As extreme weather starts to become more common within an area, whether it be hurricanes or heavy storms, the process of fortifying the roofing in itself has become one positive step forward for homeowners. Being subject to a series of checks and requirements ensures that the roof is built with just one purpose in mind—that is, to make sure the roof can endure hard and extreme weather conditions. From Louisiana to Mississippi, homeowners who are certified will be better protected, their property at a higher value, and receive savings on insurance.
Fortified Roof Certification Meaning
A fortified roof certification is a designation given to roofs by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These are roofs that meet specific standards regarding resistance to wind and water in terms of an in-depth inspection process and precise installation techniques designed to secure a roof against weather impacts in storm-prone areas.
Why Certification is Important in Storm-Prone Regions
In coastal states such as Louisiana and Mississippi, houses are particularly exposed to hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. Fortified roof certification does not only prove that the roof complies with the highest durability standard but also informs the homeowner that he has mitigated potential damage.
Process for Obtaining Fortified Roof Certification
The process of fortified roof certification involves several steps, and it is all necessary to successfully get the IBHS fortified standard.
Initial Roof Inspection
This process begins with an IBHS-certified assessor inspecting your current roof condition. He investigates the materials, structure, and attachment methods of your roof in order to confirm that it meets the fortified roofing standards.
Key Tip: Schedule Early
If your roof is old or has experienced some past damage, you want to schedule an inspection very early. This way, you will know if only minor repairs are needed or if a full replacement is required to meet the certification standards.
Strengthening Requirements
Two of the core requirements for a fortified roof are strengthening all parts of the roof so they can resist solid winds and prevent water seepage. This will include:
- Reinforced Roof Deck: Special ring-shank nails attach the roof deck in an accurate pattern to improve resistance against the wind.
- Sealed Roof Deck: Seals are placed between roof decking panels with a special adhesive or tape so that in case of outer roofing material damage, water cannot come inside.
- Strengthened Roof Edges: Installation of metal drip edges and starter strips to be fixed down, preventing high winds from blowing the roof edges up.
Save on Cost: Consider reinforcement costs
Reinforcement is part of the strengthened standards, and you’ll spend more on these, but the reinforcements give you more durability for your roof, reducing the long-term repairs.
Last but not least, an IBHS-certified inspector visits after the completion of all reinforcements and installations to finally inspect. This is significant because he or she will check if all the works performed confirm to the established IBHS fortified roof standards before certification.
Pro Tip: Make sure the project meets the requirements of IBHS standards.
To make this process easier, your contractor should be aware of IBHS fortified roofing requirements. Sunbelt Roofs can make the certification process painless as we satisfy all the requirements for it.
Cost of Fortified Roof Certification
The cost of fortified roof certification depends on the level of certification you get: bronze, silver, or gold. Again, specifics will depend on the condition of your roof. For instance:
- Bronze Level: It supports the roof deck by focusing on water resistance and keeping the cost lower.
- Silver Level: It has extra protection at the roof edges that will be more resistant to wind.
- Gold Level: It is the highest level of standardization that will cover roof reinforcement and attachment at every level for the highest degree of protection.
Cost Tip: Think About Insurance Savings
Although the cost of installing a fortified roof is greater, many homeowners can save some of those costs with insurance premium reductions. Talk to your insurance provider about whether a certified fortified roof might reduce your premiums.
Fortified Roof Certification in Storm Risk Areas
Certification for a fortified roof may be different depending on the area, climate, and risk level, such as high wind or flooding. For example:
Louisiana Fortified Roofing Requirements
In Louisiana, the state is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes; thus, the state has set the standards for fortified roofing on wind resistance and preventing entry of water inside the building. A gold-level fortified roof would be very effective in protecting from the worst impact from any storm.
Mississippi Fortified Roofing Requirements
For homes in Mississippi, which are located near the coastal areas, reinforced roofs would be more focused on the wind resistance and reinforcement along the roof edges. Additionally, homeowners here may even opt for Silver or Gold certification for added durability.
Why Sunbelt Roofs for Fortified Roofing and Certification?
Sunbelt Roofs specializes in installing fortified roofs for homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. We are fully aware of IBHS and how it best implements the fortified roofing standards, with past experience dealing with hurricane-prone areas.
Installation by Expert Certified Professionals
Installation is important to attain the fortified roof certificate. Our certified experts at Sunbelt Roofs are all aware of the IBHS specifications and do their utmost to bring in the finest quality workmanship.
From Thorough Inspection to Certificates
Sunbelt Roofs takes care of you and the end-to-end cycle—inspection to final certificates—so that your roof meets required fortification standards. You may rest assured with assistance provided by IBHS-inspection-certified experts with their knowledge in securing the relevant certificates to maximize storm strength for you.
Contact Sunbelt Roofs for Fortified Installation Roofing and Certification.
If you want to be assured of solid roofing that protects your house from torrential rains, intense storms, or other types of harsh weather, Sunbelt Roofs will guide you all the way from an inspection to certification.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment:
(985) 805-6921 for Louisiana / (228) 222-5255 for Mississippi