What Fortified Evaluators, LLC Does for the IBHS FORTIFIED™ Program

When homeowners and roofing contractors hear the term FORTIFIED™, they often think it simply means a “better roof.” In reality, FORTIFIED™ is a nationally recognized resilience standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)—and achieving certification requires proper evaluation, documentation, and submission, not just quality construction.

That is where Fortified Evaluators, LLC comes in.

Understanding the IBHS FORTIFIED™ Program

The IBHS FORTIFIED™ program is designed to reduce damage from high-wind events such as hurricanes, severe storms, and straight-line winds. Homes that meet FORTIFIED™ standards are built or retrofitted using specific construction methods proven to perform better during extreme weather.

Many insurance carriers and state grant programs recognize these standards and may offer:

• Insurance premium discounts

• Eligibility for state-funded roof grants

• Increased resilience and long-term durability

However, FORTIFIED™ is not self-certified. A qualified, independent evaluator must verify that the work meets IBHS requirements.

The Role of Fortified Evaluators, LLC

Fortified Evaluators, LLC is an IBHS-certified FORTIFIED™ evaluation company that specializes exclusively in the evaluation and documentation side of the program. We do not install roofs—we ensure the roof work is properly documented, verified, and submitted in accordance with IBHS standards.

Our role is to act as the bridge between homeowners, contractors, grant programs, and IBHS.

1. Initial Qualifying Inspections

Every project begins with a qualifying inspection. During this step, we:

• Review the property and project scope

• Confirm whether the home is eligible for FORTIFIED™ designation

• Identify the appropriate FORTIFIED™ level (Roof, Silver, or Gold, where applicable)

• Help homeowners and contractors understand the next steps before construction begins

This early review helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures the project starts on the correct path.

2. Contractor Coordination and Documentation Standards

FORTIFIED™ certification depends heavily on documentation collected during construction, not after the fact. Fortified Evaluators works directly with roofing contractors to:

• Provide clear photo and documentation requirements

• Identify required milestones (tear-off, decking, dry-in, and completion)

• Reduce rework, missed items, and delays

Our goal is to make the process contractor-friendly while still meeting IBHS requirements.

3. Grant Program Support

Many FORTIFIED™ projects are tied to state roof grant programs, such as:

• Strengthen Your Roof (North Carolina)

• Strengthen Alabama Homes

• OKReady / Strengthen Oklahoma Homes

Fortified Evaluators helps ensure:

• Documentation aligns with both IBHS and grant requirements

• Timelines are followed correctly

• Homeowners avoid disqualification due to missing or late information

While we do not administer grants, we help homeowners and contractors navigate the evaluation side successfully.

4. FORTIFIED™ Application and Certificate Submission

Once construction is complete and documentation is finalized, Fortified Evaluators:

• Reviews all required materials for accuracy and compliance

• Submits the FORTIFIED™ application to IBHS

• Coordinates any follow-up questions or corrections

• Facilitates issuance of the official FORTIFIED™ Certificate

This certificate is the document homeowners need for insurance discussions, grant reimbursement, and long-term records.

Why Fortified Evaluators, LLC Is Different

Fortified Evaluators, LLC focuses exclusively on FORTIFIED™ evaluations. That specialization allows us to:

• Maintain consistent standards across multiple states

• Stay current on IBHS updates and documentation expectations

• Support both homeowners and contractors with clear, predictable workflows

We are not tied to any single contractor, ensuring independent verification, which is a core requirement of the IBHS program.

Who We Serve

Fortified Evaluators, LLC works with:

• Homeowners seeking resilient roofing solutions

• Roofing contractors installing FORTIFIED™ roofs

• Properties participating in state-sponsored grant programs

We currently support projects across North Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Maine, and additional states as programs expand.

The Bottom Line

FORTIFIED™ certification is not just about installing a stronger roof—it is about verifying that the roof meets proven resilience standards. Fortified Evaluators, LLC ensures that verification is done correctly, professionally, and in a way that keeps projects moving forward.

If you are a homeowner considering a FORTIFIED™ roof, or a contractor installing one, working with a certified evaluator from the beginning can save time, reduce risk, and help ensure a successful outcome.

Learn more or get started at:👉 https://www.fortifiedevaluators.com