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 when shingles are lost in high wind by morethan 95 percent. 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 a FORTIFIED Roof provides, along with the third-party verification it requires, shows customers their Roofing Contractor is committed to quality and durability.
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. Now 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 costs 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 results in the equivalent of approximately nine bathtubs of water pouring into the typical 2,000 sf home. By sealing the roof deck, this can be reduced 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 a variety of ways. Visit fortifiedhome.org/roofers for more information.
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 threat 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 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
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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 ...
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Latest Podcasts
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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Latest Classifieds
Online Roofing Contractor Training with FORTIFIED Wise™
The FORTIFIED Wise–Roofing Contractor demonstrates a solid understanding of the critical aspects of installation and documentation for roofing a new or existing home to meet the FORTIFIED standards. This course is ideal for experienced roofers looking to expand their business and marketing opportunities.
Backed by science and proven to work in ...
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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. ...
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