The New FORTIFIED™ Home Standard Takes Effect November 1
Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know
If you’ve been putting off your roof inspection or certification renewal, now’s the time to act. Beginning this Saturday, November 1, 2025, all homes seeking a FORTIFIED™ Home designation will be evaluated under the new 2025 FORTIFIED™ Home Standard-and that means tougher requirements for materials, installation, and documentation.
What’s Changing
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has updated its FORTIFIED™ Home program to raise the bar on storm protection and construction quality. Here’s what homeowners can expect:
Stricter installation requirements updated fastening patterns, sealed roof decks, and higher-performing materials.
Tighter documentation more photos, detailed product verification, and evaluator oversight.
Certified contractor requirement roofs must be installed by trained, approved FORTIFIED™ contractors to meet the new standard.
More resilient homes resulting in better performance against wind, rain, and hail.
If your project is evaluated after November 1, 2025, it must comply with these new standards-no exceptions.
Why It Matters
If your roof was replaced after Hurricane Sally (2020), your five-year certification likely expires soon. That means your re-inspection will fall under the new 2025 standard. These changes may affect your:
Project timeline and cost
Material choices
Insurance discounts and eligibility
Why Hiring a Certified FORTIFIED™ Contractor Is Crucial
Under the 2025 standard, who installs your roof matters more than ever. A certified FORTIFIED™ contractor is trained to:
Follow every step of the updated requirements
Properly document materials and installation for evaluators
Avoid the costly mistakes that can fail your inspection
Working with a non-certified roofer could mean missing your certification entirely — and losing out on insurance discounts or grant eligibility through programs like Strengthen Alabama Homes.
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What Homeowners Should Do Right Now
Check your current certification status. If your FORTIFIED™ roof is five years old, you’re due for renewal.
Schedule your re-inspection immediately. The cutoff for the current standard is this week.
Choose a certified FORTIFIED™ roofer. Certified contractors understand the process and are equipped to meet the 2025 documentation requirements.
Stay storm-ready. The new standard is designed to make roofs even stronger against Gulf Coast weather-but preparation starts before the storm.
Because when it comes to protecting your home, it pays to be FORTIFIED™. To find out more about the new 2025 FORTIFIED™ Home Standard, visit https://fortifiedhome.org/