A Fortified Roof is a roof built to be stronger and more weather-resistant than a regular roof. It uses tougher materials, extra waterproof layers, and better nails and nailing patterns to ensure a stronger connection to the house. A house with a Fortified Roof can better withstand high winds, heavy rain, and hail, especially during hurricanes and storms.
The Fortified Roof program is run by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), an independent, nonprofit scientific organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. They are the central authority guiding the Fortified program, using research-backed standards, they provide certification and validation for homeowners.
It is possible that installing a Fortified Roof can help lower homeowner’s insurance rates. For more information about the Fortified Roof program in Louisiana, visit the state insurance commissioner’s website.
When encountering a Fortified roof while performing inspections, we typically advise our clients of the following:
Seller disclosed that the property has a Fortified roof. Please note that the inspector is not performing a Fortified roof evaluation. As any applicable insurance discounts are based on the continued certification of a Fortified roof, it is highly recommended that the client verify that the property has a current, valid Fortified roof certificate. Currently, this certification must be updated every five years to remain in effect.