FORTIFIED Roofs in Mobile & Baldwin County
A FORTIFIED roof is built to a higher standard from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help your home withstand hurricanes and high winds. ARC Roofing is a FORTIFIED-certified roofer serving Mobile and Baldwin County.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
Short answer: FORTIFIED Roof is a construction standard created by IBHS, a research organization funded by the insurance industry. It goes beyond typical building code to keep the roof deck attached and water out when high winds hit.
A FORTIFIED roof must be installed by a certified FORTIFIED roofer, documented with photos during installation, and verified by an independent FORTIFIED evaluator before IBHS issues a designation for your home.
How a FORTIFIED Roof Is Different
- Sealed roof deck so wind-driven rain cannot pour in if shingles or panels are lost.
- Upgraded nailing of the roof deck to resist uplift.
- Stronger roof edges with upgraded drip edge and starter materials, where wind damage usually begins.
- High-wind rated roof covering, shingle or metal, installed to the standard.
- Attention to vents, flashing and other openings where water can get in.
Insurance Discounts in Alabama
Alabama law requires insurance companies to offer discounts on the wind portion of homeowners premiums for homes with a FORTIFIED designation. The amount depends on your insurance company and your designation level. Ask your agent what a FORTIFIED roof would save on your policy.
Our FORTIFIED Roof Process Includes
- Inspection and written estimate for a FORTIFIED roof
- Full tear-off and deck inspection
- Deck re-nailing and sealed roof deck
- Upgraded edges, underlayment and high-wind roof covering
- Required installation photos and documentation
- Coordination with your independent FORTIFIED evaluator
Strengthen Alabama Homes Grants
The Alabama Department of Insurance runs the Strengthen Alabama Homes program, which has offered grants of up to $10,000 toward a FORTIFIED roof for eligible owner-occupied, single-family homes when funding is available. Applications open on set dates by county, and homeowners choose from the program’s approved contractors. Check StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com for current dates, eligibility and the contractor list.
Get a Free Inspection
Honest assessment, photos of what we find, and a written estimate before any work begins.
Related Services
Getting a FORTIFIED Roof
1. Inspect & Estimate
We inspect your roof and price a FORTIFIED installation.
2. Install to Standard
Sealed deck, upgraded nailing, edges and roof covering.
3. Document
Required photos and paperwork during installation.
4. Designation
Your evaluator verifies the work and IBHS issues your designation.
5. Get Your Discount
Send your designation to your insurance agent.
FORTIFIED Roof FAQs
How much more does a FORTIFIED roof cost?
A FORTIFIED roof usually costs more than a standard replacement because of the sealed deck, extra nailing and upgraded edge materials. The difference depends on your roof. We price both options side by side so you can compare.
How much will a FORTIFIED roof save on insurance?
Alabama requires insurers to offer discounts on the wind portion of premiums for FORTIFIED homes. The actual savings depend on your insurer, your policy and your designation. Your insurance agent can give you a number.
Can my existing roof be made FORTIFIED?
A FORTIFIED Roof designation is earned when the roof is replaced to the standard, starting from the deck. It cannot be added to an existing roof covering.
Who issues the FORTIFIED designation?
IBHS issues the designation after an independent FORTIFIED evaluator verifies the installation and documentation.
Can I use a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?
If you are eligible and awarded a grant, you choose a contractor from the program’s approved list. Check StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com for eligibility and application dates.