A FORTIFIED Roof is not something every roofer can install. It requires specific materials, installation methods, and independent verification by a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator. Finding the right contractor, one who understands the standard and has experience completing it, is the most important step in the process.
This page explains what to look for, what to expect, and how to find a verified professional in your area.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof Contractor?
A FORTIFIED roof contractor is a licensed roofer who has completed IBHS certification through the FORTIFIED Wise training program. As of November 2025, IBHS requires all roofs seeking official FORTIFIED designation to be installed by a certified contractor. Hiring an uncertified roofer means your roof cannot receive a FORTIFIED designation, even if it is built to the correct specifications.
When looking for a contractor, verify their certification status in the IBHS directory before signing anything. Ask for references from past FORTIFIED customers. A reputable contractor will have no hesitation answering either question.
What Is a FORTIFIED Evaluator?
A FORTIFIED Evaluator is an independent, IBHS-certified professional who inspects your roof before and after installation to verify it meets the standard. The evaluator is separate from your contractor by design. No contractor can self-certify a FORTIFIED Roof. The evaluator acts as an independent quality check and submits the documentation to IBHS to issue your official designation certificate.
If a contractor tells you they can handle the evaluation themselves, that is a red flag. Walk away.
What Does FORTIFIED Roof Installation Involve?
A FORTIFIED Roof installation follows a specific process:
- Pre-construction evaluation. A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator inspects your existing roof and documents what upgrades are needed to meet the standard.
- Contractor completes the work. Your contractor installs the roof using FORTIFIED-approved materials and methods, including ring shank nails, a sealed roof deck, and reinforced edges.
- Post-construction inspection. The evaluator returns to verify that the completed work meets the standard.
- Designation issued. The evaluator submits documentation to IBHS. Once approved, you receive your official FORTIFIED Roof designation certificate.
The designation is what activates your insurance discount and grant eligibility in most states. Without it, you have a strong roof but no financial benefits.
How Much Does FORTIFIED Roof Installation Cost?
A FORTIFIED Roof installation typically costs 6% to 16% more than a standard roof replacement, depending on your home size, roofing material, and contractor. That cost difference is often offset by:
- State grant programs covering part or all of the upgrade cost
- Insurance premium discounts of 10% to 35% off the wind portion of your policy
- Increased home value of an average of 7%
A May 2025 peer-reviewed study by the University of Alabama's Center for Risk and Insurance Research found that FORTIFIED Roof homes had 73% fewer insurance claims and 72% lower total losses during Hurricane Sally than standard-construction homes. IBHS field findings after the storm found that over 95% of FORTIFIED homes in Sally's path had little to no damage or insurance claims. The study estimates insurers would have saved $105.6 million if all homes in the storm's path had been retrofitted to the FORTIFIED Roof standard.
In many states, the financial benefits recover the cost difference within a few years. Several states also have grant programs that reduce or eliminate the upfront cost entirely. See grants and incentives available in your state
How to Avoid Contractor Fraud
Roof replacement is one of the most common targets for contractor fraud, especially after storms. Before hiring anyone, watch for these warning signs:
- Unsolicited door-to-door contractors after a storm
- Requests for full payment up front or cash only
- No state license, physical address, or proof of insurance
- Pressure to sign quickly before you can review
- Offers to waive your deductible
- Requests to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contract
Just because a contractor says your roof is built to FORTIFIED standards does not mean it is. Always ask who the evaluator is, confirm they are IBHS-certified, and get the designation certificate in writing before work begins. Learn more about avoiding contractor fraud and download the Contractor Fraud Checklist
Why Don't Goof When You Re-Roof?
Don't Goof When You Re-Roof® is a public outreach campaign created by Smart Home America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes disaster-resilient construction across the United States. This site exists to connect homeowners with accurate information about the FORTIFIED standard and the professionals who can deliver it.
We do not sell roofing services. We do not take referral fees. Our only goal is to help homeowners make better decisions about one of the most important investments they will make in their home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a FORTIFIED certified roofer near me?
Use the IBHS professional directory to search for certified roofers and evaluators by location. Every professional listed holds current IBHS certification. Remember, as of November 2025, only IBHS-certified contractors can install roofs eligible for official designation. Once your roof is designated, track your renewal date. Designations are valid for five years and must be re-inspected to maintain eligibility for insurance discounts. Find a Professional
Can any licensed roofer install a FORTIFIED Roof?
No. As of November 2025, only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED contractors can install roofs eligible for official designation. Hiring an uncertified roofer means your roof cannot receive a FORTIFIED designation, regardless of how it is built. Always verify certification status in the IBHS directory before hiring.
Do I need both a contractor and an evaluator?
Yes. The contractor installs the roof, and the evaluator independently verifies the work. They are separate roles and cannot be filled by the same person. Both are required to receive the FORTIFIED designation.
How long does a FORTIFIED Roof designation last?
A FORTIFIED designation is valid for five years. After that, a certified evaluator must inspect the roof and verify it still meets the standard before a new five-year certificate is issued. Some states require an active designation to maintain insurance discount eligibility, so it is worth tracking your renewal date and scheduling an inspection before it lapses.
What happens if my roof fails the evaluation?
If the installation does not meet the standard, the evaluator will document what needs to be corrected. Your contractor addresses those items, and the evaluator returns to verify. The designation is not issued until the work fully meets the standard.
Is a FORTIFIED Roof worth it?
For homeowners in hurricane-, high-wind-, hail-, and severe-storm-prone areas, the answer is consistently yes. Lower insurance premiums, increased grant eligibility, higher home value, and significantly reduced storm-damage risk make the modest cost difference a sound investment for most homeowners. What is a FORTIFIED Roof™?