The FORTIFIED Factor

EP 86: 2025 FORTIFIED Home Hurricane Standards for Entry and Garage Doors | The FORTIFIED Factor What are the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard requirements for entry doors and garage doors in hurricane-prone areas? In Episode 86 of The FORTIFIED Factor , we take a closer look at hurricane-related door standards and their importance in protecting homes from severe weather. Entry doors and garage doors...

2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard: Windows and Skylights | The FORTIFIED Factor What role do windows and skylights play in protecting a home from severe weather? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , we take a closer look at the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard and the topic of hurricane-designated windows and skylights. Windows and skylights are important considerations when planning a storm-resilient...

2025 FORTIFIED Drip Edge Standards | The FORTIFIED Factor What do you need to know about drip edge requirements in the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , we explore drip edge standards and their role in storm-resilient roofing systems. Drip edge is an important roofing detail that helps manage water at the roof's edges. Understanding the applicable requirements...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , we’re taking a closer look at the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard and what the updated requirements mean for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. As solar becomes an increasingly important part of residential construction, understanding how these systems work alongside a storm-resilient roof is essential. We’ll explore key requirements for solar panel str...

When severe weather strikes, could your attic vents be putting your entire home at risk? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by the experienced FORTIFIED Evaluators at Knockout Inspections, explore an often-overlooked component of storm-ready homes: attic and gable end vent coverings. While attic ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy home, these openings...

A major change is coming to FORTIFIED Home™ re-designations—and if your home has asphalt shingles, you need to understand what it means. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections, break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2026-03 and the new re-designation eligibility requirements for homes with asphalt shingle roof systems. Under the new requirements,...

What does it take for a resilient construction standard to grow from a regional initiative into a movement with 100,000 designations nationwide? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections , trace the remarkable rise of the FORTIFIED program—from roughly 100 designations in 2011 to surpassing 100,000 cumulative designations in May 2026 . We break down...

A FORTIFIED Roof is designed to help protect your home against severe weather—but could it also provide benefits when it comes to your homeowners insurance? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections, explore the supplemental insurance benefits that may be available to homeowners with a FORTIFIED Roof. We discuss how FORTIFIED designation can factor i...

What does it really take to become a certified FORTIFIED service provider—and what does it take to keep that certification? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections, break down the requirements for FORTIFIED Evaluators, Roofing Contractors, and Professionals working within the FORTIFIED program. We walk through the certification journey, from submi...

Living near the coast comes with incredible views—but salt, moisture, and coastal air can be tough on the metal components holding a home together. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard requirements for corrosion protection of fasteners and connectors in coastal regions and explain why seemingly small...

What does a Design Pressure (DP) rating actually tell you—and how do you know whether a window, door, garage door, or other opening is rated appropriately for a FORTIFIED Home™? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down one of the more technical—but incredibly important—concepts in resilient construction: required design pressure versus...

What exactly makes a roof eligible for a FORTIFIED designation—and when you’re replacing a roof, which roof areas actually have to be included? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections , break down Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard , covering Qualifying Roof Structural Members and the Definition of Roof Areas for FORTIFIED Ro...

What’s underneath your home can determine whether it’s eligible for a FORTIFIED designation. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections , break down qualifying dwellings and foundation requirements under the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard. We explore which homes and foundation types can qualify, what can make a foundation ineligible, and why the requir...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections continue their deep dive into the FORTIFIED documentation checklists by breaking down the final steps required for FORTIFIED Silver and FORTIFIED Gold designations. Using the final three pages of the official checklist documentation, this episode explains what homeowners, contractors, and evaluators need to k...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections break down the first section of the 2025 FORTIFIED Home™ Re-Roofing Checklist: the roof itself. From roof deck attachment and underlayment options to flashing, drip edge installation, and high-wind shingle requirements, this episode walks homeowners and contractors through the critical components that help cr...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down flashing guidelines for steep-sloped roofs —one of the most critical (and often overlooked) components of a resilient roofing system. Flashing plays a vital role in protecting your home from water intrusion at vulnerable like roof edges, valleys, penetrations, and wall intersections. When install...

When your FORTIFIED roof is damaged, the repair process isn’t just about fixing shingles—it’s about protecting your designation and your home’s future performance . In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the 2025 FORTIFIED Roof Repair Checklist and what’s changed, what matters most, and what homeowners need to get right the first time. Ba...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down one of the most practical and often misunderstood upgrades in the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard: supplemental spray foam deck attachment . Using guidance from the latest FORTIFIED Engineering Standard (FH 2015-04), we explore how two-part closed-cell spray polyurethane foam adhesive can strengthen you...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down everything homeowners need to know about sealed roof deck (SRD) options for wood shake and shingle roofs —a critical component for protecting your home against severe weather. Using guidance from the official FORTIFIED Engineering Standards Technical Bulletin , we explore the two approved SRD ins...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down one of the most important—but often overlooked—components of a FORTIFIED™ Roof system : the tape used to seal roof deck seams. Not all tapes are created equal. Choosing the right material can mean the difference between a home that withstands wind-driven rain—and one that suffers costly water intrusi...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections break down Roof Deck Attachment Documentation Standards and explain what FORTIFIED evaluators, roofers, and homeowners need to know about documenting roof sheathing nail patterns. You’ll learn why roof deck attachment documentation matters, the purpose behind confirming both nail spacing and nail penetration...

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections break down one of the most important topics in resilient construction: foundation requirements for FORTIFIED eligibility . Listeners will learn which foundation types are eligible for FORTIFIED Roof , which foundation conditions can make a home ineligible, and why dry-stack foundations are a major concern. Th...

When it’s time to replace a roof, what happens if the existing roof already has a self-adhered membrane installed on the deck? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the engineering guidance behind reroofing over self-adhered membranes and what homeowners, contractors, and inspectors need to know to stay FORTIFIED-compliant . Self-adh...

When it comes to resilient, reliable, and severe-weather-ready homes, every layer of your roof system matters — especially when unique materials like fiberglass resin deck coatings are involved. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the latest guidance from FORTIFIED Engineering Standards on the eligibility of existing fiberglass res...

Accessory roof structures—like porches, carports, patio covers, sunrooms, and pergolas—can make or break your home’s FORTIFIED Roof™ designation. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2023-03: Eligibility and Compliance of Accessory Roof Structures and explain how these structures impact your home’s ability...