Fortified roofs are a center of discussion as people figure out how to lower their insurance rates in the hurricane-prone areas of Louisiana. But what exactly are they?
Alex Cary, FORTIFIED Market Development Manager at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, joined WWL's Newell Noamand to clarify the information.
"It is a science-backed system," Cary told Newell, adding that in a hurricane or other severe weather event the roof is the most vulnerable part of the structure. If you're looking to save money on insurance or just keep your home as water-tight as possible, a fortified roof can help you do it.
Builder Sage Sure offers these details, too.
What is a FORTIFIED roof? FORTIFIED is an optional roofing system that goes beyond building code requirements designed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) for new construction and re-roofing projects. It is designed to strengthen residential properties and commercial buildings against weather-related events such as high winds, hurricanes, hail, and severe thunderstorms. FORTIFIED roof requirements can be applied to all roof types, from metal or tile to shingles.
What are FORTIFIED roof requirements? FORTIFIED roofs meet standards above building codes and have stronger edges, a sealed roof deck, better roof deck attachment systems, and impact-resistant shingles to protect homes from some of the most severe weather.
How much does a FORTIFIED roof cost? To meet FORTIFIED standards, roof installation must be upgraded from common building codes. With these improvements come additional costs to cover the materials and labor required to make roofs stronger. IBHS estimates suggest that these additional costs range between $1,000 and $3,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.
Can I get a FORTIFIED roof insurance discount? Because FORTIFIED homes can withstand severe weather better than standard building codes, companies sometimes provide insurance premium discounts. Call your insurance specialist if you have questions about whether you could benefit.
Premium reductions can be between 20% and 60%. In most cases, insurance companies require the homeowner to renew the designation every five years to receive the discount.
How do I know if my roof is FORTIFIED? FORTIFIED roofs receive an official designation from IBHS and a certificate. To receive a FORTIFIED designation, your roofer, builder, or contractor will work alongside a FORTIFIED evaluator to document and verify the entire construction process and confirm that the standards were met. FORTIFIED designations last five years and can be redesignated after that with an inspection. When you purchase a home with a FORTIFIED roof, be sure to ask the owners for a copy of the certificate. If your roof is FORTIFIED but you cannot locate your certificate, you can email IBHS to request a duplicate.