Why Should I Hire A FORTIFIED Professional?

Replacing a roof is a costly project for any homeowner. Who you choose to install it is just as important as the materials and the methods.

This means selecting a professional that you trust will build or re-roof to a quality standard. Homeowners need a team of experts that can make the process easy while ensuring they receive the storm protection their property needs.

FORTIFIED goes beyond standard construction practices by addressing common vulnerabilities that can lead to costly severe weather damage. Every certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor and evaluator has met specific professional qualifications and received specialized training on how to install or evaluate a roof according to FORTIFIED design requirements, so you don’t need to be a roofing expert.

Here are three important distinctions:

1. Every FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor must be certified, so they’ve completed specialized training based on science-backed standards.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) requires every roofing contractor to complete our FORTIFIED Wise™ training to ensure they learn each detail of the FORTIFIED Home™ standard. The standard is based on decades of science, so homeowners can have peace of mind their roofing contractor is giving their home the best chance of weathering the next storm.

To receive certification, contractors must pass an exam with a minimum score of 85% and renew the certification every three years.

2. FORTIFIED Contractors Complete a Qualification Process

IBHS verifies each FORTIFIED pro, including a prequalification process and credentials demonstrating eligibility. Contractor qualification requirements include:

• proof of an approved roofing certification,
• a valid state-issued contractor license or a business license,
• at least two years in business and
• $1 million in general liability insurance and valid workers’ compensation coverage.

Even after IBHS reviews and approves a contractor’s documentation, certified providers must continue to provide up-to-date credentials as items like insurance and licenses are renewed, adding consistent, ongoing professional vetting for all contractors in the program.

3. FORTIFIED Contractors’ Work is Documented and Reviewed, Every Time

A key aspect of a FORTIFIED designation is that all work must be documented and independently reviewed. This process reassures homeowners that the project meets the FORTIFIED Home™ standard and is documented by a FORTIFIED Evaluator, ensuring transparency and quality.

Certified roofing contractors can walk their customers through the FORTIFIED designation process and work with the evaluator to complete compliance forms and documentation best practices. Throughout the construction or re-roofing process, your evaluator will collect documentation, such as taking photos of specific material labels and of the installation of certain requirements. Documentation is date stamped and geolocated to improve accuracy. Once compiled, the evaluator submits all documentation to IBHS for review.

IBHS FORTIFIED experts review each project’s documentation to confirm all critical requirements are met. Once approved, they issue the FORTIFIED designation certificate to the evaluator, who will then deliver it to you. With that in hand, you can rest assured your home is better protected from severe weather, potentially reducing storm damage and accelerating recovery, as well as could qualify you for additional incentives.

What to Look for When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

FORTIFIED certification does not replace the contractor vetting process. IBHS recommends putting together a checklist before signing the contract:

• Licensing and insurance: Ask to see the contractor’s business license and proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• References: Talk with past customers about their experience and whether they were happy with the work.
• Written estimates: Get the details in writing, including costs, what the job covers, and when the work will take place.
• Quality control: Ask who will oversee the job, how the crew will keep your property safe, and who will handle cleanup.

A Strong Roof Starts With the Right Team

Although no roof can eliminate all risk, a FORTIFIED Roof is designed to improve a home’s resilience and reduce costly damage following severe weather. A certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor brings this specialized roofing knowledge and knows how to strengthen your home against risks.

Interested in exploring if FORTIFIED is right for your home? Talk to a FORTIFIED Pro today to start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions: FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors

Q: Who can be a FORTIFIED roofing contractor?

A: A roofing professional who has submitted approved eligibility documentation, completed training in the FORTIFIED Home process, and passed the required exam.

Q: Is a FORTIFIED roof different from a standard roof replacement?

A: Yes. FORTIFIED Roof is designed to strengthen the roof against severe weather. This includes a sealed roof deck, stronger roof edges and better attachments that create a storm-ready system. A FORTIFIED designation also requires documentation and third-party verification.

Q: Does a FORTIFIED contractor provide the FORTIFIED designation?

A: No. The roofing contractor completes work on the roof while a certified FORTIFIED evaluator provides third-party documentation of FORTIFIED requirements for homes seeking this designation. The evaluator then submits that documentation to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), who reviews and confirms the work meets the standard requirements. If it does, a designation is issued.

Q: How can I find a certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor?

A: Certified roofing contractors who have completed their training, passed their exam, and provided documentation can be found in the FORTIFIED Provider Directory at https://fortified.profilegorilla.com/.