Question 1

What is a FORTIFIED Roof and how is it different from a standard roof?

Accepted Answer

A FORTIFIED Roof is the foundation-level designation from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The key differences from a standard roof include: a fully sealed roof deck that prevents water intrusion even if shingles are lost, ring-shank nails in a tighter 6-nail pattern for stronger attachment, enhanced drip edges and starter strips to resist wind uplift, protected roof-mounted vents tested against wind-driven rain, and reinforced roof-to-wall connections. These upgrades add 5-15% to a standard roof replacement cost but provide protection rated for 130+ mph winds.

Question 2

What changed in the 2025 FORTIFIED standard?

Accepted Answer

The 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard, effective November 1, 2025, includes several important updates: Certified FORTIFIED roofing contractors are now required (not just any licensed roofer). The tighter nailing pattern previously only required in coastal areas now applies to ALL areas, including inland regions. All roof-mounted vents must meet wind-driven rain testing standards. Shingles seeking the optional Hail Supplement must be rated "Excellent" or "Good" on IBHS testing—standard UL 2218 Class 4 rating alone no longer qualifies.

Question 3

How much does a FORTIFIED Roof cost compared to a standard roof?

Accepted Answer

A FORTIFIED Roof typically costs 5-15% more than a standard roof replacement. For example, if a standard roof costs $15,000, expect to pay $16,500-$17,250 for FORTIFIED designation. The additional cost covers: sealed roof deck materials (self-adhering membrane or sealant tape), ring-shank nails and tighter fastening pattern, proper drip edge and starter strip installation, enhanced roof-to-wall connections, and the required third-party inspection and certification. In Louisiana, grants up to $10,000 can offset most or all of this additional cost.

Question 4

What insurance discounts can I get with a FORTIFIED Roof in Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

Louisiana mandates insurance discounts for FORTIFIED homes. For FORTIFIED Roof designation specifically, expect 16-25% off your wind/hail premium (the average is about 18% for non-coastal and higher for coastal parishes). A homeowner paying $3,000 annually for wind/hail coverage could save $480-$750 per year. Louisiana is also implementing Regulation 136, which will establish benchmark discounts insurers must offer. Additionally, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program offers grants up to $10,000. For tax benefits: Act 473 provides a tax deduction up to $10,000 (or 50% of costs), and Act 404 created a separate $10,000 tax credit for FORTIFIED roof installation (subject to a $10M statewide cap).

Question 5

What insurance discounts are available for FORTIFIED Roofs in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas does NOT mandate FORTIFIED discounts like Louisiana—it's the only Gulf Coast state without a state program. However, many insurers offer voluntary discounts of 10-35% for FORTIFIED homes. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) and several private carriers recognize FORTIFIED designations. The optional Hail Supplement is particularly valuable in Austin and Central Texas. The FHLB Dallas program offers grants up to $15,000 for qualifying households. Contact your insurer directly to confirm what voluntary discounts they offer.

Question 6

What is the Hail Supplement and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

The Hail Supplement is an optional addition to FORTIFIED Roof designation. It requires shingles rated "Excellent" or "Good" on the IBHS Impact-Resistant Shingle Performance Ratings—this is stricter than standard UL 2218 Class 4 testing. IBHS uses manufactured hail under realistic conditions to test shingles. If you're in Austin, Central Texas, or other hail-prone areas, the Hail Supplement provides confidence your roof can withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter. It may also qualify you for additional insurance discounts.

Question 7

Can I upgrade my existing roof to FORTIFIED, or do I need a full replacement?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners pursue FORTIFIED designation during a full roof replacement because: 1) the sealed roof deck must be installed on bare decking (not over existing shingles), 2) it's more cost-effective to install all FORTIFIED components at once, and 3) you get maximum value from the 5-year certification period. If your roof is relatively new (under 3-5 years) and in excellent condition, some retrofit options may exist—we can evaluate during a free assessment. But in most cases, FORTIFIED is pursued when it's already time to replace your roof.

Question 8

Who certifies that my roof meets FORTIFIED standards?

Accepted Answer

FORTIFIED designations require independent, third-party verification by an IBHS-trained evaluator—NOT the roofing contractor. The evaluator inspects the installation at specific stages (typically during construction when the deck is exposed, and after completion) and submits documentation to IBHS for certification. This independent verification is why insurance companies trust FORTIFIED designations. Lapeyre Roofing coordinates the evaluation process as part of your project—you don't have to find an evaluator yourself.

Question 9

How long is a FORTIFIED Roof designation valid?

Accepted Answer

A FORTIFIED designation is valid for 5 years from certification. After 5 years, you can renew through a re-evaluation inspection (typically $150-$300) which confirms the FORTIFIED components are still in good condition. Maintaining your designation ensures you continue receiving insurance discounts. If significant damage occurs or major repairs are made during the 5-year period, you may need a new evaluation to maintain certification.

Question 10

What about FORTIFIED Silver and Gold—can you do those?

Accepted Answer

FORTIFIED Silver and Gold require whole-home modifications beyond roofing. Silver adds impact-rated windows, doors, skylights, and reinforced garage doors. Gold adds continuous load path to foundation, gable end bracing, and structural connections. As a roofing company, we specialize in FORTIFIED Roof designations. If you're building new or doing a major renovation and want Silver or Gold, we can coordinate with window/door contractors and the FORTIFIED evaluator, but those designations involve work outside our core roofing scope.

Question 11

Does Lapeyre Roofing install FORTIFIED Roofs in Austin, Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lapeyre Roofing is a certified FORTIFIED contractor serving the Austin metro area including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, and surrounding communities. While Austin isn't coastal, the region experiences severe hailstorms and high winds that make FORTIFIED valuable—especially with the optional Hail Supplement. Our Austin office: (512) 598-9521.

Question 12

Does Lapeyre Roofing install FORTIFIED Roofs in New Orleans, Louisiana?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have extensive FORTIFIED experience throughout the New Orleans metro area and South Louisiana, including Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Orleans Parish, and surrounding areas. Louisiana's mandated insurance discounts and state grants (up to $10,000) make FORTIFIED particularly valuable here. Our New Orleans office: (504) 290-2911.

FORTIFIED Roof™ Designation

What Makes a FORTIFIED Roof Different?

Sealed Roof Deck

Enhanced Connections

Edge Protection

Third-Party Verified

FORTIFIED Roof Designation

FORTIFIED Roof

Core Requirements

Sealed Roof Deck

Enhanced Nailing Pattern

Drip Edge & Starter Strip Standards

Roof-Mounted Vent Protection

Roof-to-Wall Connections

Optional: Hail Supplement

2025 Standard Update

Beyond FORTIFIED Roof: Silver & Gold

FORTIFIED Silver

FORTIFIED Gold

Insurance Discounts & Grants

Louisiana

Texas

Example: FORTIFIED Roof ROI

Certified FORTIFIED Expertise

FORTIFIED Trained

GAF Certified

Local Expertise

FORTIFIED Roof FAQ

Protect Your Home. Lower Your Premiums.