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FORTIFIED by IBHS

Roofing Contractors in much of the country are growing their businesses by meeting the increasing demand for stronger roof systems built to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard proven to stand up to Mother Nature.

Based on more than two decades of scientific research, FORTIFIED Roof is a set of voluntary roofing upgrades that improve a building’s resistance to the effects of severe weather, meeting homeowner expectations for both value and performance. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), FORTIFIED Roof has been tested in lab and field studies to withstand up to 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes and two-inch hail.

Among other requirements, FORTIFIED Roof calls for three key upgrades. First, the roof deck must be attached using ring-shank nails in a tight nailing pattern – a detail that can nearly double a roof’s resistance to wind uplift. Next is a sealed roof deck, which reduces the possibility of water intrusion by more than 95 percent in high-winds. The standards also call for additional details at the roof’s edge – an area that IBHS studies show is particularly vulnerable to wind.

For a home to receive a FORTIFIED designation, generally required for insurance discounts and/or mitigation credits, the upgrades must be documented by an independent third-party evaluator. The extra protection and third-party verification a FORTIFIED Roof provides shows customers their Roofing Contractor is committed to quality and durability.

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FORTIFIED Wise™ University: Get Trained and Certified

Roofing is a competitive business, and a reputation for installing storm-ready roofs will help your company stand out from the crowd. You can use the FORTIFIED standards and independent verification of each roof to demonstrate you know the best method to limit damage from tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather events.

To make it easier to fit FORTIFIED training into your day, IBHS is offering online, on-demand training. The program includes 11 modules, which offer approximately 2.5 hours of instruction and cost just $100. For an additional $50, users can also take the roofing contractor exam and, upon passing, be included in the FORTIFIED online contractor directory.

Enroll in training today!

Why Build to FORTIFIED and Seal the Roof Deck

IBHS research shows when shingles are lost every inch of rain that falls will result in the equivalent of approximately nine bathtubs of water pouring into the typical 2,000 sq. ft. home.

Sealing the roof deck can reduce this by as much as 95 percent. This key component of FORTIFIED Roof is beginning to be incorporated into building codes throughout the country and can be achieved in many ways.

Learn more about FORTIFIED Roofs.

The FORTIFIED Program at a Glance

FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes.

Free access to the resilient construction standard, which is based on decades of scientific research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
A network of contractors trained to provide the right upgrades to protect your home from the type of severe weather events it faces each year
Third-party verification that the upgraded construction materials and installation methods used on your home meet the standards required for a FORTIFIED designation certificate.

Not sure which FORTIFIED solution is right for you? Take the short self-assessment quiz to start down the most appropriate path or contact a local FORTIFIED service provider who can help you take the first step towards a stronger home.

Standards to Meet the Threats You Face

FORTIFIED has geographically appropriate standards for homes in coastal areas protecting against hurricanes and inland homes facing high wind (including tornadoes up to the EF-2 level) and hail.

FORTIFIED Roof - Hurricane

FORTIFIED Roof - High Wind & Hail

eBooks

Free Printable PDFs of the "Inside FORTIFED" Series

Installing Synthetic Underlayment over Taped Seams Download HERE Installing Drip Edge in Hurricane Areas Download HERE Fastening Sheathing on Existing Roofs in Hurricane Areas Download HERE Installing Self-Adhered Starter Strips Download HERE Installing Starter Strips Using Roof Cement Download HERE Sealing Roof Seams with Tape Download HERE Sealing Roof Seams with Two Layers of Felt Download HERE Learn more about FORTIFIED ...
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S2:E43 Jack Gottesman and Mark Zehnal- PODCAST TRANSCRIPTION

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of an interview with Jack Gottesman of IKO and Mark Zehnal of IBHS. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast here. Heidi Ellsworth: Hello and welcome to another Roofing Road Trips. This is Heidi Ellsworth, an RCS partner, and I ...
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Fred Malik & Ben Murphy - Let’s Talk FORTIFIED!

S5:E86 Special guests Fred Malik of IBHS and Ben Murphy, owner of Ben Murphy Company, join Megan Ellsworth for this Roofing Road Trips® to discuss all things FORTIFIED. For years, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) has studied damage to the built environment caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and ...
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Fred Malik - Why you should be a Fortified Certified Roofer

S2:E46 This week on Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth, chats with Fred Malik, the managing director for FORTIFIED Products. Malik is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the FORTIFIED suite of programs, which seek to improve property resilience to natural disasters on a local, regional and national level. The ...
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Jack Gottesman and Mark- Roofing Systems that are Challenging the Weather

S2:E43 IKO roofing systems meeting FORTIFIED Home™ standards This week on Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth, chats with Jack Gottesman of IKO and Mark Zehnal of IBHS. Jack and Mark share the excitement around IKO roofing products and how they are creating systems that meet the Insurance Institute for Business and ...
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