What is FORTIFIED?
A nationally recognized, beyond-code construction standard that reduces damage from hurricanes, high winds, hail, and tornadoes.
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and administered through Smart Home America. It is used to re-roof, retrofit, or build a home, commercial building, or multifamily development to a higher level of storm resistance than is required by standard building codes.
Unlike a standard building permit, FORTIFIED requires third-party verification. Only a FORTIFIED Evaluator can submit a project for designation. The Evaluator inspects and documents all construction to confirm it meets the standard before IBHS issues a designation certificate.
What are the FORTIFIED programs?
There are three programs, each with three designation levels: Roof, Silver, and Gold.
FORTIFIED Home is designed for single-family residential properties. The Roof level is the most common entry point and focuses on the roof system, which is the most vulnerable part of a home in a storm. Silver and Gold add progressively stronger protections to the rest of the structure.
FORTIFIED Commercial applies the same framework to commercial buildings, helping business owners reduce damage, lower insurance costs, and recover faster after a storm.
FORTIFIED Multifamily is built for apartment buildings and other multifamily developments, providing the same verified protection at scale.
A hail supplement is also available to further protect against hail damage in applicable markets.
Does FORTIFIED lower insurance costs?
Yes. 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. In states with enacted legislation, FORTIFIED homeowners qualify for mandated wind premium discounts of 20% to 55%. Many major carriers offer discounts voluntarily in additional states. Use the Incentives and Resource Map to see what is available in your state.
Does FORTIFIED increase home value?
Yes. A peer-reviewed study found that a FORTIFIED designation increases home resale value by nearly 7%. Learn more at smarthomeamerica.org/fortified/fortified-home.
How does FORTIFIED compare to standard building codes?
FORTIFIED exceeds most model building codes and is based on more than 20 years of IBHS research, real-world storm testing, and post-disaster field observations. Where building codes set a minimum floor, FORTIFIED raises the ceiling. In many states, SHA has worked with legislators and insurance commissioners to align FORTIFIED standards with insurance incentive legislation. See the Policy Dashboard for the current legislative status by state.
How do I find a FORTIFIED professional?
Search the directory of certified FORTIFIED Evaluators, roofers, and builders at fortified.profilegorilla.com.