Most homeowners replace their roofs once or twice in their lifetimes. It is one of the largest home investments you will make, and it is easy to put off until something goes wrong. But waiting too long costs more than replacing on your own timeline: repair bills, interior damage, and the lost opportunity to upgrade to a stronger standard.
Here is what to know before you replace your roof.
When Do You Need a New Roof?
A roof does not have to be visibly failing to need replacement. Age alone is a factor. Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20 to 25 years. If yours is approaching that range, have it inspected even if you have not noticed problems. Other signs it is time to act:
- Shingles are curling, buckling, or missing
- Granules are collecting in your gutters
- You see water stains in your attic or on interior ceilings
- Your roof is sagging
- Flashing around chimneys or vents is cracked or missing
- Your energy bills have increased without explanation
- Your neighbors in similarly aged homes are replacing their roofs
If you are seeing more than one of these signs, replacement is likely overdue.
A Roof Replacement Is Your Best Opportunity to Build Stronger
A standard roof replacement gets you back to where you were. A FORTIFIED Roof replacement gets you to a better place.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ is a beyond-code roofing standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). It uses ring shank nails, a sealed roof deck, and reinforced edges to create a roof system that significantly outperforms standard construction in hurricanes, high winds, hail, and severe thunderstorms.
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.
What Does a FORTIFIED Roof Cost?
A FORTIFIED Roof typically costs 6% to 16% more than a standard replacement. For most homeowners, that cost difference is offset by:
- Insurance premium discounts of 10% to 35% off the wind portion of your policy
- State grant programs covering part or all of the upgrade cost
- Increased home value of an average of 7%
In many states, the financial benefits recover the cost difference within a few years. And in the event of a major storm, the savings from avoided damage can far exceed the upfront cost.
Grants Can Help Cover the Cost
Several states offer grant programs that pay part or all of the cost to re-roof to the FORTIFIED standard. Current programs include Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, as well as a multi-state program through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.
Programs open, close, and change amounts regularly. Check the resource map to find what is currently available in your state. Find Grants and Incentives in Your State
How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof
The process has three steps:
- Hire a FORTIFIED Evaluator. A certified evaluator inspects your roof and documents what upgrades are needed to meet the standard.
- Work with a certified FORTIFIED contractor. As of November 2025, only IBHS-certified contractors can install roofs eligible for an official FORTIFIED designation. Verify certification status in the IBHS directory before hiring.
- Get your designation. Your evaluator submits documentation to IBHS. Once approved, you receive your official FORTIFIED Roof designation, which activates your insurance discounts and grant eligibility.
Remember, only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED contractors can install a FORTIFIED Roof. Use the IBHS professional directory to find a certified contractor and evaluator in your area. Find a Professional
Before You Hire Anyone, Protect Yourself
Roof replacement is one of the most common targets for contractor fraud, especially after storms. Get at least three written quotes, verify your contractor's state license, and never sign an Assignment of Benefits contract. Learn how to avoid contractor fraud and download the Contractor Fraud Checklist.