The legislature in Texas has set stringent requirements for independent agent insurance companies such as ours, in Texas to meet regarding windstorm roofing damage. Homes in Texas, such as El Paso and especially those homes that are situated on the Eastern coastline of Texas, or the Gulf Coast of Texas are susceptible to wind damage from hurricanes. Before a homeowner can get homeowners insurance their roof must meet these requirements. The roof must withstand gusts of wind over 100 miles per hour and three second gusts over 110 miles per hour. Those homes on the Gulf Coast of Texas must withstand winds of over 128 miles per hour.

These requirements will be met through Coastal Building Inspections. Material for roofs must be solidly secured to sheathed roofing and then layered with asphalt shingles and stripping that is interlocking and self-sealing. Metal roofing or some other roofing material is required on homes where winds generally exceed 110 miles per hour.

Every aspect of the roof must meet Texas regulations in order to be insured. Material for roofs must meet strict regulations. Plywood needs to be at least 7th of an inch and must be used as roof decking. Nailing of the plywood decking must meet requirements of nails every four inches at the edges and the center nails must be every six inches. Fasteners must have a size of 0.131 x 2.5 inches. These fasteners will sit flush with the platform.

Before a homeowner can have their home reroofed the contractor is required by law to lay a 15 pound single layer of felt over existing shingles. It has been found that the new roof fasteners do not hold when placed directly into old shingles and decks. Contractors do not have to use this method if the shingles are in good condition. After a home has had two layers of shingles then before new are applied the old layers must be removed.

The Department of Insurance in the State of Texas must regulate the building code requirements for storm damage on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Since hail and windstorms are prevalent within the area of the Gulf Coast, these areas are considered catastrophic areas, and are in high risk areas for damage. Homes in these areas are required to buy hail and windstorm insurances, through the special Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and they must be inspected.

If you are a homeowner living in El Paso, Texas, be advised that your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t provide coverage for flood damage. Even if you are not living in a designated flood zone, you can still incur damage from flooding due to heavy rain. Such was the case in August of 2006 when El Paso received 7 inches of rain over the course of three days The rain was so intense that even flood control dams that were designed to protect the city against flooding overflowed. The Layout of the City El Paso is located at the far western edge of Texas. The southern edge of the city borders the Rio Grande River. The remainder of the city is shaped like a horseshoe that surrounds the southernmost edge of the Franklin Mountains. Although the range extends above 7,000 feet, the majority of the city of El Paso lies below 4500 feet. Natural weather conditions over the years created little channels down which the water flows. There are still areas along the steep slopes of the mountains where heavy rain, wind and snow hastened erosion, so despite all protective measures, residents should always consider the possibility of flooding in the city. Some areas of the city lie on natural flood plains. The city has strict regulations regarding any development or disruption to these flood plains because the flooding helps replenish the aquifers that provide the city with water. These areas are also natural wildlife habits that need to be preserved. Getting Flood Insurance The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by FEMA, but you can purchase a policy through your independent agent in El Paso, Texas. Flood insurance policies are issued on businesses, homes and even personal possessions. When purchasing flood insurance for a building, understand that contents are covered separately. If you’ve always believed that flood insurance is too expensive, think again. For roughly $300 a year, you can purchase insurance that provides coverage for as much as $100,000. Although flood insurance is always available, your policy won’t take effect until 30 days after your application is approved and you pay the premium. If you are taking out a mortgage to purchase a home and the home lies in a designated flood plain, your lender will not allow the financing for the house to go through or process the final papers until you show proof that you’ve purchased flood insurance. You never know what might happen. Having that extra protection will ensure that you and your family have the financial means to go on should you ever have to face any type of catastrophic flood situation.