Do I Need Windstorm Certification for Re-Roofing?

Yes. If your property is in a designated Texas windstorm area and you're replacing your roof, you need a WPI-8 windstorm certification — no exceptions.

Re-roofing is one of the most common projects requiring certification, and failing to get certified can leave you without windstorm insurance coverage through TWIA.

Here's everything you need to know about re-roofing certification in Texas.

Why Re-Roofing Requires Certification

Your roof is your property's first line of defense against wind damage. The Texas Department of Insurance requires that any roof replacement in designated windstorm areas meet specific wind resistance standards and be certified by a licensed professional engineer.

Without certification:

• ❌ You cannot obtain or maintain TWIA windstorm insurance
• ❌ Your building permit may not be finalized
• ❌ You may face insurance claim denials for wind damage
• ❌ You may have difficulty selling the property

When Is Certification Required for Re-Roofing?

Certification is required when you're replacing:

• The entire roof covering (shingles, metal, tile)
• The roof deck (plywood/OSB sheathing)
• Underlayment and moisture barriers
• Roof flashing and edge details

It's also required for substantial repairs — if you're replacing more than 25% of the roof covering, certification is typically required.

Minor Repairs vs. Re-Roofing

• Minor repair (replacing a few damaged shingles): Certification usually not required
• Partial replacement (one slope or section): Certification may be required
• Full re-roof: Certification always required

When in doubt, call us at (888) 293-3162 — we'll help you determine if your project requires certification.

Critical Timing: When to Schedule the Inspection

This is the most important thing to know about re-roofing certification:

The inspection must happen after the old roof is removed and the roof deck is exposed, but BEFORE the new underlayment and shingles are installed.

If your contractor installs the new roof before the inspection, the engineer cannot verify:

• Roof deck attachment (nailing pattern)
• Deck condition and thickness
• Underlayment installation
• Flashing details

At that point, you'd be forced into a WPI-8E retroactive certification, which costs more and may not be possible if key elements can't be verified.

Ideal Inspection Sequence for Re-Roofing

1. Old roof removed — down to bare deck
2. Deck inspected and repaired if needed
3. 📞 Schedule WPI-8 inspection — engineer verifies deck attachment and condition
4. Inspection completed — engineer documents compliance
5. Underlayment installed — per code requirements
6. New roof covering installed — per manufacturer specs
7. Final documentation — certification submitted to TDI

What the Engineer Inspects During Re-Roofing

Roof Deck Attachment

The engineer verifies:

• Deck material (plywood/OSB thickness meets code)
• Fastener type (nails vs. staples — staples are often non-compliant)
• Nailing pattern (typically 6" on center at edges, 6"/12" in field for high-wind zones)
• Deck condition (no rot, delamination, or damage)

Roof Framing and Connections

• Truss/rafter spacing and condition
• Hurricane straps or clips at roof-to-wall connections
• Truss-to-truss connections
• Gable end bracing (if applicable)

Underlayment and Moisture Protection

• Underlayment type and installation method
• Drip edge installation
• Ice and water shield in valleys and critical areas
• Fastener pattern for underlayment

Roof Covering

• Material type and wind rating
• Installation method per manufacturer specifications
• Starter strip installation
• Fastener pattern for shingles/metal
• Flashing at penetrations, valleys, and edges

What Your Roofing Contractor Needs to Know

Share this information with your contractor before they start work:

1. Don't install new roofing before the inspection — the deck must be visible
2. Use code-compliant fasteners — nails, not staples, with correct spacing
3. Install hurricane straps if missing or damaged
4. Follow manufacturer installation instructions exactly
5. Keep all material receipts and specifications — the engineer may need them
6. Coordinate inspection timing with our schedule (call before tear-off)

Cost of Re-Roofing Certification

Re-roofing certification starts at $150 for residential properties. Final cost depends on:

• Building size (price per square foot above base)
• Residential vs. commercial
• Standard (14-day) vs. rush (5-day) service
• Number of roof levels/complexity

Call (888) 293-3162 for an accurate quote based on your specific project.

What Happens If I Already Re-Roofed Without Certification?

If your re-roofing project is already complete and you didn't get a WPI-8 inspection, you'll need a WPI-8E certification (retroactive). This is more complex because:

• The roof deck and underlayment are now concealed
• The engineer must verify compliance from attic access and documentation
• Material receipts and contractor records are essential
• If compliance can't be verified, you may need to remove portions of the new roof

Don't let this happen. Schedule your inspection before re-roofing begins.

Which Areas Require Re-Roofing Certification?

Re-roofing certification is required in all designated Texas windstorm areas, including:

• Harris County (partial)
• Galveston County
• Brazoria County
• Jefferson County
• Chambers County
• Nueces County
• Aransas County
• San Patricio County
• Calhoun County
• Matagorda County
• Refugio County
• Kleberg County
• Kenedy County
• Willacy County
• Cameron County

If you're not sure whether your property is in a designated area, call us and we'll help you confirm.

Schedule Your Re-Roofing Inspection

Don't wait until the new roof is installed. Call us before your contractor starts tear-off so we can schedule the inspection at the right time.

Call (888) 293-3162 — standard service schedules within 72 hours, rush service offers next-day inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my roofing contractor do the certification?

No. Windstorm certification must be performed by a licensed professional engineer, not a roofing contractor. Your contractor handles the installation; our engineer handles the certification.

How long does the re-roofing inspection take?

Typically 30-45 minutes for a standard residential roof. Larger or more complex roofs may take longer.

What if my roof deck doesn't pass inspection?

If the deck has damage or incorrect fastening, your contractor will need to make repairs before the new roof is installed. We'll provide a detailed report of what needs to be fixed.

Do I need certification if I'm just replacing a few shingles?

Minor repairs (a few damaged shingles) typically don't require certification. However, if you're replacing a significant portion of the roof covering, certification is required. Call us to confirm for your specific situation.