FORTIFIED Program Hits 100,000 Homes as IBHS Honors Top Contractors
Event summary
- IBHS recognized 80 companies at the 11th Annual FORTIFIED Awards, marking over 100,000 homes with disaster-resistant designations.
- GAF trained 1,100 roofing professionals from 600 companies through its alliance with IBHS, accounting for 1/3 of all 2025 designations.
- HRI Properties became the first multifamily developer honored for incorporating FORTIFIED upgrades across its portfolio.
- A study by the University of Alabama found FORTIFIED homes were significantly less likely to file insurance claims after Hurricane Sally.
The big picture
The FORTIFIED program's expansion reflects growing demand for disaster-resistant construction as climate risks intensify. With over 100,000 homes now designated, the initiative is gaining traction among insurers, contractors, and developers seeking to reduce property damage and claims. The recognition of multifamily developer HRI Properties signals potential for scaling beyond single-family residences.
What we're watching
- Program Scale
- Whether the FORTIFIED program can sustain its growth pace beyond the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions.
- Industry Adoption
- How GAF's training initiative will impact the availability of certified professionals nationwide.
- Regulatory Influence
- The pace at which real-world performance data, like the Hurricane Sally study, drives broader adoption of FORTIFIED standards.
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