Is there a FORTIFIED roof program in Georgia?
What a FORTIFIED Roof involves
- A sealed roof deck, so water stays out even if shingles blow off, typically by taping deck seams or using a fully adhered underlayment.
- Stronger deck attachment with ring shank nails at closer spacing.
- Edge details like stronger drip edge attachment and starter strips designed for high winds.
- Shingles rated for high winds, installed to the manufacturer's high wind instructions.
- Third party verification. A FORTIFIED evaluator documents each step with photos during installation. Designations generally need to be renewed every five years.
Georgia's insurance discount law
Georgia's 2024 legislation directs insurers to file rating plans that give premium discounts or rate reductions to property owners who build or retrofit to resist tornadoes, hurricanes and other windstorms. Discounts were slated to begin in 2025. How much you save depends on your insurer, so ask your agent what documentation they accept and what the credit would be before you commit.
Is it worth it?
The sealed deck and better nailing add cost to a replacement, and the certification process adds steps. For homes in areas with repeat wind events, or owners who plan to stay, the added protection and insurance credit can make sense. Compare the upfront cost against the annual credit over the five year designation.
For related upgrades, see impact resistant shingles in Georgia and wind damage to roofs in Georgia.