UP TO THE MINUTE
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.
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.
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.
eBooks
Free Printable PDFs of the "Inside FORTIFED" Series
Installing Synthetic Underlayment over Taped Seams
Download the FREE flyer.
Installing Drip Edge in Hurricane Areas
Download the FREE flyer.
Fastening Sheathing on Existing Roofs in Hurricane Areas
Download the FREE flyer.
Installing Self-Adhered Starter Strips
Download the FREE flyer.
Installing Starter Strips Using Roof Cement
Download the FREE flyer.
Sealing Roof Seams with Tape
Download the FREE flyer.
Sealing Roof ...
View eBook
Latest Canada Content
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 ...
View Content
Latest Podcasts
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 ...
Listen to the Podcast
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 ...
Listen to the Podcast
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 ...
Listen to the Podcast
Latest Webinars
Fortified by IBHS and Innovative Roofing Group
Who doesn’t need a coffee break? Join RoofersCoffeeShop for a coffee break every third Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. PST. This month we were joined by Alex Cary to discuss the incredible research and products from FORTIFIED by IBHS. The products they create based of the research from ...
Watch the Webinar
Latest Videos
FORTIFIED by IBHS Video Playlist
To learn more about FORTIFIED, visit their RCS Directory.
See more videos from FORTIFIED on the IBHS YouTube channel.
Why A Sealed FORTIFIED Roof™
IBHS Research Center: Putting Fortified Construction to the Test
Fortified Homes: Stronger, Safer from the Start
The Lodge in Gulf Shores, AL - A FORTIFIED success story after Hurricane Sally.
Matt F. ...
View Video
Partner Photo Gallery
View Full Gallery