What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) — an independent, non-profit research organization funded by the property insurance industry. The program certifies that a roof has been built or retrofitted to meet enhanced standards specifically engineered to better resist high winds, wind-driven rain, and hurricane conditions.
For Louisiana homeowners — particularly those in coastal parishes — FORTIFIED certification delivers two outcomes that matter: genuine protection against the kind of storm damage Louisiana sees regularly, and recognized credentials that insurance carriers reward with meaningful policy benefits. A FORTIFIED Roof is engineered to stay on the house when the wind picks up, which is exactly what every homeowner in this region wants.
The Three FORTIFIED Levels
FORTIFIED is built around three increasingly stringent designations — each one adding additional layers of hurricane resistance to a home's roof and overall envelope.
FORTIFIED Roof
The foundational designation focused entirely on the roof system — sealed roof deck, enhanced edge details, and impact-resistant materials engineered to keep the roof on the home during high-wind events. The most common entry point for Louisiana homeowners pursuing FORTIFIED certification.
FORTIFIED Silver
Builds on the FORTIFIED Roof foundation by adding stronger attached structures, reinforced gable ends, and improved opening protection — extending hurricane resistance from just the roof to the broader building envelope and reducing the chance of catastrophic wind-driven failure.
FORTIFIED Gold
The highest designation — incorporating everything in Silver plus a continuous load path that ties the roof, walls, and foundation into a single engineered system. Designed to keep the entire structure intact through the strongest hurricane wind events Louisiana sees.
What the Evaluation Documents
A FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation is a detailed, IBHS-standardized inspection that documents specific construction features required for certification at the chosen level.
Sealed Roof Deck
Verification that the roof deck has been properly sealed using approved methods to prevent water intrusion if the roof covering is damaged or removed during a high-wind event.
Roof Deck Attachment
Documentation of fastener type, size, spacing, and pattern used to attach the roof deck to the underlying structure — exceeding standard building code requirements for high-wind regions.
Edge & Drip Details
Verification of properly installed drip edges, edge metal, and starter strips — engineered to resist the wind uplift forces that typically cause roof failure to begin at the edges.
Roof Covering
Confirmation that the roof covering material meets FORTIFIED standards for impact resistance, wind rating, and proper installation for the home's geographic exposure.
Attic Ventilation
Documentation that all attic ventilation components are designed and installed to resist water entry during wind-driven rain — a major source of interior damage during hurricanes.
Gable End Bracing
For Silver and Gold designations, verification that gable ends are properly braced to resist high-wind forces — addressing one of the most common failure points in Louisiana homes.
Two Certified Evaluators on Staff
21st Century Home Inspections holds a distinct advantage for Louisiana homeowners pursuing FORTIFIED certification: both Marc Orgeron and Sherrill Orgeron are individually credentialed Fortified Home Evaluators — making 21st Century one of the few inspection firms in the Greater New Orleans area with two certified evaluators on staff.
FORTIFIED Evaluators are credentialed directly through the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. The certification requires specialized training, ongoing continuing education, and adherence to strict IBHS protocols for documentation and reporting. Marc and Sherrill bring this credentialed expertise to every FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation — using state-of-the-art digital documentation to capture the construction details required for certification at every level.
- Two certified Fortified Home Evaluators on staff
- IBHS-credentialed and continuously trained
- Reports prepared to IBHS documentation standards
- Photo-documented evidence captured during the evaluation
- Serving all parishes throughout Greater New Orleans
How the Evaluation Works
From your first phone call to certification documentation in your hands — here's exactly what to expect when you hire 21st Century Home Inspections for a FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation.
Schedule
Call or text Marc directly at 504-494-2418. We'll discuss the FORTIFIED level you're pursuing, confirm property details, and set a time that fits your schedule.
Evaluate
A certified Fortified Home Evaluator arrives on-site and performs a detailed inspection of every component required by the FORTIFIED standard for the chosen designation level.
Document
Findings are recorded using digital inspection software with photo documentation that meets IBHS standards — capturing every detail required for certification submission.
Submit
The completed FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation is delivered digitally and submitted through proper IBHS channels — putting your certification in motion and into your hands.
FORTIFIED Roof FAQ
What is the difference between FORTIFIED Roof and a regular roof inspection?
A regular roof inspection evaluates the current condition of the existing roof. A FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation is a certification inspection — it documents whether specific construction features meet the IBHS FORTIFIED standard at the level being pursued, and the resulting certification is recognized by insurance carriers and stays attached to the property.
Does my existing roof qualify for FORTIFIED certification?
It depends on how the roof was constructed and whether key features — sealed deck, proper fastener pattern, appropriate edge details, and other items — meet IBHS specifications. The evaluation will determine what your roof currently qualifies for, and what would be required to bring it to a higher designation.
Will FORTIFIED certification reduce my insurance premium?
Many Louisiana insurance carriers offer credits or discounts for FORTIFIED-certified properties. The exact amount and availability depend on your individual carrier and policy, but FORTIFIED certification is one of the most insurance-relevant designations a Louisiana homeowner can pursue. Your insurance agent can confirm what credits are available on your specific policy.
How long is FORTIFIED certification valid?
FORTIFIED Roof certifications are typically valid for five years from the date of certification. After that point, a re-evaluation is required to maintain the designation — confirming the roof has not been altered or compromised in ways that affect its FORTIFIED status.
Can I combine a FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation with other inspections?
Yes. Many homeowners and home buyers combine the FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation with a Pre-Purchase Inspection, Wind Mitigation Inspection, or Four Point Inspection. Bundling reduces overall inspection time and is especially smart for older homes, coastal properties, or homes being prepared for sale.
Ready to Schedule Your FORTIFIED Roof Evaluation?
Call or text Marc directly — serving all of Greater New Orleans and surrounding parishes.
📞 Office: 504-494-2418 | 📱 Cell: 504-554-4142
Schedule Today