Stronger roof edges
Reinforced drip edges and starter-strip details help resist winds that can lift roofing materials.
FORTIFIED Roof™ · Houston areaStronger by design.
Stronger by design.
Prepared for the storm.
Understand the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard: sealed decking, reinforced attachment, stronger edges and tested roofing materials.
Roofing beyond ordinary construction
Real protection starts below the surface.
FORTIFIED Roof™ is an above-code construction standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It specifies details intended to reduce wind and rain damage; it is not a specific shingle brand or a guarantee against storms.
Sealed roof deck
An added water-resisting barrier is designed to limit water entry if roof coverings are damaged or blown away.
Better deck attachment
An enhanced nailing pattern and ring-shank fasteners are intended to improve the deck’s resistance to wind uplift.
Tested roof covering
The standard has wind-performance requirements for roof coverings. Optional enhanced hail protection has additional requirements.
Independent verification matters
How a home earns the designation.
For projects permitted on or after November 1, 2025, the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard applies. Where roof permits are not required, the new standard applies to roofs installed from that date.
Roof and property review
Discuss the roof configuration, condition, planned work and property eligibility.
Certified project team
FORTIFIED designation projects require a currently certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor and an independent certified FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Construct and document
Build and document each required detail of the applicable FORTIFIED standard while the work is accessible.
Independent evaluation
An evaluator verifies key components and submits project evidence to IBHS for review.
IBHS designation
Only IBHS can issue the FORTIFIED designation after approving the submission. A designation typically lasts five years.
Contractor certification is different from a home designation.
FORTIFIED construction methods alone do not confer a designation. Homeowners should verify that their roofer holds current FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor certification and arrange an independent evaluator before work begins. Brixam has not published an unverified certification claim.
Official guidance: 2025 standard ↗ · Designation and insurance FAQs ↗ · Certification for contractors ↗
Homeowner questions
Know before you upgrade.
Explore common questions about resilience, certification, insurance and the independent designation process.
What is FORTIFIED Roof™?
An above-code roof-resilience standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. It covers roof-deck attachment, deck sealing, roof edges and roof-covering performance.
Does it make a roof storm-proof?
No. It is designed to reduce certain severe-weather damage risks but cannot prevent all damage, leaks or loss.
Is it the same as Class 4 shingles?
No. A shingle impact rating addresses the roofing product; FORTIFIED considers the roof system. IBHS offers an optional Hail Supplement with additional requirements.
Could my insurance premium go down?
Some insurers offer incentives for qualifying homes with active FORTIFIED designations. Texas discounts are not automatic or guaranteed. Ask your insurer about its current rules.
How is a roof certified?
The contractor must hold the appropriate current FORTIFIED roofing certification; an independent evaluator documents compliance, and IBHS determines whether to issue the home’s designation.
Is Brixam already certified by FORTIFIED?
Please ask us to confirm current FORTIFIED contractor credentials and availability before scheduling a designated installation. We do not display an unverified certification badge on this website.
Plan your next roof
Request a Roofing Review ↗Interested in FORTIFIED Roof construction?
Tell us about your home and planned roofing work. Mention FORTIFIED Roof in the project description so we can discuss the standard and certified-provider requirements.