As severe weather events continue to impact homeowners across coastal areas, the need for durable, weather-resistant roofing is more important than ever. A FORTIFIED™ roof offers more than just enhanced safety; it can also lead to substantial financial savings for homeowners.
A roofing system like this one is designed and certified to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe weather typical along the Gulf Coast.
In this blog post we’ll dive into one of the biggest perks of investing in a FORTIFIED™ roof: the insurance discounts. We’ll also explain what you need to do to cash in on these savings.
The financial impact of a FORTIFIED™ roof
While there are many benefits to a FORTIFIED™ roof, the savings on your home insurance bill are probably the most attractive.
The actual savings on insurance will vary based on location, insurance provider, and other factors, but in Alabama, homeowners with Gold FORTIFIED™ homes often save up to 55% on their annual insurance premiums. That’s a significant reduction that can result in hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars saved over time.
This substantial discount makes the investment in a FORTIFIED™ roof not just a safety measure, but a financially savvy decision as well. Homeowners with FORTIFIED™ roofs may also qualify for tax deductions of up to $3,000 as well.
The FORTIFIED™ program offers Alabama homeowners many incentives to upgrade their roofs. You can learn more about insurance savings by reviewing the discount sheet by clicking here.
How to qualify for a FORTIFIED™ roof insurance discount
Wondering how to start? To achieve FORTIFIED™ certification, it’s essential to work with either a FORTIFIED™ home or roof evaluator.
These professionals assess your roof’s condition and ensure it meets the standards for FORTIFIED™ certification, verifying its ability to offer maximum protection.
Follow our simple step-by-step guide to get your home FORTIFIED™ certified and qualify for insurance discounts:
- Schedule a certified inspection: Hire a certified evaluator to assess your current roof. They will provide a detailed report on any structural upgrades needed to meet FORTIFIED™ standards.
- Complete required upgrades: Based on the evaluator’s assessment, hire a certified contractor to make any necessary roofing upgrades to achieve the FORTIFIED™ standard.
- Get certified: Once structural upgrades are complete, the evaluator will conduct a final inspection to certify the roof.
- Apply for discounts: Present your 5-year roof certification to your insurance provider and ask about a FORTIFIED™ roof insurance discount.
Finding a certified roof evaluator
It’s important to work with a reputable evaluator. Fortified Inspections provides services that can help you assess the integrity of your roof and its structure to ensure it meets FORTIFIED™ standards. Here are some tips to find a FORTIFIED™ roof evaluator:
- Check credentials: Only evaluators certified by the IBHS can provide FORTIFIED™ assessments. Make sure they are licensed and bonded.
- Ask for recommendations: Contact friends and other homeowners in your area to understand their experience with an evaluator.
- Google reviews: Look up Google and customer reviews to verify their credibility and track record.
By choosing the right evaluator, you ensure that your certification process goes smoothly, and your roof meets the necessary standards.
Next steps after certification
Once your roof is certified, it’s time to inform your insurance provider. Here’s how to ensure you maximize your savings:
- Submit certification documents: Provide your FORTIFIED™ certification and documentation from your evaluator to your insurance company.
- Review policy adjustments: Work with your insurance company to apply appropriate FORTIFIED™ roof insurance discounts and confirm that your policy reflects the reduced premium.
You must renew your certification every 5 years to ensure that your home continues to hold up to severe weather conditions. If you miss the renewal date, there is a fee assessed in addition to the renewal fee.
RELATED: Time to renew your certification? Fill out our homeowner survey to get started.
It’s also important that you consult a FORTIFIED™ evaluator before beginning any repair or remodel work on your home during those 5 years. Structural changes to your home can void your certification and leave it vulnerable to damage.
For info. about retaining your certification (and those nice financial discounts), visit https://fortifiedinspections.com/roof-tips-to-maintain-your-fortified-certificate/.
Invest in a FORTIFIED™ roof today
Investing in a FORTIFIED™ roof isn’t just about weatherproofing—it’s also a smart financial move. From insurance discounts to increased home value, the benefits of a FORTIFIED™ roof make it a valuable enhancement to any home.
Fortified Inspections is a certified FORTIFIED™ roof evaluator who can help you upgrade your roof to meet IBHS standards. Ready to get started? Contact us today to explore your options for a safer, more financially efficient roof.