When engineered drawings are required
In TDI-designated catastrophe areas, construction must satisfy the windstorm building standards TDI has adopted — and for most projects beyond a simple like-for-like re-roof, the building department expects engineering to back the design. Typical triggers include new homes and commercial buildings, additions and second stories, roofs on larger or complex structures, detached structures like garages and carports, and any design that departs from prescriptive code defaults. When in doubt, ask us before permitting — the answer changes by jurisdiction.
What is in a windstorm-compliant drawing package
Our packages give the plan reviewer, the building department, and the TDI-appointed inspector one consistent set of facts:
- Roof framing plans and connection details — rafters, ridges, hips, and valley framing with the hardware specified.
- Wind uplift calculations for the roof assembly and critical connections, based on the site’s design wind speed and exposure.
- Fastener and connector schedules — nailing patterns, strapping, anchor bolts, and hold-downs matched to the calculated demands.
- Opening protection details — windborne-debris requirements for windows, doors, and garage doors where applicable.
- Foundation and anchorage details for detached and accessory structures.
How the process works
You bring us the project — a sketch, an architect’s preliminary set, or your builder’s plan — and we perform the windstorm structural design: calculations, details, and the stamped drawings your permit office expects. Because we are also TDI-appointed for inspections, the drawings we produce are the same standard our inspectors verify in the field, which means fewer revision cycles and no surprises at the final inspection.
Custom coastal builders: design it right the first time
The expensive version of coastal engineering is discovering non-compliance after the work is installed. Builders who involve us at design time get uplift-resisting details that pencil out before lumber is ordered — and owners get a structure that passes TDI inspection the first time. Rush engineering is available when a permit date is already on the calendar.