. All inspectors must see the work in-progress.

An appointed Texas licensed professional engineer may perform inspections after construction is complete (post construction inspection); however, performing an inspection during construction is often less invasive and could be less expensive.

Do you inspect our structure before we start work?

No, TDI inspectors only perform inspections while the work is in progress; however, the inspectors are available to meet or discuss any planned work to educate and inform all parties of our compliance requirements.

Who does the Windstorm Inspections Program apply to?

The Windstorm Inspections Program applies to structures located in the designated catastrophe areas, known as Texas' First Tier Counties: Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Willacy, and certain cities east of State Highway 146 in Harris County (La Porte, Morgan's Point, Pasadena, Seabrook, Shoreacres). The areas designated by the commissioner of insurance as catastrophe areas, often use Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as the insurer of last resort for the wind and hail portion of their homeowner's insurance.

What happens after an inspection?

After a TDI inspector or appointed Texas licensed professional engineer approves all inspections, TDI will issue a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance. A WPI-8 is required for the building to be eligible for wind and hail insurance coverage through TWIA.