FORTIFIED Roof Insurance Discount Packet: Documentation That Gets Credits Applied in Louisiana and Mississippi

What the reviewer needs to apply a FORTIFIED roof insurance discount

Whether the review is handled by your agent, a carrier underwriting team, or a third-party verification vendor, the request is basically the same:
confirm the property, confirm the designation, and confirm the key roof-system features with readable evidence.
Your submission should be easy to understand without a phone call.

• A valid FORTIFIED Roof certificate (Roof level) tied to the exact property address.
• Evaluator information (name/ID) and any evaluator summary document if issued separately.
• An itemized scope and final invoice that clearly shows the mitigation scope tied to the designation.
• Stage-based photos that prove the work while evidence is visible (not only “finished roof” photos).
• A short cover note telling the reviewer what you are requesting and when it should be applied.

That is the minimum viable FORTIFIED roof discount packet. If you submit only a certificate, some carriers can process it,
but many will request additional proof. If you submit a large photo dump with no labels, reviews slow down and credits can be missed.

The minimum documentation packet (what to include every time)

Start with this required set and keep everything address-matched and date-matched. This is the core FORTIFIED roof documentation packet.
If your carrier needs a special form, add it as a separate file at the top of the folder.

1. FORTIFIED Roof certificate (PDF or exported screenshot) with the property address.
2. Evaluator verification document or final report, if provided.
3. Contractor proposal and final invoice with FORTIFIED scope items listed as line items.
4. Permit and final inspection sign-off, if applicable in your jurisdiction.
5. One-page materials summary (products and identifiers).
6. Labeled photo log organized by build stage.

With these six items, most reviewers can understand what was built and why it qualifies. The rest of this page is about making that proof easy to read.

The “fast review” add-ons (optional, but they reduce questions)

These extras are not always required, but they often reduce back-and-forth and speed up credit application.
Add them if you have them, and keep them short.

• Manufacturer data sheets for the primary membrane or underlayment used for the sealed roof deck approach.
• Ventilation component identifiers (model/type) and a short note describing the intake/exhaust setup.
• A simple roof map or sketch for complex roofs (additions, multiple slopes, dormers).
• Any carrier mitigation forms required for wind mitigation discount documentation.

The goal is not a thick binder. The goal is a complete, readable FORTIFIED roof documentation packet that answers obvious reviewer questions upfront.

Photo checklist by build stage (the part that makes the packet work)

Photos matter because they prove features when the evidence is visible. A finished roof photo is helpful, but it cannot prove deck attachment patterns,
sealed roof deck steps, or edge securement once those layers are covered. Use this stage-based checklist so your FORTIFIED roof documentation packet reads like an audit trail.

Stage A — Before tear-off (baseline context)

Capture wide shots that identify the building and roof geometry. These photos help a reviewer connect the file to the correct property.

• One wide photo of each elevation of the home.
• One wide photo per roof slope (stand back to show slope shape and edges).
• Close-ups of typical penetrations and existing edge conditions.

Keep these to a handful of images. The purpose is context, not detail.

Stage B — Deck exposed (proof of deck work and attachment)

This is where you prove enhanced roof deck attachment. Take photos while the deck is exposed and the fastening work is visible.

• Wide photo of each slope with deck exposed.
• Close-ups of fasteners and fastening pattern in multiple locations (not just one spot).
• Any decking replacement areas before and after replacement.

If you want a FORTIFIED roof insurance discount, do not skip this stage. It is one of the most common “missing proof” items in submissions.

Stage C — Sealed roof deck / secondary water barrier (proof of water control)

This stage proves the sealed roof deck approach. Focus on seams, joints, transitions, and terminations before they are covered.

• Seam and joint treatment close-ups (in focus, multiple seams).
• Valleys, eaves, and rakes before they are covered by the next layer.
• Penetration terminations integrated into the water barrier strategy.

These photos support the core logic of the FORTIFIED Roof designation: limiting water intrusion when the roof covering is compromised.

Stage D — Roof edges and starter details (proof the roof will not unzip)

Edges are where wind often starts failures. Capture drip edge and starter details before they are covered.

• Drip edge at eaves and rakes installed and fastened, photographed before final cover hides it.
• Starter details at eaves and rakes, with close-ups and mid-range shots.
• At least two different sides of the home (avoid photographing only one corner).

This is another frequent gap in a FORTIFIED roof documentation packet. Without edge-stage photos, reviewers may request resubmission.

Stage E — Dry-in, flashing, and field continuity (proof of system continuity)

This stage shows continuity across intersections and penetrations. Focus on details that become leak points if done poorly.

• Underlayment laps and coverage patterns where visible.
• Valleys and roof-to-wall intersections before they are fully closed out.
• Flashing at chimneys, skylights, pipe boots, and walls (close-ups plus mid-range).

These images help confirm that the water-control strategy is continuous and not limited to one area.

Stage F — Ventilation and final roof (proof of completion)

Finish with a clean set of final photos so the reviewer can confirm completion and overall roof condition.

• Installed ridge vent or approved exhaust detail (close-up plus mid-range).
• Soffit intake evidence when accessible (intake open, not blocked).
• Final wide shots of each slope and each elevation after completion.

Your final images support completeness, but they should not be the only evidence in a FORTIFIED roof discount packet.

One-page materials summary (keep it simple)

A reviewer should not have to guess which products were used. Add a one-page materials summary that lists the key components and identifiers.
This does not replace invoices; it complements them. Keep it to one page so it stays readable.

• Roof covering type and product line (shingle or metal system, including color if listed on the invoice).
• Underlayment and sealed roof deck method (product name and type).
• Edge metal type (drip edge profile and size if known).
• Ventilation components (model/type).
• Any special fastener or attachment system notes included in the scope.

If the carrier requests a specific form, attach that form separately and reference this summary as supporting documentation.

Folder structure and file naming (so underwriting can review in minutes)

The fastest reviews happen when the packet is impossible to misunderstand. Use a consistent structure, keep file names descriptive,
and export a single ZIP file. This is how you turn a pile of documents into a usable FORTIFIED roof documentation packet.

Recommended folder structure

Create these folders in order. Keep the cover note at the top so the reviewer sees context first.

• 00-Cover-Note
• 01-FORTIFIED-Certificate
• 02-Evaluator-Docs
• 03-Contract-Permit-Invoice
• 04-Materials-Summary
• 05-Photo-Log
• 06-Carrier-Forms (if required)

If you use this structure, most reviewers can find what they need without asking you to resend files.

File naming convention

Use a simple pattern: Stage-Letter, Location, Sequence. This keeps the photo log readable.

• B-Deck-Exposed-Slope1-01.jpg
• B-Fastener-Pattern-Slope1-02.jpg
• C-Seam-Sealing-Slope2-01.jpg
• D-Drip-Edge-Rake-West-01.jpg
• E-Flashing-RoofToWall-North-01.jpg
• F-RidgeVent-CloseUp-01.jpg

Export everything as: PropertyAddress-FORTIFIED-Roof-Insurance-Discount-Packet.zip

Submission template (copy, paste, and send)

This template is designed to reduce confusion and help the reviewer apply the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount without a long email thread.
Keep it short and attach the ZIP file.

Subject: Apply FORTIFIED Roof Insurance Discount — [Property Address]

Hello [Agent/Underwriting Team],

Attached is a complete FORTIFIED roof documentation packet for:
Address: [Full Property Address]
Policy: [Policy Number, if available]
Effective/Renewal Date: [Date]

Included:
1) FORTIFIED Roof certificate (Roof level)
2) Evaluator documentation (if separate)
3) Contractor scope and final invoice (FORTIFIED scope items listed)
4) Permit/inspection (if applicable)
5) Labeled photo log proving deck attachment work, sealed roof deck step, and roof edge securement
6) One-page materials summary with product identifiers

Please confirm the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount is applied to the correct wind or wind-hail premium line at the next eligible rating event (often renewal, sometimes by endorsement after review).
If you need a carrier form completed, please send it and we will return it with the packet.

Thank you,
[Name][Phone]

If the reviewer replies with a request for more proof, add the requested item as a new file and keep the same folder structure so the packet stays consistent.

Why credits get delayed (and how to fix the file fast)

Most delays are not “denials.” They are missing-proof loops. Use this list to identify the gap and fix it in one resubmission.

• Address mismatch: certificate, policy, and invoice show different formats or unit numbers.
• Missing stage photos: submission includes only final roof photos.
• Unlabeled photo dump: dozens of images with no naming or grouping.
• Scope language is vague: “upgrade roof” with no line items tied to the designation.
• Timing confusion: homeowner expects an immediate mid-term change when the carrier applies credits at renewal.

The fix is usually simple: correct the address, add stage photos from B–D, rename and group images, and include an itemized scope.
A reviewable FORTIFIED roof documentation packet is what produces the outcome you want.

Louisiana vs Mississippi: what actually changes for submissions

The core packet does not change. A FORTIFIED roof documentation packet is still certificate, scope, photos, and identifiers.
What can change is the carrier form and how the credit is applied to the premium line. Submit the same clean packet and add any required carrier form as a separate file.

Official program pages change over time, so use them as the source of truth for current grant availability and process:

• Louisiana Department of Insurance — Fortify Homes
• Mississippi Insurance Department — Strengthen Mississippi Homes
• IBHS — FORTIFIED Roof overview
• FEMA P-804 — Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings (PDF)

If you want related homeowner reading without mixing topics, keep these in separate folders:
a storm claim photo checklist is not the same as a FORTIFIED roof insurance discount packet.

FORTIFIED roof insurance discount FAQ

Is the certificate alone enough to get the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount applied?

Sometimes, but not reliably. The certificate is the designation. The labeled stage photos and itemized scope are the proof.
If a reviewer cannot verify features from your submission, the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount can be delayed.

When does the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount usually apply?

Often at renewal. Some carriers can apply it by endorsement after review.
Ask for confirmation in writing when you submit the FORTIFIED roof discount packet so timing is clear.

What photos matter most in a FORTIFIED roof documentation packet?

Stage photos that show evidence while it is visible: deck-exposed work, the sealed roof deck step, and roof edge detailing before it is covered.
Final roof photos help confirm completion, but they do not replace stage evidence for review.

What should be included in the cover note?

Keep it short: property address, policy number (if available), a list of included documents, and a request to apply the FORTIFIED roof insurance discount at the next eligible rating event.

What if the carrier asks for a wind mitigation form?

Add the carrier form as a separate file in the Carrier-Forms folder and reference the supporting evidence in your packet.
The rest of the FORTIFIED roof documentation packet remains the same.

Does this packet replace a storm claim photo package?

No. A storm claim package proves damage. This packet proves mitigation features and supports rating credits.
Keep them separate so reviewers do not confuse claim evidence with mitigation documentation.

Can I rebuild the packet later if I did not save stage photos?

You can still submit the certificate and scope, but missing stage photos often lead to delays or requests for additional proof.
If you are still in process, ask your contractor to capture stage photos now so your FORTIFIED roof insurance discount packet is complete.

Where can I verify what FORTIFIED Roof certification means?

IBHS publishes the FORTIFIED Roof overview and technical resources. FEMA also publishes wind retrofit guidance that explains how wind mitigation upgrades work as a system.