The FORTIFIED Factor

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...

Can you use factory seconds or unlabeled building materials on a FORTIFIED Home™ project? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2023-04 and explain why factory seconds and unlabeled materials are not permitted in the FORTIFIED Home™ program. According to the FORTIFIED Engineering Standards Technical Bulleti...

Clay and concrete roof tiles are a durable roofing option—but under the 2025 FORTIFIED Home™ Standard , they come with specific requirements that homeowners, roofers, and builders must understand. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down how the current 2025 FORTIFIED Standard applies to clay and concrete tile roof systems. The guidance...

Can a manufactured (HUD) home qualify for a FORTIFIED Home™ designation? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the often-misunderstood HUD Manufactured Housing Eligibility Requirements and what they mean for homeowners, buyers, and industry professionals. We explain: What officially defines a HUD-manufactured home Why wind zones and...

Leaf Gutters and Guards: What Homeowners Need to Know for a FORTIFIED Roof Gutters and leaf guards may seem like simple add-ons, but when it comes to building a FORTIFIED Roof™, they can make or break your home’s ability to withstand high winds and severe weather. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down how gutters and leaf guards inte...

What’s happening beneath your shingles matters more than you might think. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts—powered by the real-world experience of Knockout Inspections—break down excessive gaps in wood roof decking and why gaps greater than 1/8 inch can put your home at risk during high-wind events. Using official FORTIFIED Home™ guidance, we explain: Why “solidly sheathed”...

What does it really mean when a shingle is labeled “hail resistant”? In this updated episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts—powered by Knockout Inspections—break down the latest Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) hail impact resistance testing protocol and what it means for homeowners in hail-prone regions. Using best-available science, IBHS now evaluates asphalt s...

Roof-mounted HVAC units are common in many regions—but when they’re not properly designed, attached, and evaluated, they can become a serious weak point during high-wind and hurricane events. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the official FORTIFIED Home™ requirements for elevated roof-mounted HVAC units , as outlined in the lates...

Rain diverters may seem like a simple solution for keeping water off walkways—but on asphalt shingle roofs, they can create serious resilience concerns. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the latest FORTIFIED guidance on rain diverters and explain why they are not recommended on FORTIFIED asphalt shingle roofs . You’ll learn how i...

Dog doors may be convenient for your four-legged family members—but did you know they can impact your home’s FORTIFIED designation? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the latest IBHS Technical Bulletin (FH 2024-03) addressing dog doors in FORTIFIED Silver and Gold homes . Updated in November 2024, this bulletin clarifies how dog d...

In this episode, our AI experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) will discuss the ZIP System developed by Huber Engineering. The ZIP System takes high-grade plywood and tape materials that have been developed to meet the FORTIFIED standards and makes one strong home unit.  Questions following the episode? Give Knockout Inspections a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com.

Can your home be FORTIFIED? In this quick episode of "The FORTIFIED Factor," our AI hosts (informed by Knockout Inspections) will take you through the checklists for eligibility of each designation level - Roof, Silver and Gold. Questions following this episode? Give Knockout Inspections a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com!

Are you a roofing contractor or builder trying to stay ahead of the new 2025 FORTIFIED® Home Standard? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor , our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the stricter requirements that now define what it means to be a truly resilient, storm-ready roofing professional.  We cover why IBHS raised the bar for roof performance nationwide, what the Nov...

In this episode, our AI Experts dive into a deep-dive from the perspective of an insurance underwriter, unlocking key insights into how insurance professionals view resilient, severe-weather-ready homes. You’ll learn: What underwriters look for when evaluating a home’s risk profile. Why the right construction standards—especially those built to the FORTIFIED Home™ Standard—matter when it comes to...