Getting a New Roof? Start the FORTIFIED Process Before Installation.
Golden Rule Inspection Services provides independent FORTIFIED Roof evaluation, verification and documentation for homeowners replacing or installing a roof throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties, Alabama.
Already have a roofer? That's fine. Your FORTIFIED Evaluator works with you and your contractor to document the required work.
What is a FORTIFIED Roof certification?
A FORTIFIED designation is issued by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) after required construction details are independently verified and documented. The FORTIFIED Roof standard strengthens the roof system and adds measures intended to reduce wind and water damage during severe weather.
The evaluator is an independent third party. Golden Rule verifies and documents required elements during the roofing project and submits the documentation for IBHS review. IBHS makes the final determination and issues the FORTIFIED designation certificate.
How the certification process works
Will my home qualify?
Most conventional homes we evaluate can move forward, but eligibility needs to be checked before promising certification. The initial evaluation is designed to identify issues early—before you commit to the FORTIFIED portion of the roofing project.
Roof framing
Roof structural members such as rafters or trusses are inspected and documented, including their on-center spacing. FORTIFIED eligibility requirements generally limit roof-member spacing to 24 inches on center.
Roof decking
The evaluator verifies the roof deck type and thickness. Under the current standard, structural wood panel sheathing such as OSB must meet applicable minimum requirements; 7/16-inch nominal structural panels are common qualifying construction.
Foundation
The foundation type and connections are documented. A slab, properly constructed stem-wall or qualifying crawlspace foundation may be eligible. A dry-stack foundation—unrestrained stacked masonry or stone without the required positive connection—disqualifies the home under current FORTIFIED eligibility requirements.
Roof conditions & special features
The evaluator also looks for conditions that may require additional documentation or engineering, such as certain rooftop decks, roof-mounted HVAC equipment, manufactured-home construction or unusual structural conditions.
Requirements depend on the home and the applicable FORTIFIED standard. Golden Rule will explain any property-specific issue identified during the initial evaluation.
What makes a FORTIFIED Roof different?
FORTIFIED goes beyond simply installing new shingles or metal roofing. Depending on the roof system and applicable requirements, the process includes documented roof-deck attachment, a qualified sealed roof deck, compliant edge details and roof-cover installation, and required wind- and water-resistance details.
Your contractor performs the construction. Golden Rule's job is to independently verify and document the required components so IBHS has the evidence needed to review the project.
Have the contractor contact Golden Rule before installation begins so the evaluation and required documentation can be coordinated with the roofing schedule.
Golden Rule FORTIFIED Roof certification fee
For a standard project that proceeds through completed FORTIFIED Roof certification, Golden Rule's fee is $500 total.
$500 — Standard completed certification service
$250 — Initial qualification evaluation
We inspect the home and determine whether it can proceed through the FORTIFIED Roof process.
$250 — Final evaluation, required documentation and certification submission
The remaining balance is due when the project proceeds through the final evaluation/documentation stage.
If the home does not qualify at the initial evaluation and the project cannot proceed, only the $250 initial evaluation fee is due.
A FORTIFIED Roof Can Mean Significant Insurance Savings
In Alabama, a FORTIFIED designation is not just about building a stronger roof. It can also provide meaningful savings on the wind portion of your homeowners insurance.
For FORTIFIED Roof, current Alabama benchmark information published by IBHS shows discounts generally in the 25%–35% range on the wind portion of property insurance, depending on the insurance company and policy. Higher FORTIFIED designation levels may qualify for larger discounts.
For coastal Alabama homeowners, wind and hurricane exposure can represent a substantial portion of the total homeowners insurance premium. The Alabama Department of Insurance has reported that wind/hurricane exposure accounts for approximately 70%–80% of homeowners insurance cost on the coast and that mitigation discounts can produce annual savings ranging from hundreds of dollars inland to thousands of dollars along the coast.
Actual savings vary by insurer, property and policy. Ask your insurance agent to compare your current premium with the premium available with an active FORTIFIED Roof designation.
Golden Rule FORTIFIED Roof Certification — $500 total
$250 initial qualification evaluation + $250 final evaluation, required documentation and certification submission when the project proceeds.
If you're pursuing FORTIFIED through the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant program, see our SAH guide →
FORTIFIED Roof certification questions
When should I contact a FORTIFIED Evaluator?
Ideally, before roofing work begins. Required elements may need to be inspected and photographed while the roof system is exposed, so involving the evaluator early helps avoid documentation problems.
Can I use my own roofing contractor?
Yes. Your evaluator is an independent third party and can coordinate with you and your selected contractor regarding the documentation required for FORTIFIED.
Does Golden Rule issue the FORTIFIED certificate?
No. Golden Rule performs the independent evaluation and submits the required documentation. IBHS reviews the documentation and makes the final determination on issuance of the FORTIFIED designation.
How much does Golden Rule charge?
A standard completed FORTIFIED Roof certification service is $500: $250 for the initial qualification evaluation and $250 for the final evaluation/documentation stage. If the home does not qualify initially and cannot proceed, only the initial $250 is due.
What if my roof was already installed?
Contact Golden Rule before assuming the property can or cannot be certified. FORTIFIED requires specific documentation, and a newly installed roof cannot simply use an existing-roof pathway to make up for inadequate construction documentation. We can review the circumstances and explain the available next step.
How long does a FORTIFIED designation last?
FORTIFIED designations are generally issued for five-year periods. Golden Rule also provides FORTIFIED redesignation and renewal evaluations →
Ask Golden Rule about FORTIFIED Roof certification
Tell us where you are in the roofing process. We'll follow up to discuss the initial evaluation and next steps. This form does not guarantee that a property qualifies for a FORTIFIED designation.