Short answer
A FORTIFIED Roof is a re-roof built to a standard from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): a sealed roof deck so water can't pour in if shingles blow off, stronger deck attachment with ring-shank nails, and enhanced edges. A third-party evaluator verifies it, and some states and insurers offer grants or premium discounts.
What changes during a FORTIFIED re-roof
Most of the work happens under the shingles, while the deck is exposed.
- Deck re-nailed with ring-shank nails for stronger attachment.
- A sealed roof deck: taped seams or a full self-adhered underlayment.
- Drip edge and starter strips installed and fastened to stricter edge requirements.
- Shingles or other coverings rated for high wind.
- Inspection and documentation by a certified FORTIFIED evaluator.
Why the sealed deck matters
In many hurricanes, losing a few shingles lets wind-driven rain pour through deck seams and ruin ceilings and insulation. Sealing the deck keeps water out even when the covering is damaged, which is why it's the core of the standard.
Grants and discounts
Alabama's Strengthen Alabama Homes program and Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program have offered grants toward FORTIFIED roofs, and some states require or encourage insurers to discount them. Program funding and rules change, so check with your state insurance department.
Who should consider it
Homeowners on or near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts who are already replacing a roof get the most value, because the upgrade costs far less when the deck is already exposed. Inland homes in high-wind areas can benefit too.
When to call a roofer
- You're replacing a roof in a hurricane-prone state.
- Your state offers FORTIFIED grants or discounts.
- You want a stronger roof after storm damage.
What the roofer does: see hurricane & wind damage repair.
Common questions
Does a FORTIFIED roof cost much more?
It adds some cost to a re-roof, mostly for the sealed deck and extra fastening. Grants and insurance discounts can offset part of it where available.
Can any roofer install a FORTIFIED roof?
The roofer must follow the standard and the work must be verified by a certified FORTIFIED evaluator. Ask whether the contractor has completed FORTIFIED roofs before.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for homeowners, not a diagnosis or insurance advice. Conditions vary by roof, so a roofer should inspect and confirm the cause before any repair.