Is Your FORTIFIED Roof Designation Due for Renewal?
FORTIFIED designations are issued for five-year periods. Golden Rule Inspection Services provides redesignation evaluations throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties to help homeowners maintain a current FORTIFIED designation.
Not sure when your designation expires? Contact Golden Rule and we'll help you determine the next step.
Why does my FORTIFIED designation need to be renewed?
A FORTIFIED designation confirms that a property met FORTIFIED requirements when the designation was issued. Because roofs and homes change over time, FORTIFIED designations are valid for five years and require a redesignation evaluation to maintain the designation for another term.
Your expiration date appears on your FORTIFIED designation certificate. If you no longer have the certificate, IBHS provides a way to request your current designation information.
Call or text Golden Rule at 251-278-9658.
What happens during the FORTIFIED 5-year recertification process?
For many properties, the process is straightforward. A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator inspects the property and documents the information required for recertification (also called redesignation). If the roof covering remains in good condition and no significant additions or modifications have occurred, a single site visit may be the only step required.
Golden Rule submits the required documentation to IBHS for review. IBHS makes the final determination on whether the property continues to meet the applicable FORTIFIED requirements and issues the updated designation certificate when approved.
A property may need repairs, additional documentation, or other corrective action if the roof covering is damaged, deteriorated, or does not have sufficient useful life remaining; if the roof or home has been modified since the prior designation and the work cannot be documented as meeting applicable FORTIFIED requirements; or if an eligibility issue is discovered, such as an unrestrained dry-stack foundation. Requirements depend on the property and the current FORTIFIED standard.
Simple, straightforward pricing
Standard FORTIFIED Roof 5-year recertification service: $150.
The $150 includes the renewal inspection and standard documentation/submission for recertification. If the home does not qualify for recertification at the initial renewal inspection, the $150 fee is still due for the inspection and assessment. Golden Rule will explain what prevented approval and, when applicable, what additional documentation or corrective work may be needed before the property can be resubmitted. Any additional charge would be discussed with you before proceeding.
Have there been any modifications to your home or roof since it was FORTIFIED Roof certified or last recertified?
Let us know if you have replaced the roof, added or enclosed part of the home, altered roof-related components, installed new gutters or other roof-related features, or made other significant modifications since the property was last certified or recertified. These changes do not automatically prevent recertification, but additional documentation may be required depending on the work performed.
Every situation is different. Golden Rule will help identify what information may be needed for the redesignation evaluation.
What if my FORTIFIED designation has already expired?
Don't assume it's too late. IBHS allows redesignation after expiration under certain conditions. A designation submitted more than one year after expiration but less than five years after expiration may still be eligible for redesignation, although an additional IBHS processing fee applies. If more than five years have passed since expiration, a new FORTIFIED evaluation is required.
Your FORTIFIED designation and insurance
A current FORTIFIED designation may be important for insurance incentives. IBHS states that most insurers require the updated certificate to maintain FORTIFIED-related incentives. Specific benefits vary by insurance company and policy, so your insurance agent should confirm what applies to your coverage.
Once your updated certificate is issued, provide a copy to your insurance agent and keep a copy for your records.
FORTIFIED renewal questions
How often does a FORTIFIED designation need to be renewed?
FORTIFIED designation certificates are generally valid for five years. A redesignation inspection is required to maintain the designation.
How much does Golden Rule charge for a standard FORTIFIED Roof 5-year recertification?
The standard FORTIFIED Roof 5-year recertification service is $150. The fee covers the renewal inspection and standard documentation/submission. If the home does not qualify at the initial renewal inspection, the $150 inspection fee is still due. Golden Rule will explain any additional documentation or corrective work that may be needed before recertification can proceed.
Where can I find my expiration date?
The expiration date is shown on your FORTIFIED designation certificate. If you cannot locate the certificate, contact Golden Rule or request current designation information from IBHS.
Can an expired FORTIFIED designation be renewed?
Often, yes. IBHS permits late redesignations under certain conditions. Additional processing requirements may apply, and a designation expired more than five years requires a new FORTIFIED evaluation.
What if I replaced or modified my roof?
Tell us before the evaluation. Roof replacement or other modifications may require additional documentation so the property can be evaluated under the applicable FORTIFIED requirements.
Does a FORTIFIED designation affect my insurance?
It can. FORTIFIED-related incentives vary by carrier and policy. IBHS advises homeowners to provide an updated certificate to their insurance agent; your agent can confirm the benefits available under your policy.
Request your FORTIFIED 5-year recertification
Standard FORTIFIED Roof 5-year recertification service: $150. Complete the form or call/text 251-278-9658.