Roofs that do it all

By Jesse Sanchez. 

With extreme weather becoming the norm, insurers and homeowners alike are turning to smarter solutions and stronger roofs. 

In an era of increasingly severe storms and unpredictable climate events, traditional roofing just doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s where the FORTIFIED Roof™ System steps in, not as a luxury, but as a new standard for safety, performance and long-term savings. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in partnership with CertainTeed, the FORTIFIED™ program promotes a construction standard that exceeds conventional building codes. It focuses specifically on fortifying roofs, arguably a home's most vulnerable point, against wind, rain and debris damage. 

What sets a FORTIFIED Roof apart? It's not just better shingles or nails. It's a system: reinforced roof deck attachments, sealed seams, waterproof underlayments and impact-resistant materials, all installed by certified professionals under strict oversight. The result is a roof that isn’t just stronger, but smarter. 

CertainTeed, one of the industry’s leading building materials manufacturers, has partnered with IBHS to offer a full lineup of FORTIFIED-compliant products. From advanced underlayments like Grace Vycor™ Ice & Water Shield to shingles like Landmark® ClimateFlex®, these materials are engineered to meet or exceed the rigorous FORTIFIED Home™ standards. 

Homeowners aren’t the only ones paying attention. Insurance providers in more than a dozen states, including Alabama, Louisiana and North Carolina, are offering discounts, tax credits or grants to those who upgrade to FORTIFIED. While specifics vary, the potential financial benefits are significant, especially over time. 

The FORTIFIED Roof designation, valid for five years, requires an independent evaluator and documentation of every component. And though the designation isn't mandatory, many in the industry believe it's only a matter of time. 

Learn more about how to qualify for a FORTIFIED Roof and what incentives might apply where you live!