Technical standards for field professionals.
Required photo documentation, product approval workflows, sheathing identification, and instructions for joining the IBHS FORTIFIED-approved contractor network across 9 states.
Become an IBHS FORTIFIED-Approved Contractor.
As of November 1, only contractors listed in the FORTIFIED Provider Network are eligible to perform work on projects expected to receive a FORTIFIED designation. No listing = no FORTIFIED work. No exceptions.
Required by November 1: All certified FORTIFIED roofing contractors must also complete the "Key Changes in the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Roof Standard" bridge training course through FORTIFIED Wise University before performing any new installs.
ProfileGorilla Maintains the FORTIFIED Provider Directory
IBHS partners with ProfileGorilla — the insurance industry's largest pre-vetted service professional network — to manage the FORTIFIED Provider Directory. While IBHS sets the certification requirements outlined in the provider handbooks, ProfileGorilla uses its PreQual+ Credentialing Solution to maintain the directory, track credentials, and notify providers when documentation is missing or expired.
All certified FORTIFIED providers are required to utilize this service. IBHS incurs the costs to set up your initial ProfileGorilla account — there are no additional fees for FORTIFIED evaluators and professionals.
For roofing contractors, ProfileGorilla and IBHS provide a lead-generating and vetting service that puts qualified customers into your pipeline.
Completing the Application — 3 Steps
Complete all steps before any installation begins.
Pre-Qualification
Enter information for each person in your company applying to be certified in one or more FORTIFIED programs. Your company must have at least one qualified applicant who meets the FORTIFIED Handbook requirements. If no one qualifies, you will not move to Step 2 — you'll receive an email explaining what couldn't be verified, and a new application must be submitted once corrected.
Visit fortifiedhome.org and apply to become a Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor. Complete all required profile, licensing, and insurance information.
Company Information & Signatures
Be ready to provide: W-9 · Insurance agent contact info (name, email, phone) · Certificates of Insurance — give a copy of the Sample COI to your agent so they can verify coverage and provide an updated copy.
Electronic signatures will be sent by email to the company signer for: Pre-Qual + Direct Terms of Service Agreement · FORTIFIED Addendum · Workers' Comp Attestation (if you do not carry WC)
To each individual applicant (must sign themselves): FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor Agreement · FORTIFIED Evaluator Agreement · FORTIFIED Wise Agreement. If someone performs more than one role, they will receive multiple emails.
Submission Review
IBHS reviews everything and lets you know if anything else is needed. Step 2 must be completed before Step 3 begins. Once approved, you will appear in the FORTIFIED Provider Directory and become eligible for HDMK referrals and FORTIFIED designation projects.
Register as an HDMK contractor partner.
Already in the FORTIFIED Provider Network, or on your way? Send us your company details once. We set you up in our system so evaluations, compliance form signatures (RCF & ICF), certificates and invoices go to the right people the first time.
Required photos — FORTIFIED re-roof.
Missing photos = failed submission. Capture all of the following before the IBHS package is assembled.
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Product approval process.
Metal, low-slope, and specialty systems have no single FORTIFIED prescriptive standard. The product approval is the rulebook. Zone 3 controls system selection — always.
Identify Roof System Type
Standing seam (Z-lock, snap-lock), R-panel, TPO, PVC, torch-down or self-adhered modified bitumen. Document slope, height, substrate, and whether over living space.
Get Site-Specific Wind Speed
Use the ASCE Hazard Tool with the exact property address — never wind maps. Record wind speed and roof height. These directly affect allowable systems.
Calculate Wind Uplift Pressure
Input ASCE wind speed into the 7-16 Wind Uplift Calculator. For slopes under 2:12, use the Internal Low-Slope Calculator. Zone 3 = highest pressure. System MUST meet Zone 3.
Search Product Approvals
Start at EngineeringPlans.com — aggregates TDI, FBC, and Miami-Dade. Search by manufacturer, product type, and panel profile. Confirm slope, substrate, and fastening all match.
Verify All Criteria Match
Slope allowed. System type matches. Substrate matches. Fastening defined. Assembly meets Zone 3. Installation matches approval. Any failure → DO NOT USE the system.
Submit with FORTIFIED Package
Include product approval doc, proof system meets Zone 3, installation confirmation, and substrate verification. Missing any = failed submission.
Identify your roof deck.
OSB
Compressed wood strands. Rough, inconsistent texture. No visible grain. Most common in modern construction.
Plywood
Layered sheets with clean, repeating grain. Edges show stacked layers. Common pre-2000 construction.
1×6 / 1×8 Plank
Individual solid boards with visible gaps between them. Common in older and historic structures.
Tongue & Groove
Interlocking boards — no gaps. Forms a tight, continuous surface. Looks like planks but fits seamlessly.
Technical questions on a job?
Contact HDMK's field team for guidance on product approvals, uplift calculations, and installation requirements.
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