WPI-8 Windstorm-Compliant Roofing
What Is a WPI-8?
A WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Texas Department of Insurance after qualifying construction has been inspected and approved as meeting the applicable windstorm building requirements for that property.
For homeowners in designated catastrophe areas, this certification can be extremely important.
A compliant certificate provides documented evidence that the improvement—such as a roof replacement—was constructed in accordance with the applicable windstorm requirements.
For properties requiring coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), the appropriate Certificate of Compliance may be necessary for eligibility.
Simply replacing a roof does not automatically mean the roof is WPI-8 certified.
The project must be properly planned, inspected, documented, and approved.
Does My Roof Replacement Need a Windstorm Inspection?
Most complete roof replacements performed within the Texas windstorm-designated catastrophe areas require inspection and certification.
Some very small repairs may be exempt. For example, certain roof repairs involving less than 100 square feet and no roof decking or framing work may not require a windstorm inspection.
A complete reroof is different.
That is why homeowners along the coast should determine whether windstorm certification is required before construction begins.
Gifted Roofing can help identify the requirements associated with your roofing project and coordinate the appropriate inspection process.
Why WPI-8 Compliance Matters
Your roof isn't just shingles.
During a hurricane or major wind event, the roofing system is subjected to uplift forces trying to pull components away from the structure.
A windstorm-compliant roofing installation considers how the entire assembly works together:
Roof deck → fastening → underlayment → flashing → roof covering → accessories → ventilation
Each component matters.
A roof can look beautiful from the street while still having installation details underneath that do not meet the requirements necessary for windstorm certification.
That is why we believe coastal homeowners deserve more than a basic roof replacement.
They deserve a roofing system built specifically for where they live.
Our Windstorm-Compliant Roofing Process
1. Determine Windstorm Requirements
Before construction, we determine whether the property falls within an area requiring windstorm certification and what requirements apply to the project.
Wind requirements can vary based on the property's location, applicable building code, wind-speed requirements, roof configuration, and products being installed.
We don't believe in using a one-size-fits-all installation specification for every coastal property.
2. Start the Certification Process Before Construction
Whenever possible, windstorm certification should be addressed before the existing roof is removed.
The appropriate windstorm inspection application is initiated and the project is coordinated with a qualified inspector.
Handling this before construction allows portions of the roofing system to be inspected while they are still visible.
Trying to certify an already-completed roof can be more difficult because important components have already been covered.
3. Inspect the Existing Roof Deck
Once the existing roofing system is removed, the roof decking can be evaluated.
Damaged, deteriorated, improperly secured, or otherwise unacceptable decking may need to be repaired, replaced, or re-secured before the new roofing system is installed.
The connection between the roof deck and the framing below it is one of the most important parts of a roof's ability to resist high winds.
4. Install the Required Roofing Components
We install the roofing system according to the applicable windstorm requirements, manufacturer installation instructions, and approved product specifications.
Depending on the property and roofing system, this may include attention to:
- Roof deck attachment
- Approved roofing fasteners
- Proper nail placement and fastening patterns 6 nails per shingle
- Wind & Impact-rated shingles
- Double layered Synthetic underlayment
- Ice and water protection in valleys and around pipe penetrations
- Starter shingles
- Hip and ridge shingles
- Drip edge 2x4
- Pipe penetrations
- Wall and chimney flashing
- Roof vents and ventilation components
- Skylights and other roof penetrations
We don't treat these as miscellaneous accessories.
They are part of the roofing system.
WPI-8 vs. WPI-8-E
There are two terms coastal homeowners may encounter.
WPI-8
A WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance is associated with qualifying work inspected through the windstorm program while construction is ongoing.
WPI-8-E
A WPI-8-E Certificate of Compliance is associated with qualifying completed construction that must be evaluated after the work has already been completed.
Completed-construction certification generally involves a Texas licensed professional engineer and can be more difficult because portions of the construction may already be concealed.
That's one reason we strongly recommend addressing windstorm certification before your roofing project begins.
The Gifted Roofing Difference
We don't want to install a roof that simply looks good when we leave.
We want to build a roof you can have confidence in when the weather turns bad.
That means paying attention to the details homeowners rarely get to see after construction is complete.
From decking and fasteners to flashing, ventilation and final certification, our goal is to provide a roofing system built specifically for the demands of the Texas Gulf Coast.
With a qualifying windstorm roofing project, we help coordinate:
Windstorm requirements
Inspection scheduling
Roof deck evaluation
Required fastening
Approved roofing materials
Manufacturer installation specifications
Flashing details
Roof penetrations
Ventilation installation
Construction documentation
Final WPI-8 certification process
One contractor.
One coordinated roofing system.
One process from tear-off through certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
No.
A WPI-8 documents compliance with applicable windstorm building requirements for the certified improvement.
Manufacturer material warranties and contractor workmanship warranties are separate.
A properly designed roofing project can provide homeowners with all three:
Windstorm compliance + manufacturer protection + workmanship protection..
Does every Texas roof need a WPI-8?
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
No.
Windstorm certification requirements apply to designated catastrophe areas along portions of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Properties outside those designated areas generally aren't subject to the same TDI Windstorm Inspection Program requirements.
Can my roofer issue a WPI-8?
Is a WPI-8 the same thing as a roof warranty?
Can you get a WPI-8 after the roof is finished?
No.
The roofing contractor does not issue the WPI-8.
The Texas Department of Insurance issues Certificates of Compliance after the applicable inspection and certification requirements have been satisfied.
Our job is to construct the roof correctly and coordinate the project so the required inspections can take place.
Can you get a WPI-8 after the roof is finished?
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
Can you get a WPI-8 after the roof is finished?
Potentially, but the process is different.
Completed construction may be evaluated by a Texas licensed professional engineer and submitted for a WPI-8-E.
Because important portions of the roofing system may already be concealed, it is usually better to address certification before and during construction.
Do I need a WPI-8 to get TWIA insurance?
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
Properties requiring wind and hail coverage through TWIA generally must meet TWIA's building-code certification requirements, although Texas law provides limited exceptions.
The best approach is to confirm the certification status of the property rather than assuming an exception applies.
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
Does a WPI-8 mean my roof can't be damaged by a hurricane?
No.
No roofing contractor or certification can promise that a roof will never sustain hurricane or wind damage.
Windstorm compliance means the certified construction was determined to meet the applicable requirements.
It should never be advertised as making a roof “hurricane proof.”
Coastal Roofing Should Be Built Differently
If you live in a Texas windstorm area, your roofing project shouldn't be treated like an ordinary reroof.
The requirements are different.
The environment is different.
And the consequences of cutting corners can be much greater.
At Gifted Roofing, we're committed to building roofing systems designed around the conditions our Gulf Coast homeowners actually face.
Need a WPI-8 Roof Replacement?
Whether you're replacing an aging roof, repairing storm damage, dealing with an insurance claim, or trying to determine whether your property needs windstorm certification, we can help guide you through the roofing process.
Schedule your free roof inspection today.
Gifted Roofing
Built By Faith. Built for the Texas Gulf Coast.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Call Gifted Roofing
(832) 713-0979
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