Texas Wind Code Requirements for Commercial Door Assemblies
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
What is TDI and how does it relate to commercial doors?
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) administers windstorm building code requirements for designated catastrophe areas along the Texas Gulf Coast. Commercial door assemblies installed in these areas must meet TDI wind resistance standards and be approved for use in windborne debris regions.
Does my Texas project require wind-rated doors?
Projects located within TDI's designated catastrophe area along the Texas Gulf Coast require wind-rated products. Use the TDI website to verify whether your project address falls within the designated area. Projects outside the designated area follow standard building code requirements.
What testing standards apply for Texas wind code?
Texas accepts products tested to ASTM E1886 (performance test method for impact and cyclic pressure) and ASTM E1996 (specification for windborne debris impact performance). Products with test reports demonstrating compliance with these standards are generally accepted for Texas wind code applications.
Do CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies meet Texas wind code requirements?
Yes. CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies are tested per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 standards. While CDF's assemblies hold Florida Product Approvals, the underlying ASTM test reports demonstrate compliance with the testing standards accepted for Texas wind code.
How do Texas wind code requirements differ from Florida?
Texas accepts ASTM E1886/E1996 tested products without a separate state product approval system. Florida has its own Florida Product Approval system and a separate HVHZ approval (NOA) for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Texas enforcement is through TDI-authorized inspectors who issue WPI-8 certificates, while Florida uses local building departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors to configure hurricane-rated door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays wind-rated options with applicable design pressure ratings and compatible hardware selections for Texas Gulf Coast projects.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
CDF's hurricane-rated hollow metal door and frame assemblies are tested and approved for use in windborne debris regions, including the Texas Gulf Coast. These assemblies are tested per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 standards.
CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies hold Florida Product Approvals, which document the testing and design pressure ratings. While Florida Product Approvals are Florida-specific, the underlying ASTM test reports demonstrate compliance with the testing standards accepted for Texas wind code requirements.
Fire-rated hurricane assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings for projects that require both wind and fire code compliance.
CDF Hurricane-Rated Assemblies for Texas Projects
TDI's designated catastrophe area includes 14 first-tier coastal counties and portions of adjacent second-tier counties. Major metropolitan areas affected include:
• Galveston County (entire county)
• Nueces County, including Corpus Christi
• Cameron County, including Brownsville
• Portions of Harris County (Houston area east of specified boundaries)
• Portions of Brazoria County
• Aransas, Calhoun, Chambers, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties
The exact boundaries of the designated catastrophe area are defined by TDI and may not follow county lines in all cases. Use the TDI website or contact TDI directly to confirm whether a specific address falls within the designated area.
Which Texas Counties Have Wind Code Requirements
While both Texas and Florida require wind-rated products in hurricane-prone coastal areas, there are important differences in the approval and enforcement systems:
Product Approval Systems
• Florida uses a statewide product approval system (Florida Product Approval) and a separate HVHZ approval (NOA) for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
• Texas accepts products tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 standards and approved under the applicable building code. Texas does not have a separate state product approval system like Florida.
Inspection and Enforcement
• Florida enforces wind code requirements through local building departments and the Florida Building Commission.
• Texas enforces requirements through TDI-authorized windstorm inspectors. A WPI-8 certificate of compliance is issued after inspection confirming all products meet TDI requirements.
Insurance Implications
• In Florida, wind code compliance is a building code requirement regardless of insurance.
• In Texas, wind code compliance in the designated catastrophe area is directly tied to eligibility for TWIA windstorm insurance coverage.
How Texas Requirements Differ from Florida
Design pressure requirements for the Texas Gulf Coast are determined by the applicable building code (International Building Code or local amendments), building location, height, exposure category, and occupancy classification. Wind speeds along the Texas Gulf Coast range from 130 mph to over 150 mph in the most exposed coastal areas.
Door assemblies installed in windborne debris regions must be impact-rated in addition to meeting the required design pressure. Impact testing verifies that the assembly can withstand windborne debris strikes without breach, which would allow wind pressure to enter and potentially cause structural failure.
Testing Standards for Texas Wind Code
• ASTM E1886: Standard test method for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by missile(s) and exposed to cyclic pressure differentials.
• ASTM E1996: Standard specification for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by windborne debris in hurricanes.
Products tested and approved per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 are generally accepted for Texas wind code compliance in non-HVHZ applications. Product approval documentation must be available for TDI inspection.
Design Pressure Requirements for Texas Gulf Coast
Texas windborne debris regions are concentrated along the Gulf Coast. TDI designates specific counties and partial counties as catastrophe areas subject to windstorm building code requirements. These areas include:
• First-tier coastal counties: Counties directly on the Gulf Coast, including Galveston, Nueces, Cameron, Harris (partial), and Brazoria (partial).
• Second-tier counties: Inland counties adjacent to first-tier counties that are partially within the designated catastrophe area.
The TDI website provides maps and county-by-county listings of designated catastrophe areas. Contractors should verify whether a specific project address falls within the designated area before specifying products and beginning construction.
Windborne Debris Regions in Texas
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) administers windstorm building code requirements for designated catastrophe areas along the Texas Gulf Coast. These requirements apply to construction in counties and portions of counties identified by TDI as vulnerable to windstorm damage. Products installed in TDI-designated areas must meet specific wind resistance standards and carry appropriate product approvals.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) provides windstorm insurance for properties in the designated catastrophe area. To qualify for TWIA coverage, buildings must be constructed using TDI-approved products and inspected by TDI-authorized inspectors. Non-compliant construction may be ineligible for windstorm insurance.
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Wind Code Overview
Understanding Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) wind resistance requirements and how they affect door and frame selection for coastal projects.
This guide answers: How Texas TDI Wind Code Requirements Affect Coastal Door Assemblies
Texas Wind Code Requirements for Commercial Door Assemblies
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
What is TDI and how does it relate to commercial doors?
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) administers windstorm building code requirements for designated catastrophe areas along the Texas Gulf Coast. Commercial door assemblies installed in these areas must meet TDI wind resistance standards and be approved for use in windborne debris regions.
Does my Texas project require wind-rated doors?
Projects located within TDI's designated catastrophe area along the Texas Gulf Coast require wind-rated products. Use the TDI website to verify whether your project address falls within the designated area. Projects outside the designated area follow standard building code requirements.
What testing standards apply for Texas wind code?
Texas accepts products tested to ASTM E1886 (performance test method for impact and cyclic pressure) and ASTM E1996 (specification for windborne debris impact performance). Products with test reports demonstrating compliance with these standards are generally accepted for Texas wind code applications.
Do CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies meet Texas wind code requirements?
Yes. CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies are tested per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 standards. While CDF's assemblies hold Florida Product Approvals, the underlying ASTM test reports demonstrate compliance with the testing standards accepted for Texas wind code.
How do Texas wind code requirements differ from Florida?
Texas accepts ASTM E1886/E1996 tested products without a separate state product approval system. Florida has its own Florida Product Approval system and a separate HVHZ approval (NOA) for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Texas enforcement is through TDI-authorized inspectors who issue WPI-8 certificates, while Florida uses local building departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors to configure hurricane-rated door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays wind-rated options with applicable design pressure ratings and compatible hardware selections for Texas Gulf Coast projects.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Configure Your Door Assembly
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
CDF's hurricane-rated hollow metal door and frame assemblies are tested and approved for use in windborne debris regions, including the Texas Gulf Coast. These assemblies are tested per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 standards.
CDF's hurricane-rated assemblies hold Florida Product Approvals, which document the testing and design pressure ratings. While Florida Product Approvals are Florida-specific, the underlying ASTM test reports demonstrate compliance with the testing standards accepted for Texas wind code requirements.
Fire-rated hurricane assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings for projects that require both wind and fire code compliance.
CDF Hurricane-Rated Assemblies for Texas Projects
TDI's designated catastrophe area includes 14 first-tier coastal counties and portions of adjacent second-tier counties. Major metropolitan areas affected include:
• Galveston County (entire county)
• Nueces County, including Corpus Christi
• Cameron County, including Brownsville
• Portions of Harris County (Houston area east of specified boundaries)
• Portions of Brazoria County
• Aransas, Calhoun, Chambers, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Refugio, San Patricio, and Willacy counties
The exact boundaries of the designated catastrophe area are defined by TDI and may not follow county lines in all cases. Use the TDI website or contact TDI directly to confirm whether a specific address falls within the designated area.
Which Texas Counties Have Wind Code Requirements
While both Texas and Florida require wind-rated products in hurricane-prone coastal areas, there are important differences in the approval and enforcement systems:
Product Approval Systems
• Florida uses a statewide product approval system (Florida Product Approval) and a separate HVHZ approval (NOA) for Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
• Texas accepts products tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 standards and approved under the applicable building code. Texas does not have a separate state product approval system like Florida.
Inspection and Enforcement
• Florida enforces wind code requirements through local building departments and the Florida Building Commission.
• Texas enforces requirements through TDI-authorized windstorm inspectors. A WPI-8 certificate of compliance is issued after inspection confirming all products meet TDI requirements.
Insurance Implications
• In Florida, wind code compliance is a building code requirement regardless of insurance.
• In Texas, wind code compliance in the designated catastrophe area is directly tied to eligibility for TWIA windstorm insurance coverage.
How Texas Requirements Differ from Florida
Design pressure requirements for the Texas Gulf Coast are determined by the applicable building code (International Building Code or local amendments), building location, height, exposure category, and occupancy classification. Wind speeds along the Texas Gulf Coast range from 130 mph to over 150 mph in the most exposed coastal areas.
Door assemblies installed in windborne debris regions must be impact-rated in addition to meeting the required design pressure. Impact testing verifies that the assembly can withstand windborne debris strikes without breach, which would allow wind pressure to enter and potentially cause structural failure.
Testing Standards for Texas Wind Code
• ASTM E1886: Standard test method for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by missile(s) and exposed to cyclic pressure differentials.
• ASTM E1996: Standard specification for performance of exterior windows, curtain walls, doors, and impact protective systems impacted by windborne debris in hurricanes.
Products tested and approved per ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 are generally accepted for Texas wind code compliance in non-HVHZ applications. Product approval documentation must be available for TDI inspection.
Design Pressure Requirements for Texas Gulf Coast
Texas windborne debris regions are concentrated along the Gulf Coast. TDI designates specific counties and partial counties as catastrophe areas subject to windstorm building code requirements. These areas include:
• First-tier coastal counties: Counties directly on the Gulf Coast, including Galveston, Nueces, Cameron, Harris (partial), and Brazoria (partial).
• Second-tier counties: Inland counties adjacent to first-tier counties that are partially within the designated catastrophe area.
The TDI website provides maps and county-by-county listings of designated catastrophe areas. Contractors should verify whether a specific project address falls within the designated area before specifying products and beginning construction.
Windborne Debris Regions in Texas
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) administers windstorm building code requirements for designated catastrophe areas along the Texas Gulf Coast. These requirements apply to construction in counties and portions of counties identified by TDI as vulnerable to windstorm damage. Products installed in TDI-designated areas must meet specific wind resistance standards and carry appropriate product approvals.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) provides windstorm insurance for properties in the designated catastrophe area. To qualify for TWIA coverage, buildings must be constructed using TDI-approved products and inspected by TDI-authorized inspectors. Non-compliant construction may be ineligible for windstorm insurance.
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Wind Code Overview
Understanding Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) wind resistance requirements and how they affect door and frame selection for coastal projects.
This guide answers: How Texas TDI Wind Code Requirements Affect Coastal Door Assemblies
Texas Wind Code Requirements for Commercial Door Assemblies
Scott Kincanon
Director of Sales & Support
Scott Kincanon specializes in commercial door system performance, maintenance strategy, and long-term reliability. With experience across hollow metal doors, frames, and hardware assemblies, he focuses on ensuring commercial openings align with code requirements and real-world application standards. His expertise bridges specification accuracy, installation preparation, and lifecycle performance, helping teams prevent compliance issues and costly failures before they occur.
