Choosing which FORTIFIED level is right for your home and budget can feel like a hard decision. The good news is there is an easy first step: hire a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Evaluators are the only professionals trained and certified to assess and certify that your home meets the FORTIFIED standard. Your Evaluator must be involved from start to finish so they can document products used and how they were installed. Without an Evaluator involved throughout, your home will not qualify for designation regardless of the work completed.
Find a FORTIFIED Evaluator near you.
I Already Live in My Home
If you currently live in your home, the first step is to review its current condition. The Evaluator will perform a thorough inspection from top to bottom. This is different from a standard home inspection. The result is a Current Conditions Report that outlines the steps needed to upgrade your home to the FORTIFIED Roof or Silver standard.
The Gold standard is typically for new homes or homes where the interior walls are accessible, such as during a complete remodel.
I'm Building a New Home
For new construction, get your Evaluator involved from the very beginning and introduce them to your builder, engineer, and architect. Their insights can help you avoid costly design changes later. New homes can typically be built to the FORTIFIED Gold level at a low cost-to-benefit ratio. Throughout the building process, your Evaluator will work with the builder to document that construction meets the program's requirements, taking photos, gathering receipts, and conducting inspections at key stages.
The Final Steps
Once you are ready to begin improvements, keep your Evaluator in the loop throughout. Get at least three contractor bids before starting any work. When your contractor has finished, your Evaluator will compile documentation and submit it to IBHS engineers who review and certify FORTIFIED homes. Once IBHS confirms your home meets the standard, you will receive a unique Designation Certificate. You are now the owner of a home that is measurably stronger than one built to standard code.
What Happens After You Get Your Designation
A FORTIFIED designation can qualify your home for significant insurance discounts. In states with enacted legislation, mandated wind premium discounts range from 20% to 55%. Many carriers offer discounts voluntarily in additional states. Make an appointment with your insurance agent and bring a copy of your certificate. Use the Incentives and Resource Map to see what discounts and programs are available in your state.
FORTIFIED designation has also been shown to increase home resale value by nearly 7%. If you plan to sell, make sure your certificate is visible and documented in the listing.
A 2025 peer-reviewed study found that FORTIFIED Roof homes had 73% fewer insurance claims and 72% lower total losses during Hurricane Sally than conventionally built homes.
Are There Grants to Help Cover the Cost?
Yes. Several states offer grants of up to $10,000 or more to help homeowners re-roof to the FORTIFIED standard, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. See all available roofing grants.
Ready to get started? Find a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator or contractor in your area.