What is a Fortified Roof and How Can It Protect Your Home?

As a homeowner, you know that your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It's what protects you and your family from the elements and keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But in some areas prone to extremely harsh weather, the standard roofing options aren't always enough. Homeowners and business owners alike spend a lot of time fearing that their roof will fail here or there, that water will get in from this side or that area, and it's stressful!

But did you know that there's a type of roof that can do even more to protect your home? It's called a fortified roof, and in this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about it.

What is a Fortified Roof?

A fortified roof is a type of roof that has been designed to withstand high winds, hail, and other severe weather conditions. In order to be certified as "fortified," a roof must meet or exceed the standards set by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).  Fortified roofs can protect your home from the damage of hurricanes and other natural disasters. In addition, they can increase the value of your home by nearly 7% and save you as much as 35% on your insurance premiums.

A Fortified Roof is typically made with two layers of roofing materials instead of the standard one layer. The first layer is composed of shingles or tiles that are designed to withstand high winds and heavy rains.

The second layer is made up of a waterproof membrane that will keep water out your home in the event of a storm. A Fortified Roof can also include additional features such as hurricane straps, wind uplift protection and snow guards which will help keep your home safe during severe weather conditions.

These fortified roofs are typically made with stronger materials than traditional roofs, and they often have additional features like impact-resistant shingles or hurricane straps. This makes them much better equipped to handle severe weather than a standard roof. 

How Can a Fortified Roof Protect Your Home? 

As we mentioned before, one of the biggest benefits of a fortified roof is that it can help protect your home from damage during severe weather events. High winds, hail, and even falling trees are no match for a well-built fortified roof. 

Another benefit of having a fortified roof is that it can help lower your insurance premiums. Since fortified roofs are less likely to be damaged by severe weather, insurance companies are often willing to offer discounts on homeowners insurance for homes with fortified roofs.

Fortified Roofs are System-Based

Fortified roofs are system-based ways for you to protect your home from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather conditions. They can lower your insurance premiums, prevent debris, and even help your home reopen sooner after a storm. Many Fortified roofs are certified by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

These roofs are built stronger with storm-resistant windows and doors. They are also built using a stronger and wider drip edge. Other benefits include storm-resistant siding and doors, secure foundations, and wind-resistant roofing. In addition, they are inspected and verified by the IBHS. And, once your home becomes Fortified, you may be eligible for an annual wind mitigation tax credit.

Fortified roofs are a good way to protect your home from extreme weather and fire. A fortified roof is built with spray adhesive to replace the secondary water barrier. The foam board on top of the adhesive helps prevent water from penetrating the house and damaging it.

Fortified roofs can also improve the value of your home. They are ideal for older neighborhoods, especially those with high wind risk. Fortified roofs also use ring shank nails, which are stronger and hold better even under the most extreme weather conditions. They also seal the seams between plywood sheets to keep water from getting into the house. Additionally, the edge pieces of the roof are aligned to prevent rippling and "rip-up."

Are fortified roofs more expensive than regular roofs?

The cost of a fortified roof will vary depending on the size and type of home, as well as the materials used. However, in general, fortified roofs tend to be more expensive than regular roofs in the installation but save tremendous amounts on repairs and stress, and can even decrease your roof insurance cost!

If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, a fortified roof is a wise investment. It can help protect your home from damage and even lower your insurance premiums

Conclusion

If you're looking for an extra layer of protection for your home, consider investing in a fortified roof. Fortified roofs are designed to withstand high winds, hail, and other severe weather conditions, and they can help lower your homeowners insurance premiums. Contact your local roofing contractor today to learn more about fortified roofs and how they can benefit your home.

To get your fortified roofing quote, just give Southern Roofing Systems a call today!