Don't Goof When You Re-Roof® is a public outreach campaign created by Smart Home America to help homeowners understand the benefits of re-roofing to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard. The campaign exists because most homeowners replace their roofs every 15 to 20 years, unaware that a stronger, more resilient option is available at a modest cost premium.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
FORTIFIED Roofs have a documented track record across multiple hurricane seasons. When Hurricane Sally made landfall in September 2020, IBHS field findings showed that over 95% of FORTIFIED homes in the storm's path sustained little to no damage or filed insurance claims. A May 2025 peer-reviewed study by the University of Alabama's Center for Risk and Insurance Research confirmed those results, finding FORTIFIED Roof homes had 73% fewer insurance claims and 72% lower total losses compared to standard construction in the same storm. Read the full study.
Why It Matters
A roof replacement is one of the largest home investments most families make. Done right, it pays off in insurance savings, increased home value, and reduced storm-damage risk. Done wrong, it is money spent on a roof that performs no better than the one it replaced.
In states with mandatory insurance discount laws, FORTIFIED homeowners save 10% to 35% off the wind portion of their premium. Several states offer grant programs covering part or all of the upgrade cost. And a FORTIFIED designation increases home value by an average of 7%.
About Smart Home America
Smart Home America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Mobile, Alabama. It promotes disaster-resilient construction through advocacy, training, and public education across the United States. Smart Home America works with state legislators, insurance regulators, building officials, and industry partners to expand access to stronger construction standards and the incentives that support them.
Don't Goof When You Re-Roof® is one of several public education initiatives Smart Home America operates to connect homeowners with the information and professionals they need to build stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created this site?
Don't Goof When You Re-Roof® was created by Smart Home America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Mobile, Alabama. Smart Home America promotes disaster-resilient construction through public education, training, and policy advocacy.
Is this site affiliated with IBHS?
Smart Home America operates this site. The FORTIFIED Roof standard is developed and administered by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Smart Home America is an independent organization that promotes and supports the FORTIFIED standard but is not part of IBHS.
Is the information on this site current?
Yes. Grant programs, insurance incentives, and state resources are updated regularly. The resource map reflects the most current programs available by state.
How do I find a FORTIFIED professional in my area?
Use the IBHS professional directory to find certified roofers and evaluators near you. Find a Professional
Where can I learn more about FORTIFIED construction?
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety maintains detailed resources on the FORTIFIED standard at ibhs.org. Smart Home America provides additional context and state-specific resources at smarthomeamerica.org.