
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a FORTIFIED Certification
Do you need a FORTIFIED certification for your roof? Coastal Evaluators works with homeowners, insurance agents, property managers and home inspectors to provide certified evaluations for FORTIFIED roofs.
Yes! Only an evaluator certified by IBHS can submit the required documentation to secure your FORTIFIED certification. You can verify our credentials through the FORTIFIED Provider Locator.
Yes! We have experience with FORTIFIED roofs along the Gulf Coast. Coastal requirements are stricter due to hurricane risks. We’re locally owned and operated and we understand the Gulf Coast wind speeds and the specific Alabama and Mississippi standards for a FORTIFIED certification.
Certification requires proof of every layer, from the roof deck to the final shingles. We document the “sealed roof deck,” nail spacing, material labels and more.
Timing is critical. We work with your roofking company to inspect the roof deck and underlayment before they are covered by the final roof material.
Generally, no. Official FORTIFIED certification requires verification of components that are hidden once the roof is finished. It’s best if Coastal Evaluators are involved from the beginning of the roof installation or replacement.
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Yes! Smooth communication between Coastal Evaluators and your roofer is vital for capturing all necessary photos without delaying the construction.
Once we submit your documentation to IBHS, the review typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks to issue the official certificate.
While the “Roof” level is most common for insurance discounts, “Silver” and “Gold” add protections for windows, doors, and the home’s structural “load path”.
While the certificate is the proof you need, you must typically provide it to your insurance agent.
Discounts can range from 20% to 55% off the wind portion of your premium in Alabama and Mississippi.
Designations are valid for five years, after which a re-designation inspection is required to maintain your insurance benefits.
