What Is the FORTIFIED Program?
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It goes significantly beyond standard building codes to create homes that are measurably more resistant to hurricane-force winds, hail, and severe weather.
FORTIFIED has three levels — Roof, Silver, and Gold — each building on the previous. FORTIFIED Roof is the entry level and most common, focused entirely on the roof system.
What FORTIFIED Roof Requires
- Sealed roof deck — covers gaps between deck panels to prevent water intrusion if shingles are damaged
- Enhanced roof deck attachment — ring-shank nails or screws instead of smooth nails, closer spacing
- Impact-rated drip edge — prevents water from entering at roof edges
- Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or equivalent materials
- Third-party inspection and certification by a IBHS-approved inspector
The Insurance Savings
FORTIFIED certification can unlock significant insurance discounts — but availability varies by state and insurer. Here's where it's most established:
- Alabama — State law requires insurers to offer FORTIFIED discounts. Average savings: $700–$1,500/year
- South Carolina — FORTIFIED discounts required by law in coastal areas. Average savings: $400–$900/year
- Louisiana — Fortify Homes program offers grants plus insurance discounts
- Florida, Texas, other states — Some insurers offer discounts; not yet mandated statewide
The Cost of FORTIFIED Certification
Upgrading to FORTIFIED Roof during a re-roofing project typically adds $1,000–$3,000 over standard installation costs. The third-party inspection costs $200–$400. In states with strong discount programs, the payback period is typically 2–4 years.
How to Get FORTIFIED Certified
- Find a FORTIFIED-trained contractor at ibhs.org/fortified
- The contractor installs to FORTIFIED specifications and submits documentation
- An IBHS-approved evaluator inspects and certifies the installation
- You receive a FORTIFIED certificate to submit to your insurer
Grants available in some states
Alabama, Louisiana, and other states have grant programs that help offset FORTIFIED upgrade costs for eligible homeowners. Check with your state's department of insurance for current programs.