The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed FORTIFIED Commercial™ as a construction standard and designation to reduce damage to commercial structures and help businesses re-open more quickly following severe weather. FORTIFIED Commercial includes three levels of resiliency:
FORTIFIED Commercial- Roof
Keep Wind and Water Out and Roof-Mounted Equipment On
This level of roofing is designed to better protect against severe wind and hail.
FORTIFIED Commercial- Silver
Protect the Envelope and Reduce Business Operations Downtime.
All FORTIFIED Roof qualities, extra window and door protection, and anchors are connected to maximize the safety of the building.
FORTIFIED Commercial- Gold
Keep the Building Tied Together and Maintain Business Operations.
All FORTIFIED Roof and Silver qualities with additional supports.
What types of buildings qualify to be FORTIFIED Commercial?
FORTIFIED Commercial™ focuses on community-based and light to moderate commercial structures such as:
- Multi-family residential/residential
- When not governed by the IRC
- Template (“cookie-cut”) stand-alone buildings
- Franchises (e.g., quick-service restaurants)
- Hotels
- Convenience stores/gas stations
- Pharmacies/retail stores
- Business services
- Schools/municipal buildings
- Mixed-use