What is a FORTIFIED Roof™?

In the face of severe weather events like hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, and high winds, the resilience of your roof is paramount. A FORTIFIED Roof™ offers a cutting-edge solution to keep your home protected, reducing the risk of catastrophic damage. Designed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the FORTIFIED Roof system focuses on addressing the vulnerabilities that lead to roof failures during extreme weather. With this system in place, homeowners benefit from enhanced durability, potentially lower insurance premiums, and peace of mind during storms.

In this detailed article, we will explore the key features and benefits of a FORTIFIED Roof, how it differs from traditional roofing systems, and why it represents an investment in long-term safety and savings.

Understanding the FORTIFIED Roof System

The FORTIFIED Roof™ is a comprehensive roofing standard designed to prevent damage caused by common severe weather events, including hurricanes, high winds, hailstorms, and tornadoes up to EF-2 strength. No matter the type of roof you have—whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal, or tile—the FORTIFIED Roof system incorporates several key elements that enhance the roof’s strength and durability. Let’s take a closer look at these features.

1. Stronger Edges

Roof damage often begins at the edges, where high winds can get underneath and start ripping the roof away from the structure. Once the edges are compromised, wind-driven rain can penetrate your home, leading to water damage that spreads quickly.

To prevent this, the FORTIFIED Roof system emphasizes stronger roof edges. This involves using wider drip edges and a fully adhered starter strip, creating a reinforced barrier that holds up against high winds. This combination ensures that your roof’s edges remain intact even under extreme conditions, significantly reducing the chances of wind lifting off portions of the roof.

2. Sealed Roof Deck

One of the most devastating consequences of roof failure during severe weather is water intrusion. If the wind rips off the roof covering—whether it’s shingles, metal, or tile—the underlying wood deck is exposed. Rain can then seep through the gaps in the roof deck, leading to interior water damage, mold, and structural issues.

To combat this, the FORTIFIED Roof system requires a sealed roof deck. This is accomplished by applying a secondary water barrier (such as peel-and-stick underlayment) over the entire roof deck, sealing it and preventing water from infiltrating the home, even if the primary roofing material is compromised. This step is critical in reducing water damage after high winds or flying debris cause the outer layer to fail.

3. Better Attachment with Ring-Shank Nails

The method of attaching the roof deck to the house is another crucial factor in ensuring the roof’s durability during high winds. Traditional roofing systems often use smooth nails, which can loosen over time or be pulled out by strong winds, leaving the roof vulnerable.

In contrast, a FORTIFIED Roof requires ring-shank nails, which provide a stronger and more secure attachment. These nails feature ridges that grip the wood more effectively than smooth nails, nearly doubling the roof’s resistance to wind forces. Additionally, the nails must be installed in a specific pattern, ensuring even stronger attachment and reducing the risk of the roof deck separating from the structure.

4. Impact-Resistant Shingles for Hail-Prone Areas

Hailstorms pose a significant threat to roofs, particularly in regions prone to large hailstones. The FORTIFIED Roof system addresses this risk by offering a Hail Supplement, which requires the use of impact-resistant shingles. These shingles must score “Good” or “Excellent” on the IBHS Hail Impact Ratings to qualify for this enhanced level of protection.

Impact-resistant shingles are designed to withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter, outperforming standard Class 4 shingles when subjected to realistic hailstone impact tests. By opting for this extra protection, homeowners in hail-prone areas can reduce the risk of roof damage, leaks, and costly repairs after a hailstorm.

5. Reinforcing Roof Deck Attachments in Coastal Areas

In coastal regions, where hurricanes and tropical storms are frequent, the strength of the roof deck’s attachment to the underlying structure is critical. Coastal homes often bear the brunt of intense wind speeds, which can rip apart poorly secured roof decks.

In addition to ring-shank nails, FORTIFIED Roof guidelines may call for additional reinforcement of the roof deck through adhesives or clips that secure the roof to the walls. This step ensures that the roof remains attached, even in the most extreme conditions, reducing the chances of catastrophic failure during a hurricane or other coastal storms.

6. Wind Uplift Resistance Testing

A key feature of the FORTIFIED Roof system is its rigorous wind uplift resistance testing. To meet the FORTIFIED standard, roofs must pass stringent tests simulating the uplift forces that occur during high wind events. These tests ensure that the roof can withstand the pressure differential that develops between the inside and outside of the home during storms, a common cause of roof failure.

7. Roof Design and Slope Considerations

While a FORTIFIED Roof can be applied to various types of roofs, certain design features may enhance its effectiveness. For example, roofs with steeper slopes generally perform better in high winds, as they allow wind to pass over more easily than flatter roofs. Homeowners with flatter roofs may need to implement additional reinforcements or design considerations to maximize the benefits of the FORTIFIED Roof system.

8. FORTIFIED Roof for New Construction and Retrofits

The FORTIFIED Roof standard can be applied to both new construction and existing homes. When building a new home, adhering to the FORTIFIED Roof standard from the outset ensures that the roof is built to withstand severe weather from day one. However, homeowners with existing roofs can also retrofit their roofs to meet the FORTIFIED standard.

Retrofits typically involve upgrading the attachment methods, sealing the roof deck, and installing impact-resistant materials. Although retrofitting can be more complex and costly than starting from scratch, it is an effective way to enhance the durability of an existing home without requiring a complete rebuild.

9. The IBHS FORTIFIED Designation Levels

The FORTIFIED Roof is part of a larger framework known as the FORTIFIED Home program, which includes three levels of designation:

  • FORTIFIED Roof: The basic level, focusing on strengthening the roof and protecting against wind and water intrusion.
  • FORTIFIED Silver: Builds on the Roof level by reinforcing the entire structure, including windows, doors, and walls.
  • FORTIFIED Gold: The highest level, offering the most comprehensive protection by fortifying the roof, structure, and foundation.

Homeowners can start with a FORTIFIED Roof and later upgrade to Silver or Gold as needed, adding additional layers of protection over time.

The Benefits of a FORTIFIED Roof

1. Protection Against Severe Weather

The primary benefit of a FORTIFIED Roof is its ability to protect your home from the most common and devastating effects of severe weather. By reinforcing critical areas of vulnerability, such as the roof edges, deck, and attachments, the FORTIFIED Roof system significantly reduces the risk of roof failure, water intrusion, and subsequent damage to the interior of the home.

2. Long-Term Cost Savings

While installing a FORTIFIED Roof may involve higher upfront costs than a traditional roof, the long-term savings can be substantial. Not only can a FORTIFIED Roof reduce the likelihood of costly repairs after a storm, but many homeowners may also qualify for insurance discounts. Insurers often offer lower premiums to homeowners with FORTIFIED Roofs due to the reduced risk of damage.

Additionally, the resale value of a home with a FORTIFIED Roof may be higher, as prospective buyers recognize the benefits of a durable, weather-resistant roof.

3. Increased Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, investing in a FORTIFIED Roof is a proactive way to protect your home. With stronger storms becoming more common, the enhanced durability provided by a FORTIFIED Roof can make a critical difference in keeping your home safe.

4. Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most important benefit of a FORTIFIED Roof is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your home is equipped to withstand the worst that nature can throw at it allows you to focus on other important aspects of life, even when severe weather threatens.

Common Myths About FORTIFIED Roofs

Myth 1: A FORTIFIED Roof is Too Expensive

While a FORTIFIED Roof may involve higher upfront costs than traditional roofing methods, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance, lower insurance premiums, and less frequent repairs often offset the initial investment.

Myth 2: FORTIFIED Roofs Are Only Necessary in Coastal Areas

While coastal regions are more prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, homes inland are also vulnerable to high winds, hailstorms, and tornadoes. A FORTIFIED Roof provides valuable protection in a wide range of climates and weather conditions.

Myth 3: You Can’t Retrofit an Existing Roof to Be FORTIFIED

It’s possible to retrofit an existing roof to meet FORTIFIED standards. This may involve sealing the roof deck, upgrading the attachment methods, and installing impact-resistant shingles or other roofing materials.

How to Install a FORTIFIED Roof

To install a FORTIFIED Roof, it’s important to work with a certified contractor who understands the specific requirements and guidelines set forth by the IBHS. Not all roofing contractors are familiar with the FORTIFIED system, so it’s essential to find one who has been trained and certified to install FORTIFIED Roofs.

The contractor will follow the steps outlined in the FORTIFIED Roof guidelines, including reinforcing the edges, sealing the roof deck, using the correct attachment methods, and, if applicable, installing impact-resistant shingles.

After the roof is installed, it will need to be inspected and certified by an approved evaluator to ensure it meets the FORTIFIED standards. Once certified, homeowners may be eligible for insurance discounts and other benefits.

A FORTIFIED Roof™ offers a highly effective way to protect your home from the devastating effects of severe weather. By reinforcing vulnerable areas of the roof, such as the edges, deck, and attachments, and incorporating impact-resistant materials, the FORTIFIED Roof system ensures that your home stands strong in the face of hurricanes, high winds, hailstorms, and even EF-2 tornadoes.

While the upfront investment may be higher than traditional roofing systems, the long-term benefits in terms of cost savings, protection, and peace of mind make the FORTIFIED Roof a smart choice for homeowners in all types of climates. With climate change increasing the frequency of severe weather events, now is the time to consider upgrading your roof to a FORTIFIED standard.

Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting an existing one, a FORTIFIED Roof is an investment in the safety, resilience, and longevity of your most important asset—your home.

If you’re ready to strengthen your home, 50 North Roofing Company is here to help. As a licensed and certified roofing contractor experienced in FORTIFIED roofing systems, we are equipped to install FORTIFIED Roofs that meet the highest standards of protection. Contact us today to learn more about how we can fortify your home for the future.