Protect Your Home with a Fortified Roof
Strengthen your roof against severe storms, high winds, and heavy rain while potentially lowering insurance premiums.
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Fortified Roofs: What They Are, Process, and Cost
A fortified roof is a stronger roofing system built to help protect your home in extreme weather and storms, with fewer failures and less water intrusion. A fortified roof includes improvements that help it:
- Stay attached during high winds
- Resist leaks even if shingles are damaged or blow off
- Reduce storm damage and expensive repairs
- Fortified roofs typically cost 1%–3% more than standard roofs
A fortified roof isn’t a special “type” of shingle.
It’s a roof system built using stronger standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) under the FORTIFIED program.
In plain terms, a fortified roof is designed to stay on longer and stay watertight longer in severe weather. Fortified roofs focus on the weak points where storm damage usually begins.
When a roof fails, the biggest damage is often not the roof itself, it’s what happens afterward. Storm damage can lead to:
- leaks into attic insulation
- ceiling stains and drywall damage
- mold growth
- ruined flooring and furniture
- electrical damage
What Makes a Roof “Fortified”?
Fortified roofs include specific upgrades that improve performance in storms.
Sealed Roof Deck - Biggest Upgrade for Leak Prevention
This is one of the most important features of a fortified roof.
A sealed roof deck creates a secondary water barrier across the roof deck so that if shingles are damaged or blown off, water is less likely to enter the home.
Think of it like adding a “backup raincoat” under your shingles.
Stronger Roof Deck Attachement
The roof deck (the wood sheathing under the shingles) must be securely fastened.
In high winds, weak attachment can lead to deck movement or failure, which increases the chance of shingle loss and leakage.
A fortified roof uses improved fastening patterns so the deck stays stronger under pressure.
Stronger Roof Edge Protection
The edges of the roof are where wind often grabs first.
Fortified installation includes upgraded edge details that help reduce peeling, lifting, and progressive failure.
Wind-Resistant Material Standards
Fortified roofs often include roofing material requirements based on wind resistance and proper installation methods.
Fortified Roof vs Standard Roof
Fortified roofs include specific upgrades that improve performance in storms.
Standard Roof
- Built using standard materials
- Depends heavily on shingles as the primary weather barrier
- If shingles fail, water can enter quickly
Fortified Roof
- Built to higher storm-resistance standards
- Stronger deck fastening
- Sealed roof deck helps prevent leaks
- Designed to reduce storm-related damage
Step by Step Fortified Roof Installation Process
If you’re replacing your roof, here’s what the fortified process usually looks like:
1
Planning and roof assessment
Your roofer reviews the roof structure and explains which fortified upgrades apply to your roof.
2
Tear-off and inspection
Old roof materials are removed and the roof deck is inspected for:
- damaged wood
- soft spots
- ventilation issues
- flashing problems
Any weak or rotted decking is replaced.
3
Upgrade roof deck attachment
The deck is reinforced using stronger fastening requirements.
4
Seal the roof deck
The roof deck seams are sealed using approved methods (tape or membrane systems) to reduce water intrusion.
5
Install underlayment and roof covering
The system is completed with:
- underlayment
- starter strips
- drip edge / edge details
- shingles or metal roofing
- ridge cap / finishing materials
- flashing around all penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights)
6
Verification for official FORTIFIED designation
If the roof is being completed as an official FORTIFIED Roof, the project includes documentation and verification steps.
How Much Does a Fortified Roof Cost?
Fortified roof pricing has two parts:
Cost of a Roof Replacement
Roof replacement pricing depends on:
- square footage and slope
- roof complexity (valleys, dormers, skylights)
- materials (shingles vs metal)
- local labor rates
A common range is:
- $9,000 to $30,000+
Added Cost for Fortified Upgrades
Many homeowners find fortified upgrades add:
- 1%–3% more than a standard roof
- commonly around $1,000–$3,000 extra, depending on the home
The added cost may be higher if:
- decking needs replacement
- roof is complex (more seams/penetrations)
- specialty materials are needed
Is a Fortified Roof Worth It?
A fortified roof can be a smart decision if:
- you live in an area prone to storms or high winds
- your roof is older and due for replacement
- you want stronger leak protection
- you want longer-term durability and peace of mind
Many homeowners choose fortified upgrades because the cost increase is often small compared to the cost of storm-related repairs.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
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Fortified Roof FAQ
Do fortified roofs only matter in hurricane areas?
No. They help with many storm types: heavy rain, windstorms, thunderstorms, nor’easters, and more.
Will my roof look different?
Usually no. Most fortified upgrades are underneath the shingles.
Can you do a fortified roof with asphalt shingles?
Yes. Fortified refers to the roof system and installation methods, not just the shingle type.
What is the biggest fortified upgrade?
For many roofs, it’s the sealed roof deck, because it helps prevent leaks even if shingles are damaged.
