FORTIFIED: Building a Stronger Home
Severe weather can expose weaknesses in a home that may not be obvious until
damage occurs. The FORTIFIED program, developed by the Insurance Institute for
Business & Home Safety (IBHS), provides voluntary, above-code construction
standards designed to strengthen homes against high winds, wind-driven rain, hail,
hurricanes, and other severe weather.
Based on decades of research and full-scale testing, FORTIFIED focuses on improvements that can help prevent a relatively small failure—such as damage to the roof—from leading to much more extensive damage throughout the home.
Three Levels of Protection
FORTIFIED offers three levels of protection, allowing homeowners to choose the level that makes sense for their home and project.
FORTIFIED Roof™
The roof is a home's first line of defense against severe weather. FORTIFIED Roof strengthens the roof system with requirements that go beyond typical construction practices, including stronger roof-deck attachment and methods designed to help keep wind-driven rain out if the roof covering is damaged.
For many homeowners, replacing an aging roof can be an ideal time to consider upgrading to the FORTIFIED standard.
FORTIFIED Silver™
FORTIFIED Silver builds on all the protections of FORTIFIED Roof and addresses additional vulnerable areas of the home. Depending on the type of severe-weather risk, requirements can include strengthened garage doors, windows, exterior doors, and other components that help keep wind and rain from entering the home.
FORTIFIED Gold™
FORTIFIED Gold provides the program's most comprehensive level of protection. In addition to meeting Roof and Silver requirements, Gold strengthens the home's structural connections to create a continuous load path from the roof through the walls and into the foundation. This helps the structure work together to withstand powerful wind forces.
Why Consider FORTIFIED?
Building codes establish minimum construction requirements. FORTIFIED goes beyond those requirements, using building practices developed specifically to reduce the types of damage IBHS has observed through decades of laboratory research and studies following severe weather events.
For homeowners, that can mean a home better prepared to withstand a storm and a reduced likelihood that a single damaged component will cause significant additional damage.
FORTIFIED can be incorporated into new construction, but many of its protections can also be added during an existing home renovation or re-roofing.
How Does a Home Become FORTIFIED?
FORTIFIED is more than simply using certain roofing materials or construction techniques. To receive an official FORTIFIED designation, the work must be independently verified.
Homeowners typically work with a contractor familiar with the FORTIFIED standards and a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator. The evaluator documents key parts of the work as it is completed and submits that information to IBHS for review. If the home meets the applicable requirements, IBHS issues the FORTIFIED designation.
FORTIFIED designations are valid for five years and can be renewed through the program's re-designation process.
Is FORTIFIED Right for Your Home?
Not every homeowner needs the same level of protection. Your home's location, age, construction, roof condition, and exposure to severe weather can all affect which improvements make sense.
If you're planning to replace your roof, build a new home, or make significant exterior improvements, it's worth learning about FORTIFIED before work begins. Some of the required improvements must be documented during construction in order to qualify for a designation.
Ready to Learn More?
IBHS offers detailed information about FORTIFIED standards, certified contractors and evaluators, and how to begin the designation process.
