Why Shingles Make the Best Roofs—And Why You Want a FORTIFIED Roof
Shingles Are Best, Here's Why
When it comes to choosing the best roofing material for your home, the options are endless: metal, tile, slate, flat membrane systems, wood shakes, and, of course, the tried-and-true asphalt shingle. While each option has its perks, asphalt shingles remain America’s favorite roofing material—and for good reason.
And if you’re going to invest in a new roof, don’t just settle for “good.” Go for FORTIFIED. A FORTIFIED Roof is a special roofing system designed and certified to withstand severe weather, offering unmatched peace of mind and often insurance savings to boot.
Let’s break down why shingles are king, and how the FORTIFIED standard takes your roof from decent to disaster-resistant.
🏠 Why Shingles Still Reign Supreme
1. Affordability Without Compromise
Asphalt shingles provide one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market. Compared to metal, slate, or tile roofs, shingles are far more affordable without sacrificing protection when installed correctly.
2. Proven Durability
Today’s architectural shingles aren’t your grandpa’s three-tab. Modern shingles are:
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Thicker, with double or triple laminated layers
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Wind-rated up to 130 mph or more
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Impact-resistant options available for hail and debris
With proper installation, shingles can easily last 20 to 30 years or longer.
3. Design Flexibility
Shingles come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their home without the high costs of premium materials. Some architectural shingles even mimic the look of slate or wood shake.
4. Low Maintenance
Shingle roofs require very little upkeep. As long as your flashing and ventilation are in good shape, shingle systems can remain watertight and reliable for decades.
5. Ease of Installation and Repair
Unlike tile or metal, shingles are easier and faster to install or replace—saving you labor costs. If storm damage affects a few shingles, you can often repair the affected area without replacing the entire roof.
But Here’s the Problem: Standard Shingle Roofs Aren’t Built for Disasters
But Here’s the Problem: Standard Shingle Roofs Aren’t Built for DisastersYour average roof is installed to code—but “code” is often just the minimum. If you’re living in a coastal or storm-prone area, the bare minimum won’t protect your home from hurricanes, high winds, or hail.
That’s where the FORTIFIED Roof™ program changes the game.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?The FORTIFIED Roof™ standard was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to drastically improve the performance of roofs in severe weather. It’s an enhanced set of installation and material guidelines that:
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Strengthen roof decking and fasteners
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Seal the roof deck to prevent water intrusion
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Upgrade installation techniques to secure shingles against extreme winds
When certified, a FORTIFIED Roof can stand up to winds of 130–150+ mph—something standard roofs simply aren’t designed to handle.
Why You Want a FORTIFIED Roof (Even If Your Shingles Are Already “High-End”)
Why You Want a FORTIFIED Roof (Even If Your Shingles Are Already “High-End”) Hurricane & Hail Resistance
Hurricane & Hail ResistanceFORTIFIED roofs reduce damage during:
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Category 3–4 hurricanes
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Hailstorms
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Tornadoes and high-wind events
Upgraded fasteners, enhanced edge protection, and sealed decking help keep your roof on and watertight even when surrounding homes are being destroyed.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Most major insurance carriers in coastal and wind-prone regions offer discounts of 20–50% on premiums for FORTIFIED roofs. Some state programs (like in Alabama and Louisiana) even offer grants up to $10,000 to help you afford the upgrade.
Better Resale Value
A FORTIFIED certificate on your home can raise its resale value, especially in storm zones where buyers are increasingly asking about roof strength.
Peace of Mind
A FORTIFIED roof doesn’t just sit pretty—it performs. When a storm rolls in, you don’t have to wonder if you’ll be filing a claim the next morning. You can rest easier knowing your home is protected by best-in-class roofing standards.
How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof (Hint: Your Contractor Matters)
How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof (Hint: Your Contractor Matters)To get a FORTIFIED Roof, you’ll need:
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A licensed roofing contractor trained in FORTIFIED techniques
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A certified FORTIFIED evaluator to inspect your install
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Materials and methods that meet the IBHS standards
You’ll get official documentation showing your home meets the FORTIFIED Roof standard—a document that pays off with insurance savings and disaster protection.
💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Roof—FORTIFY
Asphalt shingles are already a smart choice. They’re durable, affordable, and adaptable. But when you combine them with FORTIFIED construction, you elevate your home’s defense system against Mother Nature’s worst.
Protect your family. Protect your home. Protect your investment.
If you’re already planning a re-roof or building a new home, this is your chance to upgrade without regret. Ask us about installing a FORTIFIED Roof and get the protection (and savings) you deserve.
Question: What is the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP)?
Answer: The LFHP is a state-run grant program administered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance that helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds and severe weather. It provides grants—up to $10,000—to upgrade qualifying homes to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Question: Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
Answer: To be eligible for the LFHP grant:
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The home must be your primary residence in Louisiana and you must claim the homestead exemption.
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You must have an active homeowners insurance policy that includes wind coverage. If your home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, you must also have flood insurance.
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New construction homes, condominiums, and mobile homes are not eligible.
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The home must be in good repair and pass evaluation by a certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator to determine it meets the standard and can qualify.
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Homes built on unrestrained dry-stack masonry foundations may not be eligible without retrofit approval.
Question: What is the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard?
Answer: The FORTIFIED™ Roof standard is a set of construction and installation practices developed by IBHS to make roofs more resilient to severe weather events — such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and wind-driven rain. It requires things like sealed roof decking, upgraded fasteners, enhanced edge protection, and specific installation techniques.
Question: How much is the grant and how does it work?
Answer:The grant provides up to $10,000 toward construction costs for upgrading the roof to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard. Funds are paid directly to the contractor upon completion and submission of required documentation (including the FORTIFIED™ certificate). Homeowners are responsible for any cost beyond the grant amount, including permits, inspections, and other eligible costs not covered by the grant.
Question: How do I apply and how are grants awarded?
Answer:You must first create a profile in the LFHP system via the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Grant application rounds open periodically through a lottery system. Registration must be done during the published window. https://www.kplctv.com+1 After submitting your profile and required documents, you wait to be selected in the lottery. If selected, you then proceed with evaluation, contractor selection, and installation.
