Windstorm Inspections on the Texas Coast: What Homeowners Should Know

In 14 Texas coastal counties and the parts of Harris County east of State Highway 146, most new construction, roof replacements, major repairs and other alterations need a windstorm inspection and a certificate of compliance from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Most properties there need that certificate to buy a Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policy. Plan for the inspection before work starts.

Where the rules apply

TWIA's designated catastrophe area covers Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio and Willacy counties, plus the parts of Harris County east of Highway 146. TWIA says properties must be certified as built to the applicable building codes, with limited exceptions.

What work needs an inspection

• Needs an inspection: most new construction, roof replacements, major repairs and other alterations.
• Exempt, according to TDI: roof repairs under 100 square feet that do not involve decking, non-structural items, and plumbing and electrical repairs.
• For work still under construction, TDI issues a WPI-8 certificate.

TDI's windstorm inspection program applies the 2024 International Residential Code and 2024 International Building Code in all three of its zones, with an effective date of April 1, 2026.

How it shows up at the permit counter

Local permits and windstorm inspections work together. In Corpus Christi, for example, roofing, siding and accessory construction permits call for a completed TDI WPI-1 form from a windstorm engineer or inspector. The city's Development Services department also posts bulletins on TDI windstorm code updates.

Steps before you start

1. Confirm whether your property is in one of the listed counties or east of Highway 146 in Harris County.
2. Ask your contractor who will arrange the windstorm engineer or inspector and file the TDI forms.
3. Check with your city or county which permit forms it needs, such as the WPI-1 in Corpus Christi.
4. Keep the certificate of compliance with your insurance and property records.

Timing and storm season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The National Hurricane Center says most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October, so plan coastal exterior work with that window in mind.

After a storm

• TDI says that after a disaster it is against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment before they start work.
• TDI says it is illegal for a contractor to waive your insurance deductible or help you avoid paying it.
• TDI advises getting written bids on company letterhead, checking references and never signing a contract with blank spaces.