What is Certified Fortified?
“Certified Fortified” refers to a designation given to homes or buildings that meet specific standards for resilience and durability against natural disasters, particularly hurricanes. It is a program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit research organization focused on reducing the risks of property damage and loss.
The Certified Fortified program provides a set of guidelines and requirements for construction practices and materials used in the design and construction of homes or buildings. These guidelines are aimed at strengthening the structure and enhancing its ability to withstand severe weather events.
The program offers different levels of certification based on the level of protection provided. The three levels are:
1. Fortified Roof: This level focuses on enhancing the roof’s ability to withstand high winds and wind-driven rain.
2. Fortified Silver: This level includes improvements to the roof, as well as reinforcement of windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas of the structure. It aims to protect the building against both wind and water damage.
3. Fortified Gold: This is the highest level of certification and includes all the requirements of Fortified Silver. Additionally, it includes features such as impact-resistant windows, reinforced walls, and other measures to increase the building’s resilience to severe weather conditions.
To achieve the Certified Fortified designation, a home or building must undergo an inspection and testing process by a certified evaluator to ensure compliance with the program’s standards. Once certified, the structure is eligible for insurance discounts from participating insurance companies.
The Certified Fortified program provides homeowners and builders with guidance on best practices for constructing resilient structures, reducing the risk of property damage, and enhancing the safety of occupants during natural disasters.
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