By Loretta L. Worters, Vice President, Media Relations, Triple-I
Your roof is greater than only a overlaying over your head. It’s the primary line of protection towards nature’s strongest forces.
Throughout Nationwide Roof Consciousness Week (June 1-7), we highlight the vital position roofs play in defending houses, companies, and communities from extreme climate (see infographic) and why constructing stronger, smarter roofs at the moment is important for lowering harm and insurance coverage claims tomorrow.
Why roof consciousness issues
The roof bears the brunt of wind, rain, hail, fireplace, and flying particles. But, many dwelling and enterprise homeowners overlook its situation till it’s too late. In accordance with the Insurance coverage Institute for Enterprise & Residence Security (IBHS), a staggering 70 to 90 % of storm-related insurance coverage claims contain roof harm. Whether or not it’s shingle loss from 60 mph winds or water intrusion by means of uncovered decking, roof failures can flip a storm right into a monetary catastrophe.
FORTIFIED: A greater approach to construct and rebuild
Developed by IBHS after many years of analysis, the FORTIFIED customary is a voluntary building and re-roofing methodology that dramatically improves a constructing’s skill to resist extreme climate. FORTIFIED Roof™ strengthens probably the most weak elements of a roof, akin to edges, decking, and fastening methods, by means of strategies like:
- Utilizing sealed roof decks to stop water intrusion (can scale back harm by as much as 95 %);
- Requiring ring-shank nails to safe roof decking extra successfully; and
- Reinforcing edges with absolutely adhered starter strips and a wider drip edge.
Many upgrades are inexpensive. A sealed roof deck can price as little as $600, and switching to stronger nails may cost beneath $100 for a typical 2,000-square-foot dwelling. Roofs constructed to the FORTIFIED customary not solely defend what issues most; it could possibly additionally result in important insurance coverage reductions in states like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. These applications are making roof resilience accessible and cost-effective for householders and companies alike.
“It solely takes one storm to show a minor vulnerability into main destruction,” mentioned Roy Wright, IBHS president and CEO. “At IBHS, we’ve spent many years finding out how buildings fail—and the way they survive. That analysis led to the FORTIFIED Roof customary, a confirmed approach to scale back storm harm. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and one of many smartest investments a house owner could make for peace of thoughts and safety.”
Why It Issues to Insurers
Insurers are more and more centered on roof resilience as a result of it reduces the quantity and severity of claims. The FORTIFIED Roof customary is a part of a broader business shift from “detect and restore” to “predict and forestall.”
Poorly maintained or outdated roofs may end up in denied claims, increased premiums, or non-renewal of insurance policies. Conversely, resilient roofs could qualify for most popular protection, decrease deductibles, and higher insurance coverage choices.
“A resilient roof isn’t only a safeguard for a single construction,” mentioned Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan. “It’s a wise technique for lowering threat throughout whole communities. As frequency and severity of pure disasters rise, insurers are more and more centered on proactive options just like the FORTIFIED customary. These enhancements assist defend property, reduce pricey disruptions, and guarantee insurance coverage stays accessible and inexpensive for extra Individuals.”
Roofing in wildfire and hurricane zones
Roofs are additionally weak to wildfire embers, particularly in areas the place particles can ignite on the roof floor. For wildfire-prone areas, following IBHS’s Wildfire Ready Residence customary and native fire-safe roofing suggestions is vital. Likewise, in hurricane zones, sturdy connections between roof elements can forestall catastrophic failures when wind forces try and peel roof decks away.
Changing or upgrading a roof is likely one of the most vital investments you may make to your property. And because of sources just like the Roofing Roadmaps from IBHS, householders and enterprise homeowners could make knowledgeable selections about supplies, upkeep, and upgrades that may repay in each resilience and lowered threat.
Be taught Extra:
Research Touts Payoffs From Alabama Wind Resilience Program
FEMA Highlights Function of Trendy Roofs in Stopping Hurricane Harm
2025 Tornadoes Spotlight Convective Storm Losses
Extreme Convective Storm Dangers Reshape U.S. Property Insurance coverage Market
