WHAT DOES THE LAW GOVERN?
To qualify for insurance through the Windpool, all homes, offices, apartments, or other buildings constructed, repaired or added to after January 1, 1988, must have been inspected and found to comply with standards for wind-resistant construction. Older structures continue to be eligible for insurance coverage through the Windpool as long as any repairs or remodels are inspected and have been certified.
Windpool coverage is available only for property located in Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties and the Harris County communities of La Porte, Morgans Point, Seabrook, Shoreacres and portions of Pasadena. If a structure is located in one of these areas, it should be inspected during construction or remodeling – even if you believe it can be insured without resorting to the Windpool. You or a future owner might need Windpool coverage later.
WHAT BUILDING STANDARDS APPLY?
Effective September 2020, all new construction, changes or repairs are required to be designed and inspected to meet the structural provisions of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) or 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with Texas Revisions to be eligible for windstorm insurance through the TWIA.
HOW TO KNOW IF MY CONSTRUCTION MEETS THE 2018 IRC REQUIREMENTS?
For construction in designated catastrophe areas (1st tier coastal counties), the construction shall be designed in accordance with one of the following:
- AWC Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM)
- ICC Standard for Residential Construction in High-Wind Regions (ICC 600)
- ASCE Minimum Design Load for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7)
- AISI Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Prescriptive Method for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (AISI S230)
- International Building Code
Consequently, all construction in the designated catastrophe areas, in order to be eligible for windstorm insurance through the TWIA, must be designed by an engineer in accordance with one of the above methods. All construction must have a design associated with it to meet the TDI building specifications.
Does COASTAL BUILDING INSPECTIONS perform inspection on existing structures?
Coastal Building Inspections DOES NOT inspect or certify construction that is complete or past a point where an appropriate design can be implemented. Due to the requirement that the construction be designed, it is unlikely that a completed structure was constructed in accordance with an appropriate design. We recommend that the design be completed prior to commencement of the construction.
How do I know if my new construction has been designed properly?
You should be provided information or plans that indicate the following as a minimum but not limited to (for new construction):
- Holddown and shearwall locations, including:
- Shearwall nailing pattern
- Shearwall blocking details
- Holddown required capacity or hold down connector specification
- Special bracing details
- Drag strut locations and size
- Corner construction for hold down connector installation
- Continuous uplift load path from roof to foundation
- Rafter to plate connections (all rafters and stud should be anchored for uplift)
- Rafter bracing anchorage to interior walls
- Header anchorage
- Floor to floor connection anchorage
- Anchor bolt size and spacing
- Minimum fastener dimensions for specific applications
- Framing details for gable endwall bracing
- Framing details as required per plan for high wind considerations (offsets, stud connections, cathedral ceilings, ceiling diaphragms, others)
- Design pressure requirements for building products (windows, doors, garage doors, skylights, roof coverings and wall coverings)
Coastal Building Inspections will design the structure or construction in accordance with ASCE 7 and will provide all of the above information in addition to any other specific design issues related to the plan. This information is necessary for you to know if your structure has been designed to meet the appropriate requirements. If you are not receiving this information, there is a high probability that your construction will not comply with the building specifications adopted the TDI and your windstorm insurance may be jeopardized in the case of an oversight by the TDI.
Who Performs The Inspection?
Construction and repair work must be inspected by an inspector from TDI or by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer. Coastal Building Inspection performs inspections under an appointed Texas licensed engineer.
The Texas Engineering Practice Act (Sections 19-20, Article 3271a, V.T.C.S.) requires that engineers design certain structures, including public works projects costing more than $20,000, apartments or condominiums of a certain size, and commercial buildings having over 5,000 square feet of space, more than one story, or a span between supports of more than 24 feet. Since these structures are required to be designed by an engineer, TDI also requires that they be inspected by an engineer and certified on Form WPI-2.
When a structure has been inspected by an engineer, no further inspection by TDI is required.
What do I need for Coastal Building Inspections to perform my windstorm inspection?
- WPI-1 form on file with the TDI prior to commencement of construction (completed by CBI)
- Windstorm Design and construction details
- Inspector Contact Information
When do I call Coastal Building Inspection for a windstorm inspection?
- Foundation: Prior to the placement of concrete. Reinforcement should be in place and hold-downs and anchor bolts should be on site. The completed form shall reflect any changes to the footprint required by the windstorm design template.
- Framing: All framing, clips, straps and hold-downs should be complete and exposed. Exterior shear walls installed and nailed. Hold-down installed and visible. No cornice or roof decking should be started at this time.
- Decking: Roof deck nailing pattern should be complete and exposed.
- Brick Ties: Brick ties should be installed at time of inspection.
- Roof Covering: Roof coverings should be in progress.
- Final: House should be complete and ready for occupancy. AC unit anchored and window protection labeled and on site.
Call the office (281) 331-0788 for the name of your assigned inspector and to schedule inspections.
What Happens After An Inspection?
After all inspections are completed and all applicable fees paid, Coastal Building Inspection will issue a WPI-2 form to the TDI. The TDI will then issue a certificate of compliance (Form WPI-8) to those parties listed on the WPI-1 form, making your building eligible for insurance through the Windpool. You should keep the certificate on file with your deed and other important papers so it can be transferred to subsequent owners if you sell your property.
How do I get more information?
The Texas Department of Insurance has a Frequently Asked Questions section on their website with more detailed answers to common questions, or feel free to contact our office at (281) 331-0788.
INSURED?
If you own property in one of the 14 coastal counties or the Harris County communities of La Porte, Morgans Point, Seabrook, Shoreacres and portions of Pasadena, you may have purchased windstorm insurance on your home or business through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), also called the “Windpool” and formerly known as the Texas Catastrophe Property Insurance Association (TCPIA) or “Catpool.”
to qualify?
To qualify for coverage through the Windpool, all new structures and additions or repairs to existing structures (including re-roofs) must be inspected to meet the building specification adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance. This requirement was enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1987 to control losses due to hurricanes.
GETTING STARTED
The following list will explain the procedures of How and What items are needed:
(NOTE: A copy of your plans must be reviewed by our office for Windstorm before you begin construction. Upload plans)
- Once your office prepares a start package have them contact our office to request a WPI-1 form. (281) 331-0788.
- Once our office receives the request, a file is set up and necessary paperwork is sent to the Texas Department of Insurance Windstorm Program for enrollment. An invoice is then sent to your company’s main office for processing.
- The next step will be the inspections: Foundation, Frame, Deck, Shingles, Brick Ties, and Final. Although we will be routinely in the subdivision, a call to our office requesting an inspection will be appreciated.
- Once all inspections have been approved a WPI-2 Form is issued by Coastal Building Inspections, Inc. and sent to the Texas Department of Insurance Windstorm Division verifying completion.
- Approximately one to two weeks later, the Texas Department of Insurance will post an original copy of the WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance to their website. This completes the process. At times the state may be behind in issuing the WPI-8 due to overload. If the homeowner is having questions asked by their insurance company please refer them to us. We will at their request assist them in dealing with the State to expedite matters. Most insurance companies are familiar with Coastal Building Inspections, Inc. and a phone call from us is usually all they need.
Sincerely,
Coastal Building Inspections