The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has adopted updated windstorm construction standards based on the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2024 International Building Code (IBC).
Beginning April 1, 2026, new construction and certain repairs in designated coastal areas must follow these updated codes to remain eligible for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) coverage. Projects that begin before April 1, 2026 may still be built under the current code requirements.
To qualify for coverage through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), structures must comply with TDI windstorm building requirements. Projects started after April 1, 2026 must demonstrate compliance with the newly adopted 2024 IRC and IBC codes to receive windstorm certification. Failing to meet these requirements may affect a structure’s eligibility for windstorm insurance coverage.
The new windstorm code requirements impact many types of coastal construction projects, including:
Texas coastal communities experience some of the strongest wind events in the United States. Updating building codes helps ensure structures are better prepared for hurricanes and severe storms. The new standards incorporate advances in:
By adopting newer codes, Texas aligns more closely with national construction standards and strengthens long-term resilience along the Gulf Coast.
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