Texas Windstorm Insurance TWIA Houston TX

What is TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance)?

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the insurer of last resort for windstorm and hail coverage for properties in certain coastal areas of Texas, including Harris County (Houston). If your standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover windstorm damage, or if you live in a designated TWIA eligible area, you may need a separate TWIA policy to stay fully protected.

Why Windstorm Certification Matters

To qualify for TWIA coverage, your home's roof must be certified as windstorm-compliant. This certification (WPI-8) is issued by a Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)-appointed inspector and confirms that your roof was installed using materials and methods that meet Texas windstorm building code requirements.

Important: If you replace your roof without obtaining proper windstorm certification, you may lose your TWIA coverage — leaving you uninsured for hurricane and windstorm damage.

How RISE Roofing Helps

✅ We install roofing systems that meet Texas windstorm code requirements
✅ We coordinate with TDI-appointed inspectors for your WPI-8 certificate
✅ We handle all required documentation and inspection scheduling
✅ We use wind-rated materials approved under Texas windstorm standards
✅ We provide the required affidavit of construction (WPI-8 form)

Windstorm-Compliant Roofing Materials

Not all roofing materials are approved for windstorm certification. RISE Roofing installs approved products including:

GAF and Owens Corning wind-rated shingles (130 mph+)
Standing seam metal panels (150 mph rating)
Stone-coated steel (150+ mph)
Approved flat roofing systems (TPO, modified bitumen)

TWIA Eligible Areas in Houston

Harris County is partially in the TWIA designated catastrophe area (CAT zone). Properties on the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island are fully in the TWIA zone. Homes in the affected areas that are within the first tier county designation qualify for TWIA windstorm coverage. RISE Roofing serves all TWIA-eligible areas throughout Houston and the Gulf Coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need windstorm certification if I replace my roof?

Yes, if you are in a TWIA eligible area (coastal or first-tier county), you must obtain a WPI-8 windstorm inspection certificate when replacing your roof to maintain or obtain TWIA coverage.

What is a WPI-8 certificate?

A WPI-8 (Weather Protection Inspection) is a certificate issued by a TDI-authorized inspector confirming your roof meets Texas windstorm construction standards. RISE Roofing coordinates the entire WPI-8 process for you.

How much extra does windstorm certification add to the cost?

The certification process adds relatively little cost — primarily the inspector fee. RISE Roofing handles the scheduling and documentation. The real savings come from maintaining your TWIA insurance coverage.

Texas Windstorm Insurance (TWIA)