If you own a home in Northeast Ohio, you already know your roof does more than just keep the rain out. From heavy snow to strong winds and hailstorms, every season comes with a new challenge. That’s where a fortified roof steps in.
But what exactly does that mean for homes here? In simple terms, a fortified roof is a roofing system built for superior protection against severe weather.
A fortified roof isn’t just tougher shingles—it’s a system. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Fortified program outlines steps to protect homes from severe weather damage.
The program is based on the fortified standard, which sets requirements for roofing strength and resilience. That includes sealing the roof deck, reinforcing the roof edge, and using stronger fasteners like ring shank nails to keep everything in place.
There are three levels, known as fortified designations: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Most homes in Northeast Ohio start with Bronze, which focuses on keeping water out even if the roof covering (such as shingles or tiles) is lost.
Our weather doesn’t mess around. One week it’s sunny, the next there’s freezing rain. Homes near Lake Erie face intense lake-effect snow, and wind gusts can top 50 mph in places like Canton or Cleveland. Those freeze-thaw cycles? They do a number on your roof.
A fortified roofing system gives your home a better shot at standing strong through it all—from preventing ice dam leaks to keeping shingles intact during a storm.
The IBHS Fortified program lays out clear requirements:
There is also a hail designation available for roofs in hail-prone areas, which certifies enhanced resistance to hail damage.
Certified roofing contractors like Royalty Roofing can inspect your existing roof structure and let you know what level of protection makes sense. You’ll also need a certified fortified evaluator if you’re aiming for an official fortified designation.
Not all shingles or materials make the cut. Fortified roofs often include:
These construction materials and installation methods are designed to improve your roof’s resistance to wind and rain. Special attention is given to vulnerable areas of the roof, such as edges and overhangs, to prevent water intrusion. All these measures improve the roof’s resistance to severe weather.
At Royalty Roofing, the process starts with a free inspection. From there, we:
All materials and installation methods are selected to ensure your roof can withstand high wind conditions common in Northeast Ohio. Everything is tailored to Northeast Ohio building codes and severe weather events. We even evaluate attached structures and garage doors to ensure every part of your roofing system is protected.
Even the toughest fortified roof needs some TLC to keep doing what it was built for—protecting your home. Sure, your fortified roofing system can handle high winds, hail, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at it, but here’s the thing: routine maintenance is what keeps it performing like a champ.
Here’s where you start—get those roof inspections on the calendar. Twice a year works great, plus after any big storm that rolls through.
What are you looking for? Missing shingles, damaged ones, loose flashing, debris that’s piled up. And don’t forget those gutters and downspouts—when they’re clogged, water’s got nowhere to go. That’s trouble for any roof, but especially one that’s supposed to stand up to severe weather.
Got something complex going on, or just not sure how bad the damage really is? Time to call in the pros—specifically, a roofing contractor who knows fortified roofs inside and out. They’ll make sure your system stays up to snuff with the latest fortified requirements and keeps doing its job against high winds and everything else Northeast Ohio weather can dish out.
Short answer? Yes—especially here. The cost to upgrade during a regular roof replacement is modest, but the payoff is big. Fewer repairs. Less risk. Possible discounts on your insurance premiums. Fortified homes are often eligible for insurance incentives, too.
And maybe most important: peace of mind. With your roof as the first line of defense, a fortified approach is a wise investment. When severe storms hit, it’s this kind of roof cover that shields your home’s interior from damage. Backed by the IBHS research center and fortified standards, this is more than a new roof. It’s superior protection.
Whether you’re planning a new roof or just want to know if your current roofing system is eligible for a fortified upgrade, our team is here to help. We understand Northeast Ohio weather and what your roof needs to stand up to it.
Schedule a Free Inspection and get personalized advice from certified professionals.
It varies, but adding Fortified upgrades to a standard roof replacement typically adds 10-15% to the cost.
In many cases, yes. Some providers offer insurance discounts for homes with Fortified certification.
Absolutely. We serve Canton, Cleveland, and counties throughout Northeast Ohio. We handle everything from garage doors to attached structures during roof work.
Usually 1-3 days, depending on the size of your roof and weather conditions. Severe storm delays can add a day or two.
Most Northeast Ohio homes benefit most from Bronze. We can help you decide during your inspection. Bronze-level upgrades include wider drip edge, rain resistant attic vents, and continuous load path anchoring.
If you’ve ever drawn a house as a kid, you’ve probably drawn a gable roof.…
Your roof can only take so much hail damage before roof replacement is required. Post-hailstorm…
A composition roof is one of the most popular and cost-effective roofing options available to…
In Northeast Ohio, moss buildup is especially common due to the region’s wet springs, humid…
If you’re considering a new roof or planning a full roof replacement in Northeast Ohio,…
A roof leak during a storm is a homeowner’s nightmare—especially in Northeast Ohio, where lake-effect…