Resource hub · Galveston, TX
Galveston hurricane shutter resources, glossary and worksheet
Everything we reference in one place: where to check windstorm certificates, permits and storm alerts, what the shutter terms in a quote mean, and the questions worth asking every installer.
Tell us about your projectHow to use this page
Print or save the worksheet before installer visits, and use the glossary when reading quotes. Each official source shows the date we last checked it. Rules and programs change, so confirm anything address-specific with the agency named.
What this guide does not do
We are an independent planning guide and enquiry service, not an installer, engineer, inspector or insurer. We do not certify products, set prices or decide whether your project needs a permit or a certificate.
Galveston shutter rules and records at a glance
On phones, each row is shown with its column labels.
| Consideration | What it is | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Windstorm certificate (WPI-8 / WPI-8-E) | TDI certificate showing coastal work meets building code; Galveston County is listed. TWIA needs one before a property is eligible for its coverage. | TDI windstorm inspection page and certificate search; TDI Windstorm Inspections, 800-248-6032. |
| Product evaluation | A report on whether a specific product meets TDI-adopted specifications when installed as evaluated. TDI does not approve or endorse products. | TDI Windstorm System public product evaluations; the manufacturer for test reports. |
| City building permit | City of Galveston permit and inspections for work at your address. The contractor is responsible for calling for required inspections. | City of Galveston Building Division, 409-797-3620, and its online ePortal. |
| Windborne debris protection | Where required, glazed openings can use impact-rated products or ordinary products with a tested protective device such as a shutter. | TDI Windstorm Inspections Program newsletter (July 2021); your engineer or inspector for current code. |
| Hurricane season | June 1 to November 30; most activity mid-August to mid-October, peaking around September 10. | NOAA National Hurricane Center climatology. |
| Watches and warnings | A hurricane watch comes about 48 hours, and a warning about 36 hours, before tropical-storm-force winds are expected. | NOAA National Hurricane Center glossary and current advisories. |
Why the code cares about glazed openings
In a windborne debris region, flying debris can break ordinary glass. TDI's July 2021 newsletter says owners can meet the requirement with impact-rated glazed products or with non-impact products plus a windborne debris protective device, such as a proprietary shutter or a 7/16-inch wood structural panel, and that panel fasteners must be permanently installed into the structural framing.
Compare shutter systems
Worksheet: questions to ask every shutter installer
Which openings are included, and which are not?
Ask for a written opening list with location, size and system for each window and door.
Which exact product and model is proposed for each opening?
Ask for the evaluation or test report that matches the model, size and mounting.
How will it attach to my house?
Ask what mounting surface, fasteners and surface preparation the structure needs, and what repairs are included.
Who handles the permit and windstorm inspection?
Ask whether a City permit and a WPI-8 inspection apply, who books them and whether the cost is included.
How do I close it, and how long does the whole house take?
Ask for a demonstration, including upstairs openings and any shutters behind railings.
What happens if the power is out?
For motorized shutters, ask for the manufacturer's override or backup procedure in writing.
How will bedroom windows and exit doors work when closed?
Ask how people inside can get out and what the code and product instructions require.
What care does it need in salt air?
Ask for the written care and lubrication instructions and any servicing needed to keep the warranty.
What is in the warranty, and who honors it?
Ask for the written terms covering product, installation and any motors.
What could change the price after measuring?
Ask which conditions would change the quote and how changes are approved.
What will I receive at handover?
Model list, operating and care instructions, warranty, paid scope and any permit or certificate records.
Glossary: shutter terms in plain English
Accordion shutter
Permanently mounted blades that fold into stacks beside an opening and slide closed along top and bottom tracks.
Roll-down (rolling) shutter
Interlocking slats that roll into a head box above the opening and lower in side guides, by hand or motor.
Hurricane fabric
Removable fabric panels stored off the house and attached to permanent anchors before a storm.
Head box
The housing above a roll-down shutter that holds the rolled-up slats.
Side guides and tracks
The channels that hold a roll-down curtain or accordion blades in place.
Opening list (opening schedule)
A written list of every window and door to be covered, with location, size and proposed system.
Glazed opening
A window, glass door, skylight or other opening containing glass.
Windborne debris region
An area where the building code requires glazed openings to be protected from flying debris, based on design wind speed.
Windborne debris protective device
A tested shutter or panel that covers ordinary glazing to meet a debris-protection requirement.
Impact-rated glazing
Windows or doors that are themselves rated to resist debris impact, without a separate cover.
Product evaluation
A report on whether a specific product meets TDI-adopted specifications within stated limits.
WPI-8 and WPI-8-E
TDI certificates of compliance for work inspected in progress (WPI-8) or after completion (WPI-8-E).
TWIA
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, which requires a certificate of compliance before a property is eligible for its coverage.
Designated catastrophe area
The 14 Texas coastal counties, including Galveston, and part of Harris County east of Highway 146 covered by TDI's windstorm inspections.
Hurricane watch and warning
NOAA alerts issued about 48 hours (watch) and 36 hours (warning) before tropical-storm-force winds are expected.
Manual override
A way to operate a motorized shutter without power. Not every model has one; check the manufacturer's instructions.
Official resources
Reviewed 2026-10-14
- TDI: Do you need a windstorm inspection?
Catastrophe area, WPI-8 and WPI-8-E routes, inspectors and exemptions.
- TDI: WPI-8 fact sheet (PDF)
County list including Galveston; how to get an inspection.
- TDI: Windstorm inspections home
Certificate search, product evaluations and appointed engineers.
- TDI: Product evaluations
What evaluations are for; no TDI approval or endorsement of products.
- TDI: Windstorm Inspections Program newsletter, July 2021 (PDF)
Windborne debris protection choices and permanently installed fasteners.
- TWIA: Windstorm certification
Certificate required before a property is eligible for TWIA coverage.
- City of Galveston Building Division
Permits, online inspection requests, contractor inspection responsibility.
- City of Galveston: windows and sliding glass door compliance form (PDF)
2021 IRC emergency escape and rescue opening references.
- NOAA National Hurricane Center: climatology
Season dates and peak.
- NOAA National Hurricane Center: glossary
Watch and warning definitions and timing.
- Ready.gov: Hurricanes
Household preparation and evacuation guidance.
Common questions
What is a windborne debris region?
It is an area where the building code requires glazed openings to be protected from flying debris. TDI's July 2021 newsletter says this applies where the basic design wind speed is 140 mph or higher for typical (Risk Category II) buildings. Ask an engineer or windstorm inspector how it applies to your address.
Can plywood be used instead of hurricane shutters?
TDI lists a 7/16-inch wood structural panel as one example of a windborne debris protective device, with fasteners permanently installed into the framing. This guide focuses on installed shutter systems; ask an inspector or engineer what your project requires.
Are impact windows an alternative to hurricane shutters?
Yes, TDI describes impact-rated glazed products as one way to meet windborne debris protection, as an alternative to ordinary glazing with a protective device. Compare cost, appearance and the storm routine for each opening.
Where can I check a product's TDI evaluation?
TDI lists current product evaluation reports on its Windstorm System and says expired reports are removed. If a report is not listed, TDI suggests contacting the manufacturer for a test report.