Why We Offer FORTIFIED Roof™ Certification and How It Can Help You Save
When you live in Georgia, storms with high winds, hail, and heavy rain are inevitable and can test your roof in ways standard installation simply wasn’t designed to handle.
That’s why we offer FORTIFIED Roof™ Certification.
If your roof is installed to FORTIFIED standards, you may qualify for insurance discounts, and you gain added protection designed specifically to reduce storm damage.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof™?
The FORTIFIED program was created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It’s a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard designed to strengthen homes against severe weather.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ is the first level of the FORTIFIED Home™ program. It focuses specifically on strengthening your roofing system to better resist:
- High winds
- Wind-driven rain
- Hail
- Hurricanes and severe storms
After installation, a Certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator independently verifies the work. If everything meets the standard, IBHS awards a 5-year FORTIFIED designation.
What Makes a Roof “FORTIFIED”?
FORTIFIED isn’t just one product, but an entire system working together to protect your home. The strength comes from how the roof is installed.
1. Stronger Edges
Wind damage often starts at the roof’s edge. FORTIFIED requires:
- A wider drip edge
- A fully adhered starter strip
These upgrades reduce the risk of shingles being lifted and torn off during high winds.
2. Sealed Roof Deck
If shingles blow off, water can enter through the decking. FORTIFIED requires sealing the roof deck to create a secondary water barrier, helping prevent interior water damage.
3. Better Attachment
Instead of smooth nails, FORTIFIED requires:
- Ring-shank nails
- Enhanced nail patterns
Ring-shank nails nearly double the deck’s resistance to wind uplift.
4. Tested & Rated Roof Coverings
Your shingles (or metal/tile system) must meet strict wind testing standards, such as:
- ASTM D3161 Class F
- ASTM D7158 Class H
Why We Use GAF Products for FORTIFIED Systems
We install high-performance roofing systems from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
Through a unique partnership between GAF and IBHS, FORTIFIED Roofs are now more accessible to homeowners and more beneficial, too.
When your FORTIFIED Roof is installed using qualifying GAF products, it may include:
- Advanced leak barriers
- High-performance starter strips
- Roof deck protection
- Seam tape systems
- Impact-resistant shingles
- Proper ventilation systems
When installed by a GAF Master Elite® contractor who is also FORTIFIED Certified, you may qualify for:
- Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty
- President’s Club Limited Warranty
- Additional FORTIFIED warranty addendum
Insurance Discounts & Financial Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of a FORTIFIED Roof™ is the potential savings.
Depending on your insurance provider and location, you may qualify for:
- Insurance premium discounts
- Local resilience incentives
Discounts are not guaranteed and vary by carrier, but many homeowners see meaningful savings over time, which helps offset the investment in a stronger roof.
How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof™
Here’s how the process works:
- Schedule a consultation with our team.
- We determine if your roof qualifies for FORTIFIED installation.
- We install your roof to FORTIFIED standards using approved materials.
- A Certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator inspects the work.
- IBHS awards the official 5-year designation.
We handle the coordination so the process is smooth from start to finish.
Why It Matters
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. When it fails, everything beneath it is exposed.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ is designed to:
- Reduce storm damage
- Prevent water intrusion
- Protect your belongings
- Strengthen your home’s resilience
- Potentially lower insurance costs
In our storm-prone climate in North Georgia, that peace of mind matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FORTIFIED required?
No. It’s a voluntary program, but a smart upgrade for storm protection.
Will my insurance company automatically discount my premium?
Discounts vary by provider and state. We recommend checking with your carrier before installation.
Can any contractor install a FORTIFIED Roof?
No. The contractor must follow FORTIFIED standards, and a Certified Evaluator must verify compliance.
Does FORTIFIED only work with shingles?
No. Shingles, metal, tile, and low-slope systems can qualify if they meet testing standards.
Ready to Strengthen Your Roof?
If you’re already considering a roof replacement, upgrading to FORTIFIED standards is one of the smartest decisions you can make.Let’s talk about whether your home qualifies and how much you could save.
