FORTIFIED News
Fred Malik Talks FORTIFIED Roofs on The Build Show
A new episode of The Build Show takes viewers inside the research and practical construction details behind stronger roofs. Host Jordan Smith is joined by Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, to explain how full-scale testing by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety helps turn building science into upgrades that contractors can apply in the field.
Filmed in a Habitat for Humanity community in Fort Worth, the episode shows how a FORTIFIED Roof can improve resilience without requiring an entirely different approach to residential construction. The discussion connects laboratory research, affordability, verification, and real homes in a way that is useful for both homeowners and building professionals.
Watch the Episode
Building Stronger Roofs With Practical Upgrades
The episode follows Jordan Smith and Fred Malik as they discuss the FORTIFIED Roof standard, the testing behind it, and the construction details that can reduce damage during high-wind events.
Watch on YouTubeResearch Into Real Construction
What Fred Malik and Jordan Smith Discuss
The conversation focuses on a practical question: how can homes be built or reroofed to perform better during severe weather without making stronger construction unnecessarily complicated or unaffordable?
Full-Scale IBHS Testing
IBHS tests complete structures at its Research Center to study how roofs and buildings respond to realistic wind and weather conditions.
Stronger Roof Attachment
Roof-deck attachment is treated as part of the complete system because the roof must remain connected before the other protective layers can perform.
A Sealed Roof Deck
Sealing the roof deck provides a secondary water-control layer that can help limit water entry if the primary roof covering is damaged.
Better Edge Details
Roof edges receive particular attention because perimeter failures can allow wind to begin lifting and progressively damaging the roof system.
Affordability and Access
The Fort Worth community demonstrates how resilience can be incorporated into affordable housing through thoughtful planning and focused upgrades.
Verification and Documentation
FORTIFIED is not based only on a contractor saying the work was completed. Required details are documented and reviewed through the program process.
Why the Episode Matters Here
A Useful Resource for Gulf Coast Homeowners
Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast homeowners regularly make roofing decisions in the context of high wind, wind-driven rain, tropical weather, insurance requirements, and long-term repair costs. The Build Show episode gives homeowners a clear third-party explanation of why specific roof details matter before they begin comparing estimates.
It also helps separate FORTIFIED from vague marketing language. FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard developed from IBHS research. The installation must follow defined requirements, and an independent certified evaluator documents the work for review before a designation is issued.
A stronger roof is not created by one premium product. Attachment, water control, roof edges, materials, installation, and independent verification must work together as a complete system.
Details That Work Together
What Makes a FORTIFIED Roof Different?
The exact requirements depend on the project, applicable standard, roof design, and evaluation path. At a high level, the episode highlights several principles homeowners should understand before work begins.
The Roof Deck Must Stay Attached
Fastening requirements are designed to improve the connection between the roof deck and the supporting structure during high winds.
Water Needs a Secondary Barrier
A sealed roof deck helps manage rain if shingles or another primary roof covering are damaged or displaced.
The Perimeter Needs Deliberate Detailing
Starter materials, edge metal, fastening, and related perimeter details help resist the progressive failures that can begin at roof edges.
The Work Must Be Verified
Photos, forms, product information, and field observations allow an independent evaluator and IBHS to confirm that required details were completed.
Supporting Consistent Field Work
FORTIFIED Expands Ongoing Provider Education
FORTIFIED has also expanded continuing education resources for certified providers through its Provider Learning Center. The self-paced companion guides reinforce important concepts after the original certification coursework has been completed.
Current training topics include documentation best practices, re-designation, and orientation for new evaluators. These resources support more consistent field documentation and help certified professionals stay aligned with current standards and technical guidance.
Long-Term Confidence
Documentation Does Not End When the Roof Is Finished
A FORTIFIED designation is valid for five years. Before the designation expires, a certified evaluator can review the property for re-designation and verify whether it continues to meet applicable requirements.
This ongoing process matters because roofs and homes can change. Repairs, additions, alterations, material condition, and weather exposure may affect whether the property still qualifies. Clear original documentation and a proper re-designation evaluation help preserve confidence in the designation over time.
Plan the Right Roof Path
Questions Homeowners Should Ask Before Reroofing
Continue Learning
FORTIFIED Resources From SHIC
Common Questions
FORTIFIED and The Build Show FAQ
Who is Fred Malik?
Fred Malik is the Managing Director of FORTIFIED. In The Build Show episode, he explains how IBHS research is translated into practical construction requirements for stronger homes and roofs.
What is the new Build Show episode about?
The episode examines the research behind the FORTIFIED Roof standard, including roof-deck attachment, sealed roof decks, roof-edge details, affordability, documentation, and real-world construction in a Fort Worth Habitat for Humanity community.
Is FORTIFIED a roofing product?
No. FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing standard developed by IBHS. Products are only part of the system. Installation details and independent verification are also required.
Can an existing home receive a FORTIFIED Roof?
Yes. Many existing homes pursue a FORTIFIED Roof during reroofing. The installation and evaluation path must be planned before work begins so required details can be completed and documented at the correct stages.
Why is an independent evaluator required?
The evaluator documents visible construction details and submits required information for review. This third-party process helps confirm that the completed work meets the applicable FORTIFIED requirements.
How long does a FORTIFIED designation last?
A FORTIFIED designation is valid for five years. A re-designation evaluation is needed to maintain the designation for another term.
Research-Backed Roofing for Gulf Coast Homes
Talk to SHIC About a FORTIFIED Roof
Southern Home Improvement Center can help you compare standard roof replacement with a FORTIFIED installation path and provide a clear written estimate for your home.
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