GAF and IBHS Team Up to Enhance Home Protection Through FORTIFIED Roofing Initiative

GAF and IBHS Join Forces to Bolster Home Resilience

In a significant move to enhance residential safety, GAF, a leading player in the roofing and waterproofing industry, has partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business Home Safety (IBHS). This collaboration aims to expand access to the FORTIFIED roofing program, which offers innovative solutions for homeowners looking to protect their properties from severe weather conditions.

What Is the FORTIFIED Roofing Program?

The FORTIFIED roofing initiative is a voluntary building methodology focused on creating homes that can withstand extreme weather scenarios, such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Drawing on extensive research, this program provides guidelines that exceed standard building codes. Homeowners who adopt this approach not only enhance their home’s durability but may also become eligible for insurance discounts and other financial incentives in numerous states.

However, the pressing reality of climate change and the increasing frequency of severe weather events have made this program more crucial than ever. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 24 weather-related disasters, each causing damages exceeding $1 billion. In response, GAF and IBHS have pledged to make FORTIFIED roofs more accessible, benefiting communities vulnerable to these challenges.

The Role of GAF in the Alliance

Expanding Resources and Training

GAF, leveraging over 135 years of industry experience, will implement a range of products compliant with IBHS’s FORTIFIED standards. They plan to deploy a targeted training program for contractors, aimed at equipping them with essential skills in identifying and installing FORTIFIED roofing solutions. This initiative is expected to train a broader network of qualified professionals, ensuring a higher number of homes can benefit from enhanced protection methods.

John Altmeyer, CEO of GAF, emphasized the commitment to delivering high-quality roofing products while fostering community resilience. He stated, "We look forward to working closely with IBHS to provide access to FORTIFIED-compliant products and industry-leading GAF training."

A Focus on Community Impact

The partnership is not only about products but also about shaping knowledge and practices among roofing contractors. Programs such as the GAF Center for Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE) aim to develop a skilled workforce capable of answering the urgent need for robust home fortification practices.

Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED at IBHS, highlighted that this collaboration will create a pipeline of qualified roofers dedicated to delivering FORTIFIED roofs to homeowners eager to fortify their residences against storm damage.

Homeowner Benefits

For homeowners, this alliance provides numerous advantages. By selecting a GAF Master Elite® Contractor to install a FORTIFIED Roof and purchasing a Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, they can access additional benefits through the FORTIFIED Addendum. This dual layer of protection offers peace of mind during unpredictable weather events.

Moreover, GAF's high-quality product range—including WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier, StormGuard® Film-Surfaced Leak Barrier, and the Timberline® series of shingles—ensures that homeowners receive top-notch materials that stand up to the toughest conditions. These products consistently rank high in IBHS Impact Shingle Ratings, affirming their capability to withstand demanding weather.

A Shared Vision for a Safer Future

As the climate crisis continues to impact lives, alliances like the one formed between GAF and IBHS become essential. With a focus on enhancing residential resilience to natural elements, this partnership promises not only to safeguard homes but also to empower communities by providing them with the knowledge and tools required to face future weather-related challenges. For more information on accessing the FORTIFIED Roof Program or GAF’s innovative solutions, interested parties can visit www.GAF.com/FORTIFIED.

In closing, the GAF-IBHS alliance stands as a testament to the industry's commitment to creating a safer living environment, underscoring the notion that together, we can weather any storm.