Certified FORTIFIED™ Roof Installation in Louisiana & Mississippi
On the Gulf Coast, roof performance is tested by hurricane winds, wind-driven rain, and hail. A roof that only meets minimum code can still fail at the edges, decking attachment points, and water barriers. A FORTIFIED™ Roof is designed to reduce those failure points through a verified, standards-based upgrade developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) provides certified FORTIFIED™ roof installation across Louisiana and Mississippi, including planning, required documentation, and coordination with an independent IBHS-authorized Evaluator. If you are rebuilding after a storm or upgrading proactively, we help you complete the process the right way — so your roof can qualify for certification and the paperwork your insurer may request.
If you are also researching assistance programs, review our overview of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) and the step-by-step guide here: Louisiana Fortify Homes grant — step-by-step. This page stays focused on the installation and certification pathway to avoid noise and overlap.
What Is a FORTIFIED™ Roof?
A FORTIFIED™ Roof is a set of IBHS-defined upgrades that strengthen the parts of a roof system most likely to fail during severe weather. Instead of relying on “best effort” practices, the standard focuses on repeatable requirements and verification.
Typical FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades include:
- Sealed roof deck to reduce water intrusion if shingles are damaged or lost during a storm.
- Stronger edge protection using upgraded drip edge and starter detailing to reduce wind uplift at the perimeter.
- Improved deck attachment with storm-rated fastening patterns and specified fasteners where required.
- Impact-rated roofing options (where selected) to reduce damage from hail and debris.
Because the Gulf Coast threat profile varies by neighborhood, elevation, and roof geometry, the exact scope is confirmed during inspection and planning. The goal stays the same — a more resilient roof system with a clear documentation trail.
What “Certified” Means — Verification, Documentation, and Renewal
“Certified” is not a marketing label. Certification is tied to a defined checklist and third-party verification. A certified project includes required documentation and an independent evaluation step so the final record reflects what was actually installed.
- Independent evaluation — an IBHS-authorized Evaluator verifies required items and submits documentation.
- Paper trail — you receive certification documentation that may support insurance discussions and home records.
- Validity window — certification is typically valid for 5 years, with renewal through a follow-up evaluation.
Louisiana Fortify Homes Program — Keep the Grant Details on the Grant Pages
LFHP is a Louisiana-only grant pathway that can help eligible homeowners offset the cost of upgrading to a certified FORTIFIED™ Roof during open enrollment windows. Because the program rules and enrollment windows can change, we keep the most detailed grant guidance on dedicated pages to reduce confusion and keep this installation page clean.
Use these links when you need grant-specific details:
Outside of the grant pathway, many homeowners still choose FORTIFIED™ upgrades for performance and potential insurance savings. Discount availability and documentation requirements depend on the insurer and policy terms.
Step-by-Step FORTIFIED™ Roof Installation and Certification
A certified FORTIFIED™ roof project is easiest when the installation and the documentation are managed together. Below is the practical sequence we follow so the roof is built to the standard and the certification process stays predictable.
- Inspection and scope confirmation — we review roof condition, geometry, ventilation, and storm exposure to confirm eligibility and define the upgrade scope.
- Evaluator coordination — when required, we help coordinate with an independent IBHS-authorized Evaluator so verification steps align with the project schedule.
- Tear-off and deck preparation — we remove existing roofing as needed, document deck condition, and complete required re-fastening or preparation steps.
- Sealed deck and edge detailing — we install the specified sealed deck system and complete perimeter detailing that improves wind and water resistance.
- Roof system installation and final documentation — the roof is installed per the defined standard, then the Evaluator verifies required items and submits documentation for certification.
After completion, you have a roof system built for Gulf Coast conditions and a clearer documentation trail for home records, resale packets, and insurance conversations.
Why Work With a Certified FORTIFIED™ Roof Contractor?
FORTIFIED™ is detail-driven. Small misses at the deck, perimeter, or documentation stage can cause delays or certification issues. Working with a contractor who manages both construction and the certification workflow reduces risk.
- Experience with Gulf Coast conditions — we build scopes around wind uplift, wind-driven rain, and local code realities.
- Documentation discipline — materials, fastening patterns, and required details are tracked so verification is straightforward.
- Evaluator scheduling support — we help align site access and checkpoints with the project timeline.
- Clear next steps — if you need a broader roofing overview, start here: Roofing services.
Frequently Asked Questions — FORTIFIED™ Roofing in Louisiana & Mississippi
What makes a FORTIFIED™ Roof certified?
A FORTIFIED™ Roof is certified when IBHS FORTIFIED requirements are met and an independent IBHS-authorized Evaluator verifies required upgrades and submits the documentation for certification.
How long does FORTIFIED™ certification last?
FORTIFIED™ Roof certification is typically valid for 5 years and can be renewed through a follow-up evaluation, depending on program requirements.
Can a certified FORTIFIED™ Roof lower insurance premiums?
Many insurers offer savings for certified FORTIFIED™ roofs, but eligibility and discount amounts vary by carrier and policy. We help provide documentation your insurer may request.
Is the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) required to install a certified FORTIFIED™ Roof?
No. You can upgrade to a certified FORTIFIED™ Roof with or without LFHP. LFHP is a Louisiana grant pathway that can help eligible homeowners offset costs during open enrollment windows.
Can you install certified FORTIFIED™ roofs in Mississippi?
Yes. We install certified FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades across Louisiana and Mississippi. Louisiana grant programs apply to eligible Louisiana homes, while insurance savings and documentation requirements depend on the insurer.
Get a Free FORTIFIED™ Roof Estimate
If you want a certified FORTIFIED™ roof installation in Louisiana or Mississippi, call (985) 643-6611 to schedule an evaluation and estimate, or start from our roofing hub here: Roofing services.
