Understanding WPI 8 Form in Texas: Windstorm Certification
Updated: Sep 29
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What Is a WPI-8 in Texas?
The WPI-8 is the Certificate of Compliance issued through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) windstorm inspection program.
It shows that a structure or improvement on the Texas coast was inspected and meets the windstorm building code in effect for its zone.
JRH Engineering is a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Why the WPI-8 Matters
TWIA says Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210 requires property to be certified as meeting the windstorm code in its area (TWIA)
Without certification, TWIA says a structure may be considered uninsurable and ineligible for coverage
TDI's windstorm program lists the 2024 IRC and IBC, effective April 1, 2026, for the Inland II, Inland I and Seaward zones
Work That Typically Needs Certification
New structures and building additions
Windows, entry doors and garage doors
Roof replacements and significant roof repairs
Re-siding a significant portion of an exterior wall
TWIA notes that painting, plumbing and electrical repairs and temporary storm repairs do not need certification.
How the Process Works
Confirm the zone and code for the property.
Coordinate inspections with the engineer before work is covered up.
Correct any items that do not meet code.
Complete the documentation for the Certificate of Compliance.
JRH Engineering provides WPI-8 windstorm certification in Brazoria and Galveston counties only.
Project: Wedding Venue Chapel & Main Building, Friendswood, TX
Chapel and main building for a wedding venue in Friendswood, Galveston County
Coastal location requiring windstorm certification
Read the full Friendswood case study
Challenges
Large window openings left too little wall for code-compliant wood shear walls
The building needed windstorm certification for insurance
Objectives
Resolve lateral support at the large window walls.
Support windstorm certification.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Complete structural engineering plan set for permit and construction
Structural steel columns and steel end-wall framing for lateral support
Windstorm inspection services supporting TWIA certification
Results:
Shear wall capacity resolved at the large windows
Windstorm certification obtained
Wind Design in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
See our 2026 Windstorm Engineering Cheat Sheet for how coastal wind rules compare.
North Carolina
North Carolina has no WPI-8; wind design follows the NC codes, which the NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists as the 2018 editions, with 2024 pending.
Florida
Florida has no WPI-8; wind design follows the Florida Building Code, 8th Edition (2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WPI-8?
The Certificate of Compliance issued through TDI's windstorm inspection program for coastal Texas property.
Why do I need a WPI-8?
TWIA says property must be certified to the windstorm code in its area to be eligible for coverage.
What work requires windstorm certification?
New structures, additions, windows and doors, roof replacements or significant repairs, and major re-siding.
What building code does TDI use in 2026?
The 2024 IRC and IBC, effective April 1, 2026.
Where does JRH Engineering provide WPI-8 certification?
In Brazoria and Galveston counties only.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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