FORTIFIED Roof Program

A FORTIFIED Roof is a roofing system built or reroofed according to standards developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The standard includes specific improvements designed to help the roof resist high winds, hail, hurricanes, heavy rain, and other severe weather.

No. Building codes establish minimum construction requirements for a particular jurisdiction. FORTIFIED is a voluntary, beyond-code standard developed to improve how a home performs during severe weather.

Local codes still apply, and all construction must meet applicable permitting and inspection requirements.

An official FORTIFIED designation requires the roofing work to meet specific construction and documentation standards. Reroof America is a certified FORTIFIED contractor and coordinates with a certified third-party FORTIFIED Evaluator during the designation process.

The evaluator independently documents and verifies key stages of the project. IBHS then reviews the completed records before issuing an official designation.

The cost depends on the home, roof size, roof design, existing roof condition, selected materials, local labor rates, required repairs, evaluation fees, and the level of protection being pursued.

Some FORTIFIED improvements are most practical to complete when a roof is already being replaced. A property assessment and written estimate are needed to determine the actual cost.

A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator documents key stages of the project, including details that may be covered once construction is complete. The evaluator then submits the required documentation to IBHS for review.

An official designation is issued only after IBHS confirms that the applicable requirements have been met.

An initial FORTIFIED designation lasts five years. A redesignation inspection is required to maintain the property’s designation after that period.

If the home has not been substantially changed and the roof covering remains in good condition, a site inspection may be the only step required for redesignation.

Eligible Oklahoma homeowners may qualify for up to $10,000 through the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program to upgrade to a qualifying FORTIFIED Roof™ High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement.

Eligibility, funding, and application availability may change. Homeowners must receive program approval before beginning work. Grant funds are paid directly to the contractor after the project is completed and approved, and evaluator fees are not included in the grant award.

Some states and insurance providers offer discounts, mitigation credits, reduced deductibles, or other benefits for homes with a valid FORTIFIED designation. Savings are not guaranteed and can vary based on the insurer, policy, designation level, and property location.

Homeowners should contact their insurance provider directly to ask what documentation is required and whether their policy qualifies.

Not automatically. The standard includes wind-performance requirements for roof coverings, but enhanced hail protection is addressed through the optional FORTIFIED Hail Supplement.

The Hail Supplement requires qualifying impact-resistant materials and additional program criteria.

FORTIFIED Roof focuses on strengthening the roof system, including its attachment, water protection, edges, and exterior roof covering.

FORTIFIED Silver includes the roof-level requirements and adds protection for other vulnerable areas, such as windows, doors, garage doors, attached structures, and certain openings.

FORTIFIED Gold builds on Roof and Silver by strengthening the connections between the roof, walls, floors, and foundation. This continuous load path helps the home perform as one connected structural system.

The appropriate designation level depends on the home, project scope, regional weather risks, and whether the work involves reroofing, renovation, or new construction.