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Windstorm Inspection Program - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Index

General

1.    Is there a fee for having building products evaluated by the Texas Department of Insurance?  There is no fee for having building products evaluated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
    
2.    Why doesn't the Texas Department of Insurance rely on products that have been evaluated by the ICC evaluation service, the Florida Product Approval System, or by Dade County, FL rather than developing their own reports?
   There are several reasons. First, not all of the building products that have been evaluated by the Texas Department of Insurance have also been evaluated by the ICC evaluation service, the Florida Product Approval System, or by Dade County, Florida. If we relied exclusively on products that have been evaluated by these organizations, then the availability of certain products may be limited. Second, windows, glass doors, and skylights, that have been evaluated by Dade County, FL. are not tested and labeled as required in Section R613.4 and R613.7.1 of the International Residential Code (IRC) and Section 1714.5.1 of the International Building Code (IBC) for windows and glass doors and in Sections R308.6.10 and R308.6.12.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IRC, Section 2405.5 of the IBC, and in Section 2405.7.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IBC for skylights.
   
   
3.    Will the Texas Department of Insurance evaluate products that have been evaluated by the ICC evaluation service, by the Florida Product Approval System, or by Dade County, FL?
   The Texas Department of Insurance will review product information for many products that have already been evaluated by other organizations. Before developing an evaluation report, the TDI will first determine if the product meets the building specifications that have been adopted by the TDI. The TDI will not be able to evaluate a product that has been tested to the Dade County, FL criteria if it is not able to comply with Sections R613.4 and R613.7.1 of the IRC or Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC for windows and glass doors or Sections R308.618 and R308.6.12.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IRC, Section 2405.5 of the IBC, and Section 2405.7.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IBC for Skylights.
   
   
4.    Are Texas licensed professional engineers who are appointed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) as qualified inspectors required to use product evaluation reports developed by the TDI on structures they are certifying?
   No.  The engineer appointed as a qualified inspector may use information, such as test reports and design drawings provided by the product manufacturer or code evaluation reports, to determine if a product meets the required adopted building specifications and the design requirements for the structure.
   
   
5.    What design pressure should I test my product to resist?
   Please refer to Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3) of the IRC or ASCE 7-05.  Products tested in accordance with ASTM E 330-02 must be tested to 1.5 times the design pressure.
   
   
6.    In areas where windborne debris protection is required, are exterior wall coverings, such as vinyl siding, required to be tested for windborne debris resistance?
   No. Windborne debris protection is only required for exterior opening products such as windows, exterior doors, garage doors, skylights.  Please refer to the Texas Revisions for specific windborne debris requirements.
   
   
7.    Are windows, doors, garage doors, and skylights required to be windborne debris resistant in the Inland II zone?
   No. In the Inland II zone, there are no requirements for windborne debris.  Please refer to the Texas Revisions for specific windborne debris requirements.
   
   
8.    Are windows, doors, garage doors, and skylights required to be windborne debris resistant in the Inland I zone?
   In the Inland I zone, on all new construction, additions, renovations, and repairs, all glazed openings are required to be protected from windborne debris. This means that windows, skylights, doors with glazing and garage doors with glazing must be either windborne debris resistant or protected from windborne debris with an impact protective system (shutter).  Please refer to the Texas Revisions for specific windborne debris requirements.
   
   
9.    Are windows, doors, garage doors, and skylights required to be windborne debris resistant in the Seaward zone?
   In the Seaward zone, on all new construction, additions, renovations, and repairs, all exterior openings are required to be protected from windborne debris. This means that windows, skylights, doors, and garage doors must be either windborne debris resistant or protected from windborne debris with an impact protective system (shutter).  Please refer to the Texas Revisions for specific windborne debris requirements.
   
   
10.    Where can I have my building products tested?
    Building products must be tested at independent testing facilities recognized by either (1) the International Code Council; (2) the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA); (3) the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA); (4) Dade County, FL; (5) Underwriters Laboratories (UL); (6) Factory Mutual (FM); or (7) the Texas Department of Insurance.
    
    
11.    If a product is tested for windborne debris resistance, does it also need to be tested for uniform static pressure resistance?
    Yes. Refer to FAQ's for windows, doors, garage doors, skylights, and impact protective systems for specific requirements.
    
    
12.    What standards for windborne debris will the Texas Department of Insurance accept?
    The Texas Department of Insurance will accept, for review, test reports for building products that have been tested in accordance with either: (1) ASTM E 1886-04 and ASTM E 1996-04; (2) AAMA 506-00;  or (3) ANSI/DASMA 115-203 for garage doors, or (4) Dade County, FL TAS-201, TAS-202, and TAS-203 (except for windows and glass doors that must comply with the testing and labeling criteria specified in Section R613.4 and R613.7.1 of the IRC and Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC and for skylights that must comply with the testing and labeling criteria specified in Section R308.612.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IRC and Section 2405.7.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IBC).
    
    
13.    When testing windows, doors, and garage doors in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, what large missile criteria must I use?
    If you want the product to be acceptable in both the Inland I zone and the Seaward zone, then Missile Level D from ASTM E 1996-04 shall be used (9 lb (+/- 0.25 lb) 2x4, 8 ft (+/- 4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 50 ft/s).  If you want the product to be acceptable in only the Inland I zone, then Missile Level C from ASTM E 1996-04 shall be used (4.5 lb (+/- 0.25 ob) 2x4, 4 ft (+/- 4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 40 ft/s.  This criteria applies to basic protection located at a height of 30 feet or less on a structure as defined in ASTM E 1996-04.  For other criteria, please consult with the Texas Department of Insurance.
    
    
14.    When testing skylights in accordance with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, what large missile criteria must I use?
    If you want the product to be acceptable in both the Inland I zone and the Seaward zone, then Missile Level C from ASTM E 1996-04 shall be used (4.5 lb (+/-0.25lb) 2x4, 4 ft (+/-4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 40 ft/s.  If you want the product to be acceptable in only the Inland I zone, then Missile Level B shall be used 2.0 lb (+/-0.25 lb) 2x4, 1 ft-9 in (+/-4 in.) long, with an impact speed of 50 ft/s.  This criteria applies to basic protection located at a height of 30 feet or less on a structure as defined in ASTM E 1996-04.  For other criteria, please consult with the Texas Department of Insurance.
    
15.    Is windborne debris protection required above 60 ft on a building?
    No. In accordance with Section 1609.1.24 of the IBC and the Texas Revisions, windborne debris protection is not required for exterior openings located above 60 feet in Category II, III or IV Buildings.
    
    
16.    If a building product is not listed on the Texas Department of Insurance product evaluation index, then does that mean that the product is not acceptable?
    No. It may only mean that the Texas Department of Insurance has not evaluated the product because we have not received any information from the product manufacturer. There may be a good chance that the product meets the building specifications that have been adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance. If you are interested in using a product that is not listed on our index, and the product installation will be inspected by a TDI windstorm field inspector, please contact the TDI prior to purchasing the product.  We may be able to obtain the appropriate test data from the product manufacturer and provide our inspectors with the required information. If a Texas licensed professional engineer who is appointed by the TDI as a qualified inspector will be inspecting the product installation, then the engineer can obtain the appropriate test data directly from the product manufacturer and can determine if the product complies with the building specifications adopted by the TDI.
    
    
17.    Are building products that are installed on commercial buildings required to meet the Texas Department of Insurance's requirements?
    If the commercial structure will be insured for windstorm and hail insurance through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, then all building products that are installed on the commercial structure and are subject to wind loads will need to comply with the building specifications adopted by the Texas Department of Insurance.
    
    
18.    When is the small missile impact test required?
    Please refer to ASTM E 1886-04 and ASTM E 1996-04. For impact protective systems (shutters), the test is required if there are openings greater than 3/16 inch projected horizontally.  For exterior opening systems (windows, doors, skylights), the test is required when the products will be installed greater than 30 feet above grade (Note: for exterior opening systems, the small missile test is not required if the exterior opening product has passed the large missile test).
    
    
19.    If I am testing my product for windborne debris resistance, how many specimens must I test?
    Please refer to ASTM E 1886-04 and ASTM E 1996-04. Three specimens must be tested. All three must pass the test criteria.
    
    
20.    If I am testing my product for windborne debris resistance, how many specimens must I test for uniform static pressure?
    One specimen must be tested for uniform static pressure resistance.  The specimen tested for uniform static pressure may also be used for the windborne debris testing.
    
    
21.    Are products required to be labeled indicating that they have been accepted by the Texas Department of Insurance?
    No. The Texas Department of Insurance does require that certain products bear a label.  Such products include windows, doors, garage doors, skylights, and shutters.  The label must include information such as the product name, the product manufacturer, the series/model number, and the design pressure rating.  If the product is windborne debris resistant, it must indicate the missile criteria it passed and the cyclic wind pressure rating.  Note: The Texas Department of Insurance does require windows and glass doors be labeled in accordance with Sections R613.4 and R613.7.1 of the IRC and Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC.  Skylights shall comply with the labeling criteria specified in Sections R308.6.10 and R308.6.12.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IRC, Section 2405.5 of the IBC and Section 2405.7.1 of the Texas Revisions to the IBC.
    
    
22.    I reviewed ASTM E 1996 and it does not provide the guidance I need for impacting my product. What should I do?
    Contact the engineering section of the Texas Department of Insurance prior to testing your product. The TDI will be able to provide recommendations for impacting the products.
    

1.    What test criteria must doors comply with?
   Glass doors must be tested in accordance with either ASTM E 330-02.  ANSI/DASMA 108-02, or ANSI/DASMA 108-05.  If the garage door will also be tested for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions section of this FAQ for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
   
   
2.    Do I have to test all of the door sizes that I manufacturer to have them listed with the Texas Department of Insurance?
   No. In general, the largest door slab size should be tested. If the door will contain glazing, the largest glazing infill should be tested. Smaller doors of the same construction will be accepted at the design pressure rating for the tested assembly. Please consult with the engineering section of the Texas Department of Insurance prior to testing the door products.
   
   
3.    If an OXX door configuration is tested, how many other door configurations can be accepted without additional testing?
   The following door configurations can be accepted without additional testing: O, X, OO, XX, XO, OOO, OOX, OXO.
   
   
4.    If my single door has glazing, where should the door be impacted?
   The glazing shall be impacted as specified in ASTM E 1886-04 and ASTM E 1996-04. For the non-glazed portions of the door, each door shall be impacted once at the center of the thinnest portion.
   
   
5.    If I have double doors with glazing, where should the doors be impacted?
   The glass in one door of each specimen shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E-04 1996. For the non-glazed portions of the doors, one door of each specimen shall be impacted once at the center of the thinnest portion. Each double door assembly shall also be impacted at the center where they lock together.
   
   
6.    How should I consider hardware when I test my doors?
   Doors must be tested with the hardware that will be installed with the door. If the door is to be tested as a non-impact resistant door, then a separate test is required for each type of hardware that will be used. If the door will be tested for windborne debris resistance, then a different hardware set can be used on each test specimen. If the doors pass the test, then the different hardware types will be accepted.
   
   
7.    I tested a door that is an inswing configuration.  Can I get acceptance for an outswing configuration?  No.  The door with the outswing configuration must also be tested.
   
   
8.    How can I secure the sill of an entry door to the test buck?
   If the sill is secured to a wood test buck with fasteners, then the product evaluation report will require that the sill be secured to wood framing. You may submit a fastener analysis for alternative fasteners that can be used to secure the sill to a concrete or concrete block. The door may also be tested with the sill secured to the test buck with silicone. In this manner, the sill can be secured to wood framing, concrete block, or concrete with silicone as a minimum.
   
   
9.    Can I submit my door components for acceptance by the Texas Department of Insurance?
   No. The Texas Department of Insurance does not develop product evaluation reports for building product components. A product must be tested as a full size assembly with all the components and hardware that will be used when the product is installed in the field.
   
   

1.    What test criteria must garage doors comply with?
   Garage doors must be tested in accordance with either ASTM E 330-02 or ANSI/DASMA 108-02.  If the garage door will also be tested for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQ for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
   
   
2.    What is the maximum allowable cycle time for garage doors?
   If the surface area of the garage door is less than 75 sf, then the maximum allowable cycle time is 3 seconds. If the surface area of the garage door is greater than 75 sf, then the maximum allowable cycle time, in seconds, is determined by the following equation: (Area of garage door - 75) x F-3. Where F=0.6 for sectional doors and F=0.35 for roll-up doors.
   
   
3.    Where should a sectional garage door with glazing and without horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
   The non-glazed portions of the doors shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04 or ANSI/DASMA 115-2003. Impacts shall be to the door panel. One glass panel from each door specimen shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04 or ANSI/DASMA 115-2003.
   
   
4.    Where should a sectional garage door without glazing and without horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
   The doors shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04 or ANSI/DASMA 115-2003. Impacts shall be to the door panels.
   
   
5.    Where should a sectional garage door with horizontal and vertical supports be impacted?
   The doors shall be impacted in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04 or ANSI/DASMA 115-2003. Impacts shall be to the door panels and not to either the horizontal or vertical supports.
   
   
6.    If I test an 8' tall sectional garage door, can I gain acceptance for taller doors?
   Yes. The doors must not include any vertical supports.
   
   
   
7. What wind pressures are garage doors required to resist?  Refer to either Table R301.2(2) of the IRC, Table R301.2(4) of the Texas Revisions to the IRC, or ASCE 7-05 for required wind pressures on garage doors.
   

1.    What test criteria must impact protective systems comply with for uniform static pressure?
   Impact protective systems must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 330-02.  For windborne debris resistance testing, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQ for the acceptable windborne debris test criteria.
   
   
2.    Is there a maximum deflection limitation when testing impact protective systems?
   In accordance with Section 5.5 of ASTM E 1996-04, the dynamic deflection and the residual deflection must be measured and recorded.  In accordance with Section 8.3 of ASTM E 1996-04, the impact protective system must be offset from the fenestration assembly based on the measured and recorded deflections.  Please refer to Sections 5.5 and 8.3 of ASTM E 1996-04.
   
   
3.    Do roll-up and accordion shutters have to be operable following the impact and cyclic wind pressure loading test?
   No. The shutters do have to be operable prior to the conduct of the test.
   
   
4.    Where should storm panels, such as aluminum or steel corrugated panels be impacted?
   The impacts shall be located in the valleys of the corrugations. Please refer to ASTM E 1996-04 for further impact testing requirements.
   
   
5.    If a shutter system is tested with lateral supports, are there any specific limitations?
   Yes. If a system is tested with lateral supports, then the product will be limited to the width (horizontal span) of the specimen tested. If a product is tested without lateral supports, then there is no limitation to the width (horizontal span).
   
   
6.    Where should accordian shutters with a center-locking device be impacted?
   Each specimen shall have a center impact at the location of the locking device.  In addition, each specimen shall have one panel impacted at the locations specified in ASTM E 1996-04.

1.    What test criteria must skylights comply with?
   Skylights shall be tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05. If the skylight is tested for windborne debris resistance, then it must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886-04 and ASTM E 1996-04 or AAMA 506-00.
   
   

1.    What test criteria must windows comply with?
   Windows must be tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA.CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 and bear a label as specified in Section R613.4 of the IRC or Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC.  Windows that fall outside the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 330-02.  If the windows will also be tested for windborne debris resistance, refer to the General Questions sections of this FAQ for the acceptance windborne debris test criteria.
   
   
2.    Where should single hung windows be impacted?
   If the fixed lite and the operable sash are glazed identically, then the impacts shall be to the glazing in the operable sash only. If the fixed lite is larger than the operable sash, then both the fixed lite and the operable sash shall be impacted. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04.
   
   
3.    Where should horizontal slider windows be impacted?
   If the fixed lite and the operable sash are glazed identically, then the impacts shall be to the glazing in the operable sash only. If the fixed lite is larger than the operable sash, then both the fixed lite and the operable sash shall be impacted. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04.
   
   
4.    Where should double hung windows be impacted?
   The impacts shall be to the larger of the operable sashes. Impacts shall be in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04.
   
   
5.    Where should fixed, casement, and awning windows be impacted?
   The impacts shall be to the glazing and in accordance with ASTM E 1996-04.
   
   
6.    I have my individual window products listed with the Texas Department of Insurance. Are my mulled window assemblies also included?
   No. In order to have your mulled window assemblies included with your individual windows, you must submit data to support the use of the mulled assemblies. Structural mullions must be evaluated in accordance with Section R613.9 of the IRC. Mullions may also be evaluated in accordance with AAMA 450-00. Contact the engineering section of the Texas Department of Insurance prior to evaluating the mulled assemblies for specific requirements.
   
   
7.    My window is labeled in accordance with Section R613.4 of the IRC. Can I submit a comparative analysis to the Texas Department of Insurance to gain acceptance for smaller windows at a higher design pressure?
   No. The TDI will only accept the smaller window if the window has been tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 and bears a label as specified in Section R613.4 of the IRC or Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC.
   
   
8.    My window is labeled in accordance with Section R613.4 of the IRC. I had an identical smaller window tested to ASTM E 330 to achieve a higher design pressure than indicated on the label. Can I submit this test report to the Texas Department of Insurance to gain acceptance for the higher design pressure?
   No. The TDI will only accept the smaller window if the window has been tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 and bears a label as specified in Section R613.4 of the IRC or Section 1714.5.1 of the IBC.
   
   
9.    My window was tested as a new construction window. I also market the window as a replacement window. Will the TDI accept a fastener analysis to permit alternative fasteners to be used to for installing the replacement window?
   Yes. The analysis must be sealed by a Texas licensed professional engineer. The engineer must be independent from the manufacturer of the product. The analysis shall be submitted to the Texas Department of Insurance. Contact the engineering section of the Texas Department of Insurance prior to performing the analysis.
   
   
10.    Will the TDI accept a fastener analysis to permit alternative fasteners to be used to for installing windows?
    Yes. The analysis must be sealed by a Texas Licensed professional engineer.  The engineer must be independent from the manufacturer of the product.  The analysis shall be submitted to the Texas Department of Insurance.  The shear capacity and the withdrawal capacity for the alternative fasteners shall not be less than the shear capacity and the withdrawals capacity for the fasteners used with the tested assembly.  In addition, the spacing of the alternative fasteners shall not exceed the spacing of the fasteners used with the tested assembly.  Contact the Engineering Section of the Texas Department of Insurance prior to performing the analysis.
    

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