Understanding the FORTIFIED Roof™ Program: Components That Make Your Home Stronger

Olympian Roof
Dec 1
3 min read

When it comes to protecting your home from Louisiana’s intense weather, not all roofs are built the same. The FORTIFIED Roof™ program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), sets a higher standard for roof performance — helping homeowners qualify for insurance discounts, reduce storm damage, and increase property value.

Understanding the FORTIFIED Roof™ Program: Components That Make Your Home Stronger

At Olympian Roof, we’re proud to be a certified installer of FORTIFIED Roof systems throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, the Northshore, and Baton Rouge. Below, we break down the core components that make a FORTIFIED Roof so durable — and how the right materials and methods make all the difference.

Impact-Resistant Shingles: Class 3 vs. Class 4

Not all shingles can stand up to hail and debris impacts. The FORTIFIED program recognizes impact-resistant shingles that meet ASTM D7158 and UL 2218 standards — and here’s how they compare:

Class 3 Shingles

Withstand impact from a 1¾-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet without cracking.
Provide solid resistance to moderate hail and debris.
Rated for winds up to 130 mph when installed to FORTIFIED standards.

Class 4 Shingles

Endure impacts from a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet — the highest standard for impact resistance.
Offer superior protection against hail, falling branches, and debris.
Common options include Atlas StormMaster® Shake and Atlas Pinnacle® Impact shingles.

At Olympian Roof, we recommend Class 4 shingles for homeowners pursuing full FORTIFIED certification and maximum long-term protection.

Sealed Roof Deck Options: The Foundation of Protection

One of the biggest differences between a standard roof and a FORTIFIED Roof is the sealed roof deck. In traditional roofs, water can leak through decking seams if shingles blow off. A sealed deck prevents this, forming a watertight barrier beneath your roof covering.

Option 1: Self-Adhering Membrane (Full Coverage)

The entire roof deck is covered with a peel-and-stick membrane, such as Atlas WeatherMaster® Ice & Water. This provides the highest level of water resistance and is ideal for homes exposed to frequent storms or driving rain.

Option 2: Taped Seams + Synthetic Underlayment

All decking seams are sealed using approved flashing tape before applying a FORTIFIED-approved synthetic underlayment like Atlas Summit 60 or Summit 180. This method provides a durable and cost-effective sealed roof deck system widely used across Louisiana.

Option 3: Two Layers of Underlayment

A double-layer synthetic underlayment system can also meet FORTIFIED requirements. Two layers are installed with staggered overlaps, creating a secondary water barrier that helps prevent leaks even if shingles are lost during a storm.

Each option creates a sealed barrier that keeps water out and your home protected, even under extreme conditions.

Fasteners: Built to Hold When It Matters Most

When hurricane-force winds hit, a roof is only as strong as its fasteners. The FORTIFIED program requires high-strength ring-shank nails instead of traditional smooth nails.

Ring-Shank Nails

Feature ridges along the shank that provide superior grip in decking material.
Offer nearly double the holding strength of standard nails.

Installation Requirements

Must be 8d (2⅜” long, 0.113” diameter)
Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel for corrosion resistance
Spaced 4 inches on center along edges and 6 inches in the field

This nailing pattern ensures the decking stays secure even in winds exceeding 130 mph, meeting 2021 IRC High-Wind Specifications and FORTIFIED standards.

Why Choose Olympian Roof for Your FORTIFIED Roof

At Olympian Roof, we don’t just install roofs — we install complete systems engineered to protect your home for decades. Our FORTIFIED-certified process includes:

✅ Full tear-off and decking inspection

✅ Code-compliant ring-shank nail fastener pattern

✅ Sealed roof deck using approved underlayment systems

✅ Impact-resistant shingles (Class 3 or Class 4)

✅ Atlas Signature Select™ 15-year full coverage warranty

✅ Permit handling and FORTIFIED documentation for verification

Whether you’re rebuilding after storm damage or upgrading your home for long-term resilience, the FORTIFIED Roof program offers both peace of mind and potential grant funding for qualified homeowners.