Windstorm Inspections Important After Hurricane

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is reminding all homeowners along the Gulf Coast that damage to their homes by Hurricane Ike must be repaired in accordance with the Texas Windstorm Building Code (TWBC) if the homeowner plans to obtain or maintain insurance from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, numerous repair crews from across Texas and surrounding states are seeking work in the storm-damaged region. Many of these crews may be unfamiliar with the requirements of the TWBC so it is important for the homeowner to insist that contractors use wind resistant design, materials and construction techniques. It is equally important that a TDI windstorm inspector, a TWIA windstorm inspector or an individual appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance as a qualified inspector inspect the project during the construction, to ensure that all work meets Windstorm Building Code requirements.

It is critical that these inspections be done during the construction process and not after the work is completed. If you need to schedule an inspection by a TDI or TWIA inspector, contact your local TDI Windstorm Field Office:

Beaumont 409-833-3756

LaMarque 409-986-9552

Angleton 979-848-0953

To schedule an inspection with an individual appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance you may refer to the Windstorm Unit’s Web site at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html.