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Florida storms are no joke. For homeowners across Northeast Florida, protecting your roof against high winds, heavy rain, and hurricane-force conditions isn't a luxury—it's a practical necessity. That's why we're proud to announce that Endless Summer Roofing Co. is now a certified FORTIFIED re-roof provider, joining a select group of contractors trained and qualified to install roofs to the rigorous FORTIFIED™ standard.
If you're planning a roof replacement or considering upgrading your home's storm protection, here's what this certification means and why it matters to you.
What Is the FORTIFIED Program?
The FORTIFIED program is a voluntary beyond-code construction and re-roofing standard created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It was designed specifically to help homes better withstand severe weather, including high winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes, by requiring upgraded materials and installation methods that exceed what most building codes require.
Unlike a standard roof replacement, a FORTIFIED re-roof isn't just about swapping out worn shingles. It involves a documented process where specific products, installation techniques, and construction details are verified at every step. Once the work is complete, an independent certified FORTIFIED Evaluator inspects the project and submits documentation to IBHS. Only after this third-party review does the homeowner receive an official FORTIFIED Roof™ designation, valid for 5 years.
What Does a FORTIFIED Roof™ Designation Mean for You?
- Stronger Storm Protection – FORTIFIED standards require specific products and installation methods backed by IBHS research to reduce storm-related roof damage. The standard has been tested against real hurricane events with documented results.
- Potential Insurance Savings – In many areas, homeowners with a FORTIFIED Roof™ designation may qualify for insurance premium discounts. Savings vary by provider and location, so check with your insurer about available options in Florida.
- Independent, Third-Party Verification – A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator, separate from your contractor, documents and verifies the work before IBHS issues the designation. This ensures the job meets proper standards.
- Official 5-Year Designation – After installation, IBHS issues a FORTIFIED Roof™ certificate. After five years, a redesignation inspection can renew coverage, typically a simple process if no major roof changes have been made.
What It Takes to Become a Certified FORTIFIED Contractor
Not every roofing contractor can offer FORTIFIED re-roofs. To become certified, contractors must complete training through IBHS's FORTIFIED Wise University program, pass a certification exam, meet minimum professional qualifications, and sign a FORTIFIED Service Provider Agreement. Certified contractors are then listed in the official FORTIFIED Service Provider Directory.
This process ensures that contractors performing FORTIFIED installations understand the upgraded standards inside and out, and know how to properly document the work so that homeowners can receive their official designation from IBHS.
For Endless Summer Roofing Co., earning this certification is a natural extension of the quality-first approach we've built our reputation on. We're already a GAF Certified contractor, and adding the FORTIFIED certification means we can now offer our customers an even higher level of protection and peace of mind.
Why FORTIFIED Matters for Northeast Florida Homeowners
Florida homeowners understand storm risk better than most. Northeast Florida sits squarely in hurricane territory, and the annual threat of high winds, heavy rain, and tropical systems means your roof faces conditions that many parts of the country simply don't. A standard code-compliant roof is a good start, but it's designed to meet minimum requirements, not to push beyond them.
The FORTIFIED standard was developed with exactly these kinds of weather realities in mind. Whether you're planning a proactive roof replacement, dealing with an aging roof, or recovering from storm damage, a FORTIFIED re-roof is worth considering as a long-term investment in your home, and potentially your insurance costs.
Ready to Learn More? Contact Endless Summer Roofing Co.
As a certified FORTIFIED re-roof provider, the team at Endless Summer Roofing Co. is ready to walk you through what this upgrade could mean for your home. We proudly serve Jacksonville and communities throughout Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, St. Johns County, and many more.
Give us a call at (904) 921-3725 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your free estimate. We're happy to answer any questions you have about the FORTIFIED program and whether it's a good fit for your next roofing project.