What It Means to Be a FORTIFIED Contractor in Central Arkansas
- Hayley Evans
- May 3
- 3 min read
What Is a FORTIFIED Contractor?
A FORTIFIED contractor is a roofing or construction professional trained to build or repair homes using the FORTIFIED Home™ standard, a nationally recognized system designed to protect homes from severe weather.
The program was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and focuses on strengthening the most vulnerable parts of a home, especially the roof.
Unlike standard contractors, FORTIFIED contractors are trained to follow construction methods that go beyond typical building codes to better withstand:
High winds
Hailstorms
Heavy rain
Tornadoes (common in Arkansas)
According to the official program, FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard designed to strengthen homes against severe weather
Why FORTIFIED Matters in Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas homeowners face frequent storm risks from spring thunderstorms to tornado outbreaks. Standard building codes provide minimum safety requirements, but they don’t always prevent costly damage.
FORTIFIED construction is different because it focuses on:
Preventing roof failure
Reducing water intrusion
Strengthening the entire roofing system
Even winds as low as 50 mph can cause damage that leads to leaks and structural issues.
That’s why more homeowners across Arkansas are seeking FORTIFIED-certified contractors, especially after repeated storm seasons.
What Makes a Contractor “FORTIFIED”?
Not every roofer qualifies. A FORTIFIED contractor must:
1. Complete Specialized Training
Contractors go through training programs (like FORTIFIED Wise™) to learn proper installation methods and requirements.
2. Follow Strict Building Standards
They must install roofing systems that meet specific guidelines proven through decades of research and testing.
3. Work With a Third-Party Evaluator
A certified evaluator inspects the project to ensure it meets FORTIFIED standards before certification is awarded.
4. Document the Entire Process
Every step from materials to installation is verified to ensure compliance.
This process ensures that a “FORTIFIED roof” isn’t just a marketing term; it’s a verified system with accountability.
The Three Levels of FORTIFIED Protection
FORTIFIED homes are classified into three levels:
1. FORTIFIED Roof™
Focuses on strengthening the roof system
Most common and affordable option
Ideal for re-roofing projects
2. FORTIFIED Silver™
Adds protection for attached structures and openings
Improves overall home resilience
3. FORTIFIED Gold™
Highest level of protection
Designed to help homes withstand extreme weather events
Each level builds on the previous one, offering increasing protection and durability.
At Regal Construction, our team is wind and hail certified.
Benefits of Hiring a FORTIFIED Contractor
Stronger Storm Protection
FORTIFIED homes are specifically designed to resist wind uplift, water intrusion, and structural damage.
Potential Insurance Savings
Homeowners may qualify for insurance discounts, tax credits, or lower deductibles depending on their provider.
Higher Property Value
A FORTIFIED designation can make your home more attractive to buyers in storm-prone regions like Arkansas.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your home exceeds standard building practices provides long-term confidence during severe weather seasons.
Feature | Standard Roof | FORTIFIED Roof |
Meets code requirements | ✔ | ✔ |
Exceeds building codes | ✘ | ✔ |
Third-party verified | ✘ | ✔ |
Designed for severe weather | Limited | ✔ |
Insurance incentives | Rare | Possible |
How to Find a FORTIFIED Contractor in Central Arkansas
If you’re considering upgrading your roof or building a new home:
Look for contractors trained in the FORTIFIED program
Ask if they’ve completed FORTIFIED-specific projects
Ensure they work with a certified evaluator
Request documentation of past FORTIFIED certifications
You can also search the official IBHS directory for verified providers.
Is a FORTIFIED Roof Worth It in Arkansas?
For many homeowners, the answer is yes, especially in storm-prone areas like Central Arkansas.
While upfront costs may be slightly higher, the long-term benefits often outweigh the investment through:
Reduced storm damage
Lower repair costs
Possible insurance savings
FORTIFIED construction isn’t just about roofing, it’s about resilience.
Regal Construction is a FORTIFIED contractor
Being a FORTIFIED contractor means more than just installing a roof; it means building homes that are engineered to withstand real-world weather conditions.
In Central Arkansas, where storms are a regular part of life, choosing a FORTIFIED contractor can be one of the smartest investments you make in your home.
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