What Is a FORTIFIED Roof? A Homeowner’s Guide to Stronger, Storm-Resistant Roofing

When severe weather strikes—whether it’s a hailstorm, hurricane, or high wind event—your home’s first line of defense is its roof. But not all roofs are built to the same standard. The FORTIFIED Roof™ program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), sets a higher bar for roof performance. It’s not just about shingles—it’s about building a system that’s designed to resist real-world storms, reduce damage, and give homeowners peace of mind.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes a FORTIFIED Roof different, the science behind its performance, its pros and cons, and why it could be one of the smartest investments you make in your home.

What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?

The FORTIFIED Roof standard was created by the IBHS to reduce the devastating impacts of severe weather. It’s a set of construction and retrofitting guidelines proven to help roofs resist damage from hurricanes, hail, high winds, and heavy rain.

FORTIFIED isn’t a product—it’s a system. It applies to asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile roofs alike, enhancing how the roof is built or retrofitted. By implementing this standard, homeowners gain a roof that’s more secure and far more likely to survive a major storm intact.

The Three Core FORTIFIED Roof Standards

Every FORTIFIED Roof includes a combination of enhancements that work together to dramatically increase its ability to withstand storm-related stress. Here are the three essential components that every FORTIFIED Roof includes:

1. Stronger Edges

Most wind damage to roofs starts at the edges. Strong gusts can lift the outer edge of a roof and begin peeling back the entire covering. That’s why the FORTIFIED standard emphasizes locked-down roof edges.

To meet the FORTIFIED Roof standard:

• A wider-than-normal metal drip edge is installed along all edges of the roof.

• The starter strip beneath shingles must be fully adhered to the deck.

• These materials need to be installed in a certain way. This helps resist wind uplift and stops wind from getting under the roofing system.

2. Sealed Roof Deck

In standard construction, if wind tears off shingles or metal panels, the wood decking underneath is often left exposed. Water can easily seep through gaps in the deck, damaging insulation, drywall, electrical systems, and personal belongings. This creates a costly cascade of damage inside the home.

FORTIFIED Roofs require sealed roof decks that remain watertight, even if the outer roofing material is lost. This is done by:

• Applying a sealed underlayment (such as a self-adhered membrane or foam spray) directly over the wood decking.

• Taping or sealing the seams between plywood or OSB roof panels.

3. Better Roof Deck Attachment

Most traditional roofs use smooth nails to fasten the roof deck to the structure. But in high winds, smooth nails can easily loosen or pull out, allowing the entire deck to lift.

FORTIFIED Roofs require ring-shank nails, which grip the wood much more tightly. They’re installed in a specific pattern that increases their holding strength, nearly doubling the uplift resistance compared to standard nailing patterns.

Bonus: Impact-Resistant Shingles (Optional Hail Supplement)

If you live in a hail-prone region, the IBHS recommends upgrading to impact-resistant shingles that meet their own independent performance ratings. Unlike the industry-standard “Class 4” rating (which uses steel balls in testing), the IBHS uses more realistic ice ball simulations to mimic real hail.

To qualify for the Hail Supplement to a FORTIFIED designation:

• Shingles must score Good or Excellent in the IBHS Impact Resistance ratings.

• These shingles perform better against hailstones up to 2” in diameter, helping prevent damage to the shingles and underlying deck.

Real-World Proof: Why FORTIFIED Works

According to data collected after major hurricanes and hailstorms, homes built to the FORTIFIED standard were:

• Up to 50% less likely to suffer roof damage.

• Significantly less likely to experience interior water damage.

• More likely to remain habitable and dry, reducing displacement and repair costs.

Danny Lipford, host of Today’s Homeowner, trusted the FORTIFIED standard so much that he used it when building his own house. He emphasized that for homeowners concerned with storm resilience, a FORTIFIED Roof is “one of the best decisions you can make.”

FORTIFIED Roof vs. Typical Roofing

Levels of Protection: FORTIFIED Roof, Silver, and Gold

While FORTIFIED Roof focuses specifically on strengthening the roof system, IBHS also offers FORTIFIED Silver and FORTIFIED Gold standards that add further resilience throughout the home.

• FORTIFIED Roof: Focuses on roof resilience (edges, deck, attachment, hail).

• FORTIFIED Silver: Includes everything in Roof, plus gable end bracing, reinforced soffits, impact-rated vents, and chimney bracing (required in hurricane zones).

• FORTIFIED Gold: Adds full structural upgrades including story-to-story, roof-to-wall, and wall-to-foundation engineering for maximum whole-house protection.

Who Should Consider a FORTIFIED Roof?

FORTIFIED Roof systems are especially beneficial for:

• Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas

• Homes exposed to frequent high winds or thunderstorms

• Properties at risk for hail damage

• New construction homeowners

• Owners of older homes needing a roof replacement

Pros and Cons of a FORTIFIED Roof

Pros

1. Increased Storm Protection
FORTIFIED Roofs are engineered to resist wind, hail, and water intrusion.

2. Lower Insurance Premiums
Many insurers offer significant discounts for FORTIFIED-certified homes.

3. Sealed Deck = Water Resistance
Helps prevent mold and interior damage if shingles are lost.

4. Certified & Verified Performance
Official evaluation and documentation provides added peace of mind.

5. Increased Resale Value
Homes with resilience features are more attractive to buyers.

6. Hail Protection (Optional)
Better protection from hail up to 2″ in diameter with IBHS-rated shingles.

7. Peace of Mind
Confidence that your roof is storm-ready.

Cons

1. Higher Initial Cost
Installation can cost more due to upgraded materials and certified evaluation.

2. Limited Contractor Availability
Not all roofers are trained in FORTIFIED methods.

3. Requires Strict Documentation
Must be inspected and verified for official designation.

4. Retrofit Limitations
Some upgrades are more difficult with existing structures.

5. Regional Relevance
May not provide as quick of an ROI in low-risk areas.

How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof

Step 1: Find a Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator

They ensure all standards are met and submit documentation for approval.

Step 2: Hire a FORTIFIED-Trained Contractor

Look for professionals with experience in FORTIFIED installation methods.

Step 3: Complete the Project and Documentation

Once finished, your evaluator will submit all documents to IBHS and you’ll receive your official certificate.

Conclusion: A Smarter Roof for a Safer Future

Your roof is more than just a covering—it’s a system that protects everything beneath it. With climate-related disasters on the rise, investing in resilience isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

Whether you’re replacing an old roof or building a new home, the FORTIFIED standard gives you an opportunity to go beyond code—and build stronger.