Texas Regulators: Ike Repairs on Coast Must Follow Building Code Rules

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued a reminder that homes along the Gulf Coast damaged 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. An inspection by a TDI or TWIA inspector may be scheduled by contacting a 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, refer to the Windstorm Unit’s Web site at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html.

For additional information about the Windstorm Inspection Program or the Windstorm Inspection process, visit the Windstorm Unit’s Web site at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance