FORTIFIED RoofingBuild Beyond Code
The FORTIFIED program transforms your roof from a code-minimum installation into a verified, resilient system that resists high winds, hail, and severe weather. It can reduce water intrusion by 95% and lower your insurance premiums by up to 55%.
What Is the FORTIFIED Program?
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Unlike building codes, which set the minimum legal standard, FORTIFIED represents the science-backed best practices for building homes that resist severe weather.
The program was developed through decades of full-scale laboratory testing at the IBHS Research Center, where engineers subject entire houses to Category 5 hurricane winds, hail cannons, and wind-driven rain. The result is a set of practical, affordable upgrades that dramatically improve a roof's performance.
Every FORTIFIED designation is verified by an independent, certified third-party evaluator \u2014 not the contractor. This ensures the work meets the standard and gives homeowners and insurers confidence in the designation.
Code vs. FORTIFIED
Three Levels of Protection
FORTIFIED offers three progressively comprehensive designation levels. Most homeowners pursuing FORTIFIED during a roof replacement start with the Roof designation.
The entry-level designation focuses exclusively on the roof system — the most vulnerable part of any home during severe weather. A FORTIFIED Roof addresses the #1 source of insurance claims: wind and water damage through the roof.
Roof Deck Preparation
- Remove ALL existing roofing material down to the deck
- Replace any damaged or deteriorated sheathing
- Nail roof deck with 8d ring-shank nails (0.113" diameter, 2-3/8" long) at 6" on-center
- Minimum sheathing thickness: 3/8" for 16" O.C. rafters, 7/16" for 24" O.C.
Sealed Roof Deck (Choose One Option)
- Option 1: 4-inch flashing tape over all seams + #30 felt or synthetic underlayment with button cap nails at 6" O.C.
- Option 2: Two-layer #30 felt system with 19-inch offset between layers
- Option 3: Self-adhered (peel-and-stick) membrane over the entire roof deck (highest protection level)
Shingle Installation
- Shingles must be ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H wind-rated
- SIX nails per shingle (not the standard four) per high-wind installation instructions
- Starter strips adhered at both eave AND rake edges
- Starter strips embedded in roofing cement or self-adhered per FORTIFIED details
Drip Edge & Flashing
- Drip edge at ALL rakes and eaves, extending 1/2" below sheathing and 2" back on roof
- Fastened at 12" on-center in a staggered pattern, 3" minimum overlap at joints
- Proper flashing at all penetrations, valleys, and roof-to-wall intersections
Fasteners
- Button cap nails (annular-ring or deformed-shank with minimum 1" diameter caps) for underlayment
- Standard staples and smooth-shank nails DO NOT qualify
- Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners required within 3,000 ft of saltwater
Insurance Savings & ROI
The FORTIFIED program was designed with insurance in mind. Insurers recognize that FORTIFIED homes file fewer claims and sustain less damage, which translates to real premium savings for homeowners.
How the Savings Work
Insurance companies assess risk when setting premiums. A FORTIFIED designation provides documented, third-party verified proof that your home exceeds minimum building standards for weather resistance.
In states with mandated FORTIFIED discounts (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana), savings are guaranteed by law. In other states, including Pennsylvania, many insurers offer voluntary premium reductions for homes with verified wind and hail resistance.
A 2025 audit of Louisiana's FORTIFIED roof grant program found that homeowners who received FORTIFIED roofs saved an average of $1,250 per year on insurance premiums, reducing their annual bill from $5,625 to $4,375.
ROI Example
* Savings vary by insurer, location, and designation level. Contact your insurance agent for specific discount availability.
Beyond Insurance Savings
Increased Home Value
A FORTIFIED designation is a documented, transferable asset that increases your home's resale value. Buyers in storm-prone areas actively seek FORTIFIED homes.
95% Less Water Intrusion
IBHS testing shows FORTIFIED roofs reduce water intrusion by 95% compared to code-minimum roofs. That means less damage, fewer claims, and more peace of mind.
Proven Storm Performance
After Hurricane Michael (2018), FORTIFIED homes in the hardest-hit areas sustained significantly less damage than neighboring code-built homes. The program works.
What Makes FORTIFIED Different
The FORTIFIED standard addresses the most common failure points identified through IBHS research. Here are the key upgrades that set a FORTIFIED roof apart.
6-Nail Shingle Pattern
Two additional nails near the edges of each shingle increase wind resistance by 50%+. This is the single most impactful upgrade in the FORTIFIED standard.
Sealed Roof Deck
If shingles blow off in a storm, a sealed deck prevents water from entering the home. This is why FORTIFIED roofs reduce water intrusion by 95%.
Cap Nail Fasteners
Cap nails provide 10x the holding area of standard nails, preventing underlayment from tearing away in high winds. Staples are explicitly prohibited.
Enhanced Edge Protection
Roof edges are where wind damage starts. FORTIFIED requires drip edge at every eave and rake, fastened at specific intervals with minimum 3" overlap.
How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof
The process is straightforward. RoofOps handles the installation and coordinates with the certified evaluator on your behalf.
Free Consultation
We assess your current roof, discuss your goals, and explain the FORTIFIED options. No obligation.
Evaluator Engagement
We connect you with a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator who will oversee the verification process.
Installation
Our crew installs your new roof to FORTIFIED specifications, with the evaluator documenting each phase.
Final Inspection
The evaluator performs a final inspection, verifies all requirements, and submits for your FORTIFIED designation.
Designation & Savings
You receive your FORTIFIED certificate. Contact your insurer to apply for available premium discounts.