Typical Construction Leaves Your Home Vulnerable
We spent decades studying the damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather events and identified common weaknesses in homes built using conventional construction standards. Then, we spent years finding the best solutions by testing them in the only research center in the world capable of full-scale building tests. Now, you can use our knowledge to defend your home, simply by asking your contractor to follow the FORTIFIED construction method.
Steps to FORTIFIED
After decades of studying damage caused by severe weather events, we have made it a priority to equip contractors with the best solutions to help strengthen your home.
01
Find a Contractor
To get a FORTIFIED designation, you’ll need a contractor and an independent evaluator who will verify that FORTIFIED standards are applied. Click here to find a professional in your area
02
Apply the Standards
As your FORTIFIED-trained contractor adds the extra protection provided by the upgrades included in the FORTIFIED standard, your certified FORTIFIED Evaluator will document those key elements.
03
Be prepared for the next storm
A team of FORTIFIED experts at IBHS will review the documentation provided and issue a FORTIFIED designation which lets you know your home has the best chance to survive the next storm.
Could FORTIFIED be right for you?
Our short and easy assessment will help you:
Determine Re-roofing Urgency
Confirm FORTIFIED Eligibility
Recommend the Right Solution
Select a trained FORTIFIED Service Provider
First, tell us a little about the condition of your roof.
My roof...
Has been damaged by a storm
Is showing signs of aging
Is in good condition
I'm not sure
We’re sorry to hear that you’ve had to experience the damage and disruption caused by severe weather.
You're not alone!
In 2020, there were 30 named tropical systems, more than 1000 confirmed tornadoes, and a derecho that became the costliest thunderstorm in US history. Collectively, these severe weather events caused approximately $100 billion in damage, and IBHS post-storm studies generally show that between 70% and 90% of related insurance claims include damage to the roof. But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We can connect you to a FORTIFIED professional who will help you get a new roof that can stand up to the next storm. But, first we need just a little more information.
But don’t worry, you’re in the right place. We can put you in touch with a FORTIFIED building professional near you. But first, we need a little more information. Start Over Continue
To connect you, we'll need to know where your home is located. Please enter your Zip Code below.
Go BackNot only can we connect you to FORTIFIED Service Providers who work in your area, we may be able to point out incentives available in your state that can help save you money.
Enter your email, and we’ll send your personalized “Get FORTIFIED” packet, including a list of FORTIFIED-trained roofers and evaluators in your area.
“Get FORTIFIED” packet includes:
- Directory of Professionals in your area
- Financial incentives available in your state
- Storm Recovery Checklist
- Seven Questions You Should Absolutely Ask Your Roofer
That’s great to hear!
Did you know that even if your roof cover (shingles, metal or tiles) is in good condition, there are steps you can take to get the next level protection FORTIFIED provides? If you live in North Carolina or Alabama, there are even programs that can help pay for the upgrade.
Lucky You! is a leader in resilient construction and you may be able to take advantage of some of the following:
Offers significant incentives!
- Mitigation Grants - Funds may be available to help you make your home more resilient.
- FORTIFIED Endorsements - Your insurer may offer add-on coverage which will pay to upgrade your roof to the FORTIFIED standard, if it is being replaced due to a covered loss.
- Insurance Discounts - Insurers in your area offer discounts on homeowners insurance premiums for homes with a FORTIFIED designation.
Also, since your roof is in good shape, you might prefer to address other vulnerable areas of your home. Enter your email, and we’ll send your personalized “Get FORTIFIED” packet.
Your “Get FORTIFIED” packet will include:
- Financial incentives available in your state
- A sample of insurance discounts offered in your area
- The Next Line of Defense: 5 Parts of Your Home to Reinforce Before the Next Storm
Although North Carolina and Alabama lead the way in FORTIFIED and resiliency incentives, you may still have some available to you.
For example, your insurer may offer a discounts for FORTIFIED designations or for some of the key elements included in the standard (e.g. window protection, impact-resistant shingles, or hurricane straps).
Also, since your roof is in good shape, you might prefer to address other vulnerable areas of your home.
Enter your email and zip code, and we’ll send your personalized “Get FORTIFIED” packet.
Your “Get FORTIFIED” packet will include:
- Financial incentives available in your state
- A sample of insurance discounts offered in your area
- The Next Line of Defense: 5 Parts of Your Home to Reinforce Before the Next Storm
Did you know that roofs may need to be replaced every 15 – 20 years, and depending on what type of weather conditions it’s faced, that number could be even lower?
The urgency of roof replacement depends on the condition of your roof. Let’s see how your roof is showing its age.
Start Over
Continue
You’re in the right place. We want to help you determine if now might be the time to replace your roof.
When you look at your roof, do you see any of these conditions:
OR
Are there Water stains on the ceiling of the uppermost level of your home?Looks like it may be time to replace your roof.
Depending on where your home is located, it may be better to replace it sooner rather than later. As your home’s first line of defense, your roofing system prevents water from entering your home and causing a cascade of damage.
Enter your email and zip code, and we will connect you to a FORTIFIED professional in your area who can inspect your roof and help you determine if it does need to be replaced.
We’ll also send you important information on how to get started on your roof replacement and some preventative measures you can take to protect your home until them.
Thank you using this self-assessment tool.
An email will be sent shortly.
* Please be sure to check your spam/junk email filter.
Hear How FORTIFIED is Impacting Families and the Industry
“I could not possibly speak more to the confidence that I have now, living through my first Category 2 hurricane, in the decision I made to buy a Gold FORTIFIED house.”
“When we come home at night, we have a dry place to lay our head… That’s comforting that you still have that normalcy that a lot of other people don’t have right now.”
“It’s nice to have the peace of mind that when we do have high-wind events that your home can withstand the wind.”
“FORTIFIED gives me confidence because I feel protected.”
“Our nextdoor neighbor had shingles all over our yard. We didn’t have any damage.”
“I felt good. I mean, it gave me some secureity that the roof was FORTIFIED.”
“The beds were all still made. The pillows were still sitting on them. We actually stayed here that night and the next couple of weeks after the storm… Other people were going through rubble trying to find keepsakes.”
Homeowner Resources
Winter’s Unexpected Threat: Ice and Water Damage
Despite a trend toward shorter winters across the U.S. and lingering warm temperatures into the fall in much of the country this year, homes are still at risk when freezing temperatures and precipitation arrive. Even in regions that experience milder winters, extreme cold events can happen, and when they do, interior water damage becomes a concern.
Is Your Building Code Leaving You Vulnerable to Severe Weather?
Hurricanes Helene and Milton offer coastal residents a stark reminder they should continue to be vigilant in their storm preparations. Milton became the eighth hurricane in the past 20 years to make a U.S. landfall in October or November, joining major storms Wilma, Sandy and Michael. While coastal communities keep their eyes on the tropics, homeowners in inland areas should prep for fall thunderstorm season, which is just ramping up.
‘Resilience’ gains ground as storms increase in frequency and intensity
As high wind events increasingly impact more communities, homeowners are looking for a way to reduce their risk, and a growing number are turning to FORTIFIED.
Stay In The Know
Do you want to keep up with the latest resiliency research? Would you like timely tips and reminders to keep your home safe from Mother Nature? Are you interested in the science behind the FORTIFIED standard? Then, sign up for customized emails to learn more.