Did you know that storm-related roof damage costs American homeowners billions of dollars each year? For residents of Mobile and other coastal areas, severe weather is an unavoidable reality.
The good news? The FORTIFIED™ roof program is here to give homeowners the advantage. This voluntary construction program, backed by decades of research, helps strengthen homes and commercial buildings against severe weather including high winds, hail, hurricanes and tornadoes.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recently introduced the 2025 FORTIFIED™ construction standards. These updated standards set the benchmark for beyond-code construction and re-roofing, aiming to reduce storm damage by strengthening areas of buildings most vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain.
Designed to protect your home against nature’s fury, a FORTIFIED™ roof isn’t just a roof—it’s a smart, long-term investment in safety, savings and peace of mind. In this blog post we’ll explore five compelling reasons why upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ roof is one of the best decisions you can make for your home (and family) in 2025.
Reason #1: Enhanced Protection Against Severe Weather
FORTIFIED™ roofs are engineered to stand strong against the harshest conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. This advanced roofing system involves structural enhancements including:
- Sealed roof decking
- Locked down roof edges
- Impact-resistant shingles
- Pressure-rated garage doors
- Chimney bracing
- Impact protections for doors and windows
- Reinforced soffits
- Gable end bracing
- Engineering roof to wall connections
- Wind and rain resistant attic vents
- And more!
Under the 2025 standards, FORTIFIED™ roof decks now require a tighter nailing pattern consistent with those used in hurricane-prone areas, and roof-mounted vents must meet stringent testing standards to prevent wind-driven rain from entering buildings.
These enhancements increase the durability of residential and commercial structures and reduce the risk of damage from storms, including tornadoes and straight-line winds.
These features are not just theoretical. During Hurricane Sally, homes equipped with FORTIFIED™ roofs in Alabama sustained significantly less damage compared to those with traditional roofing.
This kind of protection can mean the difference between minor repairs and total roof replacement. After Hurricane Sally in 2020, 50,000 Alabama homes (7,500 through SAH program funds) have received the FORTIFIED™ designation.
“You can see the difference it has made,” Alabama Commissioner of Insurance Mark Fowler said.” The industry, local officials, legislators, academia, they have all come on board to pull the wagon together, and now we are experiencing the success of those decisions back then.” More than $74 million has been allocated to upgrade homes since the program began in 2016.
Reason #2: Significant Insurance Savings
A FORTIFIED™ roof doesn’t just protect your home—it protects your wallet. Many insurance companies along the Gulf Coast offer a FORTIFIED™ roof insurance discount.
In most cases, AL homeowners have reported savings of up to 55% on their premiums. These discounts resulted from a law passed requiring insurance companies in Alabama to offer discounts to wind premiums for FORTIFIED™ construction.
When considering home improvements to lower home insurance, upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ roof is one of the most effective options. This discount is in addition to potential tax incentives and savings from avoiding uninsured rebuilding costs or temporary housing expenses following a storm.
Over time, these discounts can offset the cost of installation, making a FORTIFIED™ roof a financially savvy choice. For example, a homeowner paying $2,000 annually for insurance could save $700 per year with a FORTIFIED™ roof. Imagine the cumulative savings over a decade!
Reason #3: A FORTIFIED™ Roof Increases Home Value
You do the math! Fortifying your home increases its value by 7 percent according to the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research (ACIIR). The estimated cost of upgrading to FORTIFIED™ construction is less than 7 percent, adding up to a smart investment for homeowners.
Today’s homebuyers are more informed and safety-conscious than ever while considering recent research associated with fortifying a home. A FORTIFIED™ roof makes your property stand out in a competitive market. Potential buyers (and realtors) are drawn to homes that offer:
- Enhanced protection against storms
- Lower insurance premiums/tax credits
- Reduced maintenance and repair needs
Installing a FORTIFIED™ roof can increase your home’s resale value, ensuring a solid return on investment when it’s time to sell.
Reason #4: Long-Term Durability and Reduced Maintenance Costs
FORTIFIED™ roofs are designed to last longer than traditional roofing systems. With superior materials and advanced construction techniques, these roofs require fewer repairs and replacements over their lifespan.
Under the updated 2025 standards, only certified FORTIFIED™ roofing contractors can install roofs designated as FORTIFIED™. This ensures that installations meet rigorous quality requirements, further enhancing durability. Certified contractors, on average, achieve better results, giving homeowners added confidence in their investment.
For Alabama homeowners, this means less worrying about roof storm damage, leaks, and missing shingles. Knowing that your roof is built to withstand extreme weather year after year provides unmatched peace of mind. Just don’t forget the renewal certificate after 5 years!
Reason #5: Eligibility for Grants and Incentives
Upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ roof is more affordable than you might think, thanks to grants and incentive programs like Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH). The program helps homeowners cover the costs up to $10,000 of transitioning to a FORTIFIED™ roof, making this high-quality upgrade accessible to more families.
Additionally, FORTIFIED™ offers three progressive levels of protection tailored to specific weather hazards. Fortified Inspections has the knowledge and experts to handle your home’s specific requirements to be FORTIFIED™.
IBHS’s rigorous testing and research, conducted at a facility capable of simulating realistic storm conditions, ensure that these standards reflect the latest advancements in wind, rain, and hail resistance.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can enjoy the benefits of a FORTIFIED™ roof without breaking the bank, further reinforcing its value as a smart financial decision.
Applications for Alabama homeowners open on the following dates for 2025:
- January 6 @ 9 am – Mobile County
- January 8 @ 9 am – Baldwin County
- April 1 @ 9 am – Mobile County
- April 3 @ 9 am – Baldwin County
- July 7 @ 9 am – Mobile County
- July 9 @ 9 am – Baldwin County
RELATED: How to apply for the FORTIFIED™ roof grant program
A FORTIFIED™ Roof is the Best Investment for Your Home in 2025
Investing in a FORTIFIED™ roof is about more than weatherproofing—it’s about safeguarding your family, your investment and your future. To recap, here are the top five reasons why a FORTIFIED™ roof is a wise choice in 2025:
- Enhanced protection against severe weather.
- Significant insurance savings.
- Increased home value.
- Long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.
- Eligibility for grants and incentives.
According to IBHS, approximately 70,000 properties across 31 states have been built or re-roofed using FORTIFIED™ standards. This progress highlights the growing recognition of resilient construction in protecting homes and communities from severe weather.
The 2025 Hurricane Season will be here soon! Contact Fortified Inspections to learn how our professionals can transform your home into a stronghold of safety and savings.
Alabama residents: (251) 348-7450
Louisiana residents: (985) 325-7450