Myths vs Facts

✅ FACT: The Fortified™ standard goes beyond regular building codes and focuses specifically on strengthening homes against extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. While standard building codes aim for minimum safety requirements, Fortified is designed for maximum protection and long-term resilience.

✅ FACT: While Fortified upgrades require an initial investment, they can pay for themselves over time through:
✔ Lower insurance premiums (up to 35% savings in some states).
✔ Reduced repair and maintenance costs after storms.
✔ Increased property value (Fortified homes sell for an average of 7% more).

Plus, many homeowners can take advantage of grants and financial assistance programs like Strengthen Alabama Homes, which covers the cost of a Fortified Roof™ upgrade for eligible homeowners.

✅ FACT: A new roof does not automatically mean it meets Fortified™ standards. Many standard roofs are not designed to withstand extreme wind or uplift forces. A Fortified Roof™ requires additional features such as:
✔ Sealed roof deck to prevent water intrusion if shingles blow off.
✔ Stronger attachment methods, such as ring-shank nails instead of staples.
✔ Wind-rated edges to reduce the risk of uplift.

If you’re replacing your roof, it’s the best time to upgrade to a Fortified Roof™, and it often costs just a small percentage more than a standard roof replacement.

✅ FACT: While Fortified is well-known for hurricane protection, it also strengthens homes against:
✔ Tornadoes – Fortified helps prevent roof and structural failure in high-wind events.
✔ Hailstorms – Stronger roof materials and construction methods minimize damage.
✔ Severe thunderstorms – Fortified reduces wind-driven rain intrusion and structural uplift.

Homes across the U.S. in coastal, inland, and even non-hurricane-prone areas benefit from Fortified construction.

✅ FACT: Fortified certification is available in three levels, allowing homeowners to choose the best option for their budget and needs:
1. Fortified Roof™ – Strengthens the roof to protect against water damage and wind uplift (most common and cost-effective upgrade).
2. Fortified Silver™ – Adds impact-resistant windows, doors, and better connections between walls and the roof.
3. Fortified Gold™ – Reinforces the entire structure to meet the highest level of wind and impact resistance.

Many homeowners start with Fortified Roof™ certification, as it provides the most protection for the lowest cost.

✅ FACT: Existing homes can absolutely be upgraded to meet Fortified standards! In fact, many homeowners choose to upgrade during roof replacements or renovation projects. Older homes, especially those built before modern building codes, benefit greatly from Fortified improvements.

✅ FACT: In states like Alabama, insurance companies are required by law to offer discounts for homes with Fortified certification. Many major insurers across the U.S. recognize and reward homeowners with lower premiums for Fortified upgrades.

If your insurance company isn’t familiar with Fortified™, we help provide documentation and work with your agent to ensure you get the best possible discount.

✅ FACT: That’s true—and that’s the point! Fortified homes look just like regular homes, but they’re designed and built to perform better in severe weather. There’s no bulky hardware or extreme design changes; instead, the upgrades happen at the structural level, ensuring stronger connections, better materials, and improved durability—without affecting your home’s appearance.

✅ FACT: Storm shutters protect windows, but they don’t address roof failure, wind-driven rain, or structural uplift—all major causes of damage in hurricanes and storms. Fortified Silver™ and Gold™ include reinforced roof, doors, windows, and wall connections, providing a comprehensive defense against extreme weather.

✅ FACT: The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed Fortified standards based on decades of real-world research and storm testing. Fortified homes have been proven to reduce damage and insurance claims, making them a trusted, science-backed solution for storm resilience.