A FORTIFIED professional will help you every step of the way.
To earn an official FORTIFIED designation, your home must meet certain criteria, and your roofer, builder or contractor must work with a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator who will document and verify the entire construction process to ensure program requirements are met. IBHS will then review the documentation and issue a FORTIFIED designation if your home is compliant.
FORTIFIED Evaluators are independent, third-party contractors who have been trained in the FORTIFIED program requirements. They will work with all parties involved—you, your roofer, builder or contractor, and IBHS—to ensure the process goes smoothly.
While your roofer, builder or contractor does not have to be trained in FORTIFIED, the process is typically smoother when the contractor completely understands the required materials, installation methods and documentation required to meet the standard. You can use our directory to find FORTIFIED-trained professionals near you.
FAQs
What is a FORTIFIED designation?
A FORTIFIED designation is written certification that a home or business has been built, renovated, or re-roofed according to FORTIFIED standards. The document is issued by IBHS after a review of the documentation provided by a FORTIFIED Evaluator and is generally required in order to receive FORTIFIED insurance discounts and to qualify for mitigation credits available in some states.
How long does a designation last?
5 calendar years. At the end of that period, a re-designation inspection will be required to maintain the home or business’s current designation level. If there have been no substantial changes to the structure and the roof covering is within its life expectancy, the designation will be re-issued for another 5-year period.
How do I get started?
Use our directory to contact a FORTIFIED-trained professional who can answer your questions and help you get started.
A FORTIFIED-certified contractor or roofing contractor understands the FORTIFIED standards and is familiar with the strict verification process. Alternatively, you can start by selecting a FORTIFIED evaluator; this independent third-party inspector can lead you through the FORTIFIED process and help you find a contractor who understands the FORTIFIED standards.
How much does FORTIFIED cost?
While the FORTIFIED standards are available to use as a guide and can be downloaded here for free, there are costs associated with gaining the added protection they offer. Because FORTIFIED requires upgrades from common building codes, there will be extra costs to cover the materials and labor that make homes stronger. These costs will vary based on your home’s individual design, as well as the specific requirements of the building code in your area.
Additionally, there is a cost to obtaining third-party verification of the FORTIFIED upgrades, which is required in order to receive the designation needed for most insurance discounts and mitigation credits. That said, upgrading to a newly constructed FORTIFIED Gold home can add 1%–3% to the total budget. When re-roofing a 2,000-square-foot home, the cost increase is typically between $1,000 and $3,000.
Does my home qualify for FORTIFIED?
Homes that qualify for FORTIFIED include:
- Single-family detached homes (including modular homes)
- Two-family dwelling units (duplex)
- (HUD) manufactured homes built after 1994
- Townhouses (each unit must extend from foundation to roof; no “stacked” dwellings)
What is a FORTIFIED Evaluator?
FORTIFIED Evaluators are independent, third-party contractors who have been trained in the FORTIFIED program requirements. They will document and verify the entire construction process to ensure program requirements are met. They work with all parties involved—you, your roofer, builder or contractor, and IBHS—to ensure the process goes smoothly.
How do I find an Evaluator?
Use our directory to find a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator in your area.