FORTIFIED Roof Systems Built for Louisiana Storms
Stronger Roofing. Verified Installation. Better Storm Protection.
A FORTIFIED Roof goes beyond a standard roof replacement with upgraded installation methods designed to strengthen vulnerable areas of your roofing system against high winds and wind-driven rain.
Olympian Roof installs FORTIFIED Roof systems throughout Southeast Louisiana with the materials, installation methods, documentation, and third-party evaluation required for FORTIFIED certification.
FORTIFIED Contractor • Louisiana Fortify Homes Program • Financing Available
Request Your Free Estimate Today!
Financing Available
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
FORTIFIED is a nationally recognized construction and reroofing standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help homes better withstand severe weather.
Unlike a standard roof replacement, a FORTIFIED Roof focuses on strengthening the entire roofing system—from the way the roof deck is attached and sealed to the installation of roof edges, flashing, vents, and the finished roof covering.
The result is a roofing system designed to reduce some of the most common ways roofs fail during hurricanes and other high-wind events.
What Makes a FORTIFIED Roof Different?
The strength of a roof comes from more than the shingles you see from the street. FORTIFIED addresses several critical areas of the roofing system that can become vulnerable during severe weather.
Stronger Roof Deck Attachment
The roof deck is secured using specific fastening requirements designed to create a stronger connection between the decking and roof structure.
Sealed Roof Deck
The roof deck is sealed using an approved FORTIFIED method to provide an additional layer of water protection if shingles or other roof coverings are damaged during a storm.
Stronger Roof Edges
Roof edges receive additional attention because high winds can get underneath the roofing system at these vulnerable areas. Proper drip edge, starter materials, fastening, and installation help strengthen the perimeter of the roof.
High-Wind Roof Covering
Shingles and other roofing materials must meet applicable requirements and be installed using approved fastening patterns designed for high-wind performance.
Protected Roof Openings
Roof vents, pipe penetrations, flashing, and other openings are installed and secured to help reduce potential failure points during severe weather.
Independent Verification
FORTIFIED isn't simply a contractor saying your roof was installed stronger. An independent FORTIFIED Evaluator documents and verifies required components throughout the project before a designation can be issued.
Built Beyond a Standard Roof Replacement
A quality standard roof replacement can provide years of dependable protection. A FORTIFIED Roof takes that installation a step further by addressing specific vulnerabilities that research has shown can contribute to roof failure during severe weather.
Standard Roof Replacement
A standard roof replacement is installed to meet applicable building codes and manufacturer requirements using quality roofing materials and proper installation practices.
FORTIFIED Roof
A FORTIFIED Roof incorporates additional requirements for roof deck attachment, water protection, roof edges, roof coverings, penetrations, and documentation.
For homeowners looking for greater storm resilience, FORTIFIED provides a defined and independently verified standard rather than relying solely on product upgrades.
Built for What Louisiana Weather Throws at It
Louisiana roofs face a demanding combination of extreme heat, heavy rain, humidity, tropical storms, hurricanes, and high winds.
FORTIFIED Roof systems are designed to address some of the most vulnerable parts of a roofing system and provide an additional level of protection when severe weather hits.
High Winds
Enhanced attachment requirements help strengthen the connection between critical components of the roofing system.
Wind-Driven Rain
A sealed roof deck provides an additional water-resistant layer beneath the finished roof covering.
Roof Edge Failure
Upgraded edge details help reduce the chance of wind getting underneath vulnerable areas along the perimeter of the roof.
Severe Storms
The complete system approach is designed around keeping the roofing system together and protecting the home beneath it when conditions become severe.
FORTIFIED Shingle Options
FORTIFIED isn't a brand of shingle. It's a roofing standard.
That means homeowners can choose from multiple qualifying roofing materials and performance levels while still building the roof to applicable FORTIFIED requirements.
Architectural Shingles
A cost-effective option that provides the appearance and performance of a modern architectural roofing system while meeting applicable FORTIFIED installation requirements.
Class 3 Impact-Resistant Shingles
An upgraded shingle option designed to provide increased resistance to impact while balancing performance and cost.
Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles
A higher level of impact resistance for homeowners looking for increased protection against hail and severe weather.
We'll explain the differences between each option so you can decide where upgrading makes sense for your home and budget.
Louisiana Fortify Homes Program
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program helps eligible Louisiana homeowners upgrade their roofs to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard by providing grants of up to $10,000 toward qualifying construction costs.
Homeowners must be selected and approved through the program before construction begins. The FORTIFIED evaluation, permits, inspections, upgrades beyond the grant amount, and other homeowner responsibilities may be handled separately from the grant.
Already Selected for a Grant?
If you've received a Louisiana Fortify Homes Program award, we can prepare a detailed FORTIFIED Roof proposal that meets the program's roofing requirements and walk you through your roofing options.
Didn't Receive a Grant?
You don't need a grant to install a FORTIFIED Roof. Homeowners can choose to self-fund a FORTIFIED upgrade and receive the same third-party evaluation and designation when all applicable requirements are met.
Why Choose Olympian Roof for a FORTIFIED Roof?
Experience With FORTIFIED Projects
FORTIFIED roofing requires more planning, documentation, coordination, and attention to detail than a conventional reroof. Our team understands the process and works closely with homeowners and independent evaluators from start to finish.
Complete Roofing Systems
We don't focus only on shingles. Decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, penetrations, roof edges, starter materials, and ridge components all play a role in the finished system.
Clear Options & Pricing
We'll explain what the FORTIFIED standard requires, which upgrades are optional, and how different roofing materials affect your project price.
Built for Gulf Coast Conditions
Our roofing recommendations are based around the conditions homes in Southeast Louisiana actually face—heat, humidity, heavy rain, high winds, and hurricanes.
Communication Through the Process
From your initial proposal through installation, evaluator inspections, and final documentation, we keep you informed about what's happening and what comes next.
What to Expect During a FORTIFIED Roof Replacement
1. Start With an Evaluation
A FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator assesses the home and determines the requirements necessary for the project to qualify for a FORTIFIED designation.
2. Review Your Roofing Options
We'll review the project requirements and provide a detailed proposal with roofing options based on your home, priorities, and budget.
If you're participating in the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, we'll prepare the proposal around the applicable grant requirements.
3. Build the FORTIFIED System
Once the project begins, we remove the existing roofing system, complete required deck preparation and attachment, install the sealed roof deck and required edge details, and install the selected roofing materials according to applicable FORTIFIED requirements.
4. Document the Installation
Critical stages of the installation are documented for the independent FORTIFIED Evaluator. Certain components must be verified before they are covered by later stages of construction.
5. Final Evaluation & Designation
After construction is complete, the Evaluator reviews the required documentation and project details and submits the completed file for review. Once approved, the home receives its FORTIFIED designation.
