What is a Fortified Roof?

As a FORTIFIED Certified Contractor, Roofer Chicks® follows precise standards set by IBHS to ensure your roof is built to resist severe weather—including hail, high winds, and rain. Even though we’re several hours inland, Central Texas sees enough hail and high-wind events that these stronger installation methods matter.

Enhanced Roof Edge Protection

Wind typically sneaks under a roof’s edge, prying it up and starting the damage cascade. FORTIFIED requires:

• Wider drip edge (new, min. 26-gauge galvanized)
• Fully-adhered starter strip that locks down the first row of shingles
  These elements together create a stronger, wind-resistant edge system. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+12FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+12GAF+12

Sealed Roof Deck

Once shingles are compromised, unsealed decking lets water pour into your home—up to nine bathtubs per inch of rain. FORTIFIED solves this with one of three acceptable sealing methods:

• F‑SRD‑2: Apply 4-inch flashing tape over all deck seams, then overlay with #30 felt or approved synthetic underlayment.
• F‑SRD‑3: Two-layer #30 felt system—install a 19-inch strip then overlay a 36-inch roll with a 17-inch exposure.
• F‑SRD‑4: Full-sheet self-adhered peel-and-stick membrane.
  These practices cut water intrusion by up to 95%. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHSFORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+5FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+5FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+5ldi.la.gov+1

Better Attachment of Decking

Unlike smooth nails, FORTIFIED requires 8d ring-shank nails, installed in a tighter pattern—4″ on-center near edges, 6″ elsewhere. This upgrades your roof’s wind uplift resistance—nearly doubling its strength. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+13FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+13ldi.la.gov+13

Approved Roof Coverings

Your roof covering must come from IBHS-approved materials—whether metal, tile, or shingles—installed exactly per manufacturer and FORTIFIED specs. For hail-prone regions like ours, the Hail Supplement requires shingles rated Good or Excellent under the IBHS Hail Impact Ratings to resist hail up to 2 inches. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+6FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+6GAF+6

Wind‑ and Rain‑Resistant Vents

Standard attic vents can fail during storms, allowing rain or wind-driven moisture in. All FORTIFIED roof venting systems must be wind- and rain-resistant to avoid these weak points. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+10FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+10GAF+10

Documentation & Third‑Party Verification

Becoming FORTIFIED-certified involves more than installation—it also involves proper documentation, inspected by an independent evaluator:

• Site-specific photos (address or geo stamp visible)
• Clear shots of nail patterns, deck sealing, product labeling
• Completed FORTIFIED Compliance Forms and checklists
  Without this documentation, IBHS won’t issue the designation that unlocks insurance benefits. ldi.la.gov+11FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+11FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+11FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+1

Why These Details Matter for Central Texas

• Hail Resistance: We get hail storms a few times a year—Good or Excellent-rated shingles keep them from costing thousands in damage.
• Wind Protection: Stronger attachment, edge security, and sealed decking help roofs survive high winds and rain—without interior damage.
• Insurance Savings: Many insurers reward FORTIFIED-certified roofs with lower premiums or hail riders, because they reduce the likelihood of claims. FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS+2GAF+2