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What is the Windstorm Inspection Process?

Inspection Process

  1. When does construction need an inspection?
    Some minor, non-structural repairs do not require an inspection. TDI’s website has a list of projects that do not require an inspection, or you can call the local TDI Windstorm Field Office for information.
  2. Who performs the inspections?
    A TDI inspector or an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer must inspect construction and repair work. TDI inspectors can inspect all non-structural work including, most repairs, alterations, and re-roofs. Please call the TDI Windstorm Field Office for further clarification at 800-248-6032, option 4.
  3. Where are your field offices and how may I contact them?
    You can reach the field offices by calling 800-248-6032, pressing option 4, then
    • Press #1 for Beaumont (serving Jefferson and Chambers Counties)
    • Press #2 for La Marque (serving Galveston and Harris Counties)
    • Press #3 for Angleton (Serving Brazoria, Calhoun, and Matagorda Counties)
    • Press #4 for Corpus Christi (Serving Cameron, Willacy, Kenedy, Nueces, Refugio, Kleberg, San Patricio, and Aransas Counties)
  4. How can I find an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer?
    The list of appointed Texas licensed professional engineers is available on TDI's website at appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/windstorm/p/publicAQIList or call 800-248-6032, option 5, to request a copy by mail or fax.
  5. When is the inspection 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.

  6. 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.
  7. What if the new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair, or re-roof has 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). Find a list of appointed Texas licensed professional engineers who perform post construction inspections on TDI’s website: appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/windstorm/p/publicAQIList.
  8. 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.

  9. 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.
  10. How much do inspections cost?
    TDI inspectors do not charge an inspection fee. TDI does not regulate or track appointed Texas licensed professional engineer’s inspection rates.
  11. 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.
  12. What do I do if a TDI inspector disapproves my inspection? May I employ a Texas licensed professional engineer to finish the inspections?
    Yes, you may employ an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer to finish the inspection. Find a list of appointed Texas licensed professional engineers on TDI’s website: appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/windstorm/p/publicAQIList.
  13. My engineer gave me a WPI-1 and WPI-2-BC-1 (2, 3, 4, or 5) upon his final inspection. What do I do with these forms?
    Although the appointed Texas licensed professional engineer should submit these forms to TDI, you may mail, fax (512-490-1051), or email (windstorm@tdi.texas.gov) the forms to our Austin office for processing.
  14. 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. Contact your insurance agent and advise him or her of the work. You can print or view the WPI-8 on TDI's website appscenter.tdi.texas.gov/windstorm/p/searchForAppl.
  15. My new home will be complete in the next few days. I do not want my A/C unit installed until we move in. Will I be able to get my WPI-8 before installing the A/C unit?
    Yes. Once a TDI inspector or appointed Texas licensed professional engineer performs and approves all required inspections, TDI will issue a WPI-8 for the home excluding the A/C unit. Call the TDI Windstorm Field Office at 800-248-6032, option 4, for an inspection when you schedule the A/C’s installation. TDI will issue a separate WPI-8 once the A/C unit is installed an inspected.

Questions about the building codes

  1. 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.
  2. How do I get a copy of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC)?
    You can purchase the codes from the International Code Council (ICC) iccsafe.org.
  3. Can I get a listing of approved windows, doors, and other products that TDI reviewed?
    Yes. You can get product evaluations by contacting your local field office or on TDI's website: texas.gov/wind/index.
  4. What is a "roof pitch"?
    The roof pitch indicates the incline of the roof as a ratio of vertical rise to the open span (twice the horizontal run). It is expressed as a fraction. For example, if the total roof rise is 4 feet and the total span is 24 feet, the pitch is 4/24=1/6.
  5. What is "roof slope"?
    Roof slope is the incline of the roof as a ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run. For example, a roof that rises at a rate of 4 inches for each foot of horizontal run is said to have a 4 in 12 (4:12) slope.

For more information, contact: Windstorm@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 8/14/2023