Building stronger roofs through research proven standards and industry partnerships

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Understand FORTIFIED roof requirements and how GAF systems support stronger roof performance.

As extreme weather events continue to impact communities across the United States, the roofing industry is increasingly focused on building stronger and more resilient roof systems. One program leading this effort is the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Designed to help protect homes from severe weather such as high winds hail and hurricanes, the FORTIFIED program provides a science-based construction and reroofing approach that improves roof durability and overall home resilience. 

GAF offers a range of roofing components that help contractors meet certain FORTIFIED Roof requirements. By combining tested installation practices with compatible roofing materials, contractors can deliver systems designed to better withstand the forces that often cause roof failure during major storms. Distribution partners like SRS, with branches across the country, also serve as valuable resources for contractors who want to learn more about the FORTIFIED system and how to properly source the products needed to meet the standard. 

The FORTIFIED program is based on decades of IBHS research studying how buildings perform in extreme weather. From that research IBHS developed a voluntary construction standard that strengthens the most vulnerable parts of a roofing system. The program includes several levels of designation with the FORTIFIED Roof designation serving as the first level focused specifically on roof performance. 

A key component of the FORTIFIED Roof standard is the sealed roof deck. This approach requires roof decks to be sealed in a specific way so water cannot easily penetrate the home if the roof covering is damaged or blown off during a storm. Sealing the deck provides an additional line of defense that helps reduce interior damage even if the outer roofing layer is compromised. 

Attachment strength is another critical factor. FORTIFIED Roof requirements call for enhanced fastening patterns using specific ring shank nails that help keep the roof deck attached to the framing during high wind events. This improved attachment method significantly increases the roof system’s ability to resist uplift forces created by severe storms. 

Edge protection also plays an important role. The FORTIFIED Roof standard emphasizes stronger roof edges through the use of properly installed drip edge materials and adhered starter strips. These components help reduce the likelihood of wind driven blow offs that often begin at the edges of a roof. 

Ventilation components must also meet higher performance levels. All ridge and off ridge roof vents installed in a FORTIFIED Roof system must be tested according to TAS 100 (A) standards to ensure they can withstand high wind conditions. 

In regions prone to hail damage homeowners may also choose to meet the optional Hail Supplement requirements. This includes installing impact resistant roof coverings that meet IBHS hail impact ratings of Good or Excellent. These products provide additional durability when severe hailstorms occur. 

To receive a FORTIFIED Roof designation the installation must be completed by a contractor who follows the applicable FORTIFIED standard and the roof must be verified by a certified FORTIFIED evaluator. Once verified the designation is awarded by IBHS and remains valid for five years before a renewal inspection is required. 

SRS and other distributors can also play a role in helping contractors access the information and materials needed to build to this higher standard. Through local branch teams contractors can learn about FORTIFIED requirements, identify compatible roofing components and better understand the process for becoming FORTIFIED certified. SRS helps encourage contractors to pursue FORTIFIED certification and supports them with the distribution expertise needed to successfully deliver these resilient roofing systems. 

For homeowners the benefits of a FORTIFIED Roof can extend beyond improved protection. In some states homes with this designation may qualify for insurance discounts grants or other financial incentives that reward resilience focused construction. 

Through partnerships between manufacturers, distributors and trained contractors, the roofing industry is helping make FORTIFIED Roof systems more accessible across the country. With support from companies such as GAF, contractors can provide homeowners with roofing systems designed to perform when severe weather strikes while helping communities become more resilient in the process.