What is New York State Fortified Roofing?
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NY State Fortified Roofing refers to roofing systems that meet the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard, which is a set of voluntary construction and re-roofing standards developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). While it's not a program created by New York State, it is a nationally recognized standard that is highly relevant to homeowners and contractors in the state, particularly in areas susceptible to severe weather.
FORTIFIED standards are designed to go beyond minimum building codes to create more resilient homes. This is especially important in Central New York, which experiences a variety of severe weather, including high winds, hail, and heavy snow loads.
Key Requirements of a FORTIFIED Roof™
A FORTIFIED Roof isn't just about using better shingles; it's a complete system designed to protect the home's most vulnerable component. The standard includes three main areas of focus:
- Stronger Roof Edges: High winds often get under the edges of a roof, causing shingles to blow off. FORTIFIED requires a specific installation process for the drip edge and starter strip to create a stronger, more wind-resistant seal.
- Sealed Roof Deck: If a roof covering is torn away, the sealed roof deck is the last line of defense against water intrusion. The standard requires the roof deck to be sealed with a peel-and-stick membrane or other approved methods to prevent water from entering the attic and home.
- Better Attachment: The roof deck itself must be more securely fastened to the rafters. FORTIFIED requires the use of ring-shank nails and a specific, enhanced nailing pattern to ensure the roof deck stays attached to the home during high winds.
Benefits for Homeowners in Central NY
For homeowners, a FORTIFIED Roof provides several significant advantages:
- Enhanced Protection: The primary benefit is a roof that is scientifically proven to be more resilient against high winds, hail, and other severe weather. This can prevent costly and devastating storm damage.
- Reduced Risk of Water Intrusion: A properly sealed roof deck minimizes the chance of water damage to the home's interior and structure, even if the shingles are torn off.
- Potential Insurance Savings: Many insurance companies recognize the superior protection of FORTIFIED roofs and offer discounts on homeowner's insurance premiums.
- Increased Home Value: A FORTIFIED designation is a third-party verification of a higher standard of construction, which can be an attractive selling point and increase a home's resale value.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is better prepared for a storm can provide a significant sense of security and peace of mind.
To achieve a FORTIFIED designation, a homeowner must work with a certified FORTIFIED contractor and an independent, third-party evaluator who verifies that the standards have been met.
