Texas Windstorm Certificate for Metal Buildings

If you’re building a steel structure along the Texas Gulf Coast, the risk of damage to your property from high winds during a hurricane can keep you up at night. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Windstorm Requirements ensure that your structure can withstand high wind events and qualify for insurance under the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

Here’s a detailed guide to the key factors you must consider to ensure compliance with TDI’s windstorm certification.

What is windstorm insurance?

Windstorm insurance pays to repair or rebuild your structure if it’s damaged by hail or wind from a tornado or hurricane.

If you live anywhere in Texas – except along the coast – your homeowners policy likely covers wind and hail damage.

If you live along the coast, your homeowners insurance probably will not cover wind and hail damage. You’ll need to buy a separate windstorm policy and many people get this coverage from a Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policy.

Is wind and hail insurance required?

Windstorm insurance isn’t required by law in Texas. If you have a mortgage, your lender will likely require windstorm coverage.

What counties are impacted?

Properties in 14 coastal counties and in Harris County east of Highway 146 are in a designated catastrophe area.

• Aransas

• Brazoria

• Calhoun

• Cameron

• Chambers

• Galveston

• Harris* (east of 146)

• Jefferson

• Kenedy

• Kleberg

• Matagorda

• Nueces

• Refugio

• San Patricio

• Willacy

Which components must be wind-rated?

TDI-approved products must be used for all components exposed to wind loads:

• Roofing system - metal panels, fasteners, clips, purlins, etc.

• Wall system - girts, studs, panels, fasteners, etc.

• Accessories - Doors, windows, louvers, skylights, etc.

  • Items like windows and doors can be non wind-rated if wind-rated storm shutters or plywood are utilized

The TDI Product Evaluation Reports on the TDI Windstorm website can be used to ensure that products on your project are approved.

What are the engineering requirements?

• Engineer-stamped plans showing that main framing, purlins, girts, and bracing are designed for required wind load

  • Provided by metal building manufacturer

• Anchor bolt selection and embedment

  • Provided by local foundation engineer

• Foundation design for uplift resistance at required wind load

  • Provided by local foundation engineer

Documentation & Inspections

Here’s the process to qualify for a WPI-8 (certificate of compliance)

• Before Construction:

  • Submit engineer-stamped structural framing plans and engineer-stamped foundation plans to your Windstorm Inspector

• During Construction:

  • Perform mandatory inspections at various stages (foundation, framing, sheathing, etc.)

• After Completion:

  • Submit documentation (including materials, plans, inspection reports)

  • Inspector issues a WPI-8 certificate confirming compliance

Tip: Detailed construction records, including pictures of each construction phase and material invoices, can help ensure that your windstorm inspector has all of the info they’ll need to issue the certificate.

Flood and Coastal Zone Considerations

In high-hazard coastal zones or flood zones, you may need some additional documentation before qualifying for insurance.

• Structures may require elevation certificates to verify that your structure is above the flood plain

• Additional bracing and corrosion-resistant materials (like galvanized or coated steel) may be necessary for improved structure longevity

Conclusion

If you live in a coastal county in Texas, qualifying for windstorm insurance ensures that your assets will be protected from whatever mother nature may send your way. Make sure that your contractor and steel building supplier know that your structure will be windstorm certified. Doing so ensures that your design, materials, and construction process are aligned with TDI requirements from day one—saving you time, cost, and ensuring insurability.