How to Keep Your FORTIFIED Roof Designation in Louisiana

By Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC | Scott, LA | Veteran-Owned | Louisiana's First 5-Star Roof Maxx Dealer | FORTIFIED Certified

A FORTIFIED Roof certificate is not a lifetime pass. IBHS, the nonprofit research group behind FORTIFIED, says each designation is valid for five years, and what happens to the roof during those years matters. Louisiana's Regulation 136 discounts, required on policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, depend on that certificate, so it is worth knowing how to keep it current. Here is what IBHS says, in plain terms.

Start by Finding Your Expiration Date

IBHS says each certificate carries a FORTIFIED ID number and is valid for five years, with the expiration date printed in the bottom right corner. If you cannot find yours, IBHS lets you request a new copy. The designation belongs to the property, not the owner, so it transfers when a home is sold. If you bought a FORTIFIED home, ask the seller for the certificate. Our designation certificate guide explains what the document proves.

If Your Roof Needs a Repair

A stronger roof can still lose a shingle or take a hit from a falling limb. IBHS's guidance is to hire a FORTIFIED certified contractor for the repair. That contractor uses FORTIFIED-compliant materials and methods, then sends the repair documentation to IBHS for review. If a certified contractor is not available, IBHS says to bring in a FORTIFIED Evaluator before the repair is made, so the Evaluator can work with your contractor and submit the paperwork. Not sure whether you have damage at all? Our guide to spotting roof damage after a storm covers what to look for from the ground.

The Notice of Continuance

When IBHS accepts the repair documentation, it issues a Notice of Continuance. In IBHS's words, that notice acknowledges that your existing FORTIFIED designation is still in effect. Keep it with your certificate. IBHS's homeowner guidance is built around this paperwork, so a repair made without it can leave a gap in your roof's record even if the work itself was sound.

Tell Your Adjuster the Roof Is FORTIFIED

If damage leads to an insurance claim, IBHS says to report it to your insurer and make sure the adjuster knows the home is FORTIFIED, so the claim includes the upgraded labor and material. IBHS publishes a fact sheet you can share with the adjuster. That conversation is between you, your insurer and your adjuster. Our Louisiana roof insurance claims guide explains the general steps.

If the Roof Is Replaced

A full replacement is different from a repair. IBHS says a replaced roof needs a new FORTIFIED designation, not a continuance. That means engaging a FORTIFIED Evaluator before work starts and hiring a contractor who can install a FORTIFIED Roof. Our step-by-step installation guide shows what that job looks like.

The Five-Year Redesignation

At the end of the five years, IBHS says homeowners can seek a redesignation, and a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator must verify that the home still meets the requirements. The roof covering gets a close look because it can wear over time. IBHS says that if the roof is in good condition and nothing has been added or changed, the inspection is likely the only step required. If you enclosed a porch, added a room or replaced the roof, expect more documentation. IBHS also says a current designation, with its ID number, is generally required for insurance discounts. Under Regulation 136, that discount applies to the hurricane portion of the premium, up to 29 percent for a FORTIFIED Roof in south Louisiana. Ask your agent what proof your insurer needs, and see our FORTIFIED insurance discount page.

How We Handle Work on a FORTIFIED Roof

Every ARR job, a small repair or a full roof, runs on a signed quality-control checklist, so there is a written record of each step. As an IBHS FORTIFIED Certified Contractor, we know the documentation a repair needs before we start. And if what looks like damage turns out not to need work, we will tell you that plainly. See our FORTIFIED roofing contractor page for our credentials.

Schedule a No-Cost Roof Assessment

If you have a FORTIFIED roof and something looks off, or your five-year date is coming up, we will look at it at no cost and explain what we see before anything is signed. Lafayette 337-999-ROOF (337-999-7663). Baton Rouge 225-385-ROOF (225-385-7663).

Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC | Scott, LA | aroofrestore.com
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