Are you a metal roofing contractor working on projects along the Texas Gulf Coast? If so, you might be wondering how can you streamline TDI approvals into your projects and use it as a selling tool for your customers.
In this article, we’ll look at what TDI is and why it’s important, plus five keys to know about getting approvals for those counties not covered by standard insurance.
What Are TDI Approvals?
In Texas, there are 14 designated counties that are labeled as high-risk wind zones.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is a not-for-profit insurance company that offers windstorm and hail insurance to home and commercial property owners who cannot get standard coverage in the regular market due to the risk of catastrophic hurricanes.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) reviews and approves products that meet the criteria that they have deemed necessary to perform in these areas. There are applications and requirements that need to be met during installation, so it’s imperative that the process is started before work begins. Once complete and all conditions are met, the customer will have access to insurance coverage otherwise not offered by a normal provider.
While a TDI approval is not mandatory for roof installation in these 14 counties, it offers the ability to get protective coverage should anything happen to the roof and gives home and property owners peace of mind that their investment is safe.
What are the most important aspects to know about TDI approvals?
5 Keys to Know About TDI Approvals
1. TDI Approvals Take the Full Assembly into Account
TDI approvals don’t just approve specific panels — they take the entire roofing assembly into account. This refers to what substrate is used, whether the panels are installed over plywood or B-deck, what accessories you use, and the unique clip spacings.
And this isn’t just TDI — to get standard testing approvals on metal roofing systems, the whole assembly is always considered, whether you’re getting approvals on fire ratings or wind uplifts. Each part of the assembly is crucial to making sure that the roof performs as it should.
If your project doesn’t match the tested and approved TDI assembly, then it may not qualify for coverage. Be sure to take into account the entire assembly — not just individual products, when working with TDI approvals.
2. Start Research Early
If you wait to get TDI approvals until after the roof is already installed, then you might not be able to get the coverage you need for your customers. Instead, start early. You can access TDI’s online searchable database to find approved products. Some metal roofing suppliers may have pre-approved TDI assemblies listed on their website.
Contact a TWIA inspector assigned to your project before the work starts, and make sure you’re following installation details as outlined in the TDI approvals. Submit the right paperwork when the work is complete to get your compliance certificate.
3. Job-Specific TDI Evaluations Exist
One misconception about TDI approvals is that if a certain product or assembly isn’t listed, then it won’t be available for approval. However, if a manufacturer can provide full testing documents, then TDI may approve it for your specific project, in a one-time, job specific evaluation. It is important to start this process early to keep your project on track.
4. TDI Is Region-Specific
TDI applies to 14 coastal counties in Texas and certain other designated high-risk zones. TWIA lists the official zones on their website. Even if you aren’t working specifically in those zones, offering TDI approvals on your offerings can act as an additional selling point and help build trust with your customers.
5. TDI Approvals Are a Selling Tool
Home and building owners today are more educated than ever. They can find the information they’re looking for online and be highly aware of any issues before they even start talking to a contractor. And when it comes to making a big purchase, the sticking point is trust. Building trust with your customers can help facilitate a project without hangups and allow contractors to create a great reputation for themselves.
Offering TDI approvals on products and assemblies can help add an extra layer of trust between you and your customers. It shows you’re aware of the regional threats and are keeping your customers’ best interests in mind.
How Sheffield Metals Can Support Contractors with TDI
Navigating TDI approvals can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the region or just starting to offer TDI approvals on your products. Partnering with a trusted metal roofing supplier can help you streamline this process. Sheffield Metals International (SMI), a leading provider of metal coils, sheets, and accessories, can help metal roofing contractors with TDI approvals in a few different ways:
- TDI-approved assemblies: Sheffield Metals offers TDI-approved metal roofing assemblies, which take into account the entire roofing system, from the substrate to accessories to panels. You can visit our website for a list of approved systems.
- Ongoing testing: Sheffield Metals regularly submits new products for approval to TDI. We’re constantly updating our offerings and TDI approvals to reflect their current status.
- No added costs: TDI approvals don’t cost anything, which means they won’t cost anything on the contractor’s end, either. Just keep in mind that it can take 3-6 months for manufacturers to get an approval for a specific product.
Need Support with Getting TDI Approvals?
A reliable metal roofing supplier like Sheffield Metals can get you the information you need to complete quality projects in Texas.
Sheffield Metals International offers high-quality products and support to the metal roofing industry. Aside from selling coils and sheets, we also provide comprehensive support via our Commercial, Architectural, and Technical (CAT) team, which assists contractors throughout their entire project, from initial designs through finished installation.
Reach out to Sheffield Metals today with help finding TDI-approved products and assemblies for your next project.
