Code-Compliant Windows
Transform Your Space
Built to Code. Installed with Confidence.
Code-compliant windows aren’t just about passing inspections—they’re about protecting your investment, staying eligible for insurance, and ensuring your home meets today’s safety, energy, and structural standards. In regions like Houston, Pearland, and Galveston, failing to meet Texas window code can lead to denied claims, costly retrofits, or even home sale delays. That’s why choosing the right windows—and the right installer—matters more than ever.
At Longhorn Windows, we specialize in TDI-approved, IRC/IBC-compliant window solutions designed for Texas homes. Our team ensures each installation meets windstorm zone requirements, egress sizing rules, tempered glass mandates, and energy code standards—all without sacrificing style or performance.
Need help navigating local codes? Call (832) 530-4485 to schedule your free consultation and let Longhorn Windows guide you to a compliant, worry-free window upgrade.
The Most Code-Compliant Windows
#1
Already engineered to meet windstorm codes (ASTM E1886/E1996), pressure ratings, and often energy and safety standards.
#3
Excellent egress clearance, strong structural performance, and very tight air sealing for energy code compliance.
#5
Fixed units make energy code easy, but may require tempered glass depending on size/location. Must pair with egress-compliant windows.
#7
Aesthetic-forward, but structurally complex. May need additional reinforcement or tempered glass to meet code.
#9
Budget-friendly but limited egress and air-sealing performance. Often needs tempered or impact upgrades for code.
#2
Required by code in bathrooms, near stairs, doors, or large panes. Choosing this glass type proactively meets multiple IRC/IBC safety requirements.
#4
Can meet egress and energy code with proper sizing and Low-E glass, but may need reinforcement for windstorm zones.
#6
Efficient with proper glass but slightly looser air sealing. May require tempered/impact upgrades for code-critical zones.
#8
Code compliance depends entirely on shape, location, and materials. Requires case-by-case design review.
#10
Strong but conducts heat. Usually fails energy code without thermal breaks. Rarely approved alone for windstorm zones.
Whether you live in Galveston, Pearland, or anywhere along the coast, code-compliant windows are key to protecting your home—and qualifying for windstorm insurance.
Older windows may carry historic charm, but they often fall short of today’s safety and egress codes—especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Need some answers? Here are some FAQs.
What building codes apply to window installations in Texas?
Texas window installations must follow the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC)—with specific rules for things like safety glazing, egress, and structural performance. If you're in a windstorm-designated zone (like parts of Galveston, Brazoria, or East Harris County), your windows must also meet TDI (Texas Department of Insurance) standards to qualify for windstorm insurance coverage.
Which parts of my home have special window code requirements?
Code requirements kick in based on location and safety risk. For example:
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Bedrooms must have at least one egress window—big enough to crawl through in an emergency, with a clear opening of 5.7 sq ft (upstairs) or 5 sq ft (ground floor), and a sill height under 44 inches.
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Bathrooms, stairways, and areas near doors often require tempered safety glass, as outlined in IRC §R308 and §R310.
Do I need a permit or inspection to replace my windows in Texas?
In most Texas cities and counties, yes. If your window replacement alters the size of an opening or involves egress, tempered glass, or structural changes, a permit is usually required. Local inspectors will check for energy code compliance (IECC) and safety standards (IRC). Longhorn handles this process for you so you can avoid costly mistakes or delays.
What’s a Windstorm Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8 or WPI-8-E), and do I need one?
If you live in a designated windstorm zone—including parts of Galveston, Chambers, or Harris County east of Hwy 146—you’ll need a WPI-8 (for completed work) or WPI-8-E (for engineering approval) to maintain eligibility for TWIA (Texas Windstorm Insurance Association) coverage. This certificate confirms your windows are properly installed and meet TDI code.
Do code-compliant windows also need to be energy-efficient?
Yes. Texas follows the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which sets minimum performance standards for all new and replacement windows. For example, in Climate Zone 2 (which includes Houston, Katy, and Pearland), code requires:
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U-Factor ≤ 0.50 (measures heat transfer)
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SHGC ≤ 0.30 (limits solar heat gain)
Longhorn’s ENERGY STAR® window options exceed these requirements and help you stay compliant—while saving money on energy bills.