By following the FORTIFIED’M standard, the contractor has used the most up-to-date building science available to give the property the best chance of survival during a severe weather event. The series of upgrades included in the standard work together to create a layered system of safeguards that help to prevent cascading damage. Changes to the FORTIFIED'” home can interfere with this system of protection and leave it vulnerable. For example, adding or replacing a skylight can void the certification.

This will jeopardize the FORTIFIED”‘ designation and any insurance discounts it provides. Larger modifications like tying a covered porch into the roof or installing (even partially) a new roof can have massive impacts on a home’s resilience to storms if not documented by an evaluator to meet the FORTIFIED Standards at time of construction.

In fact, a FORTIFIED”‘ designation must be renewed anytime alterations or repairs affect the original certification of the structure or roofing system. To ensure that modifications or additions don’t impact the home’s FORTIFIED”‘ certification contact Disaster Smart before making any changes.

Note: Structural repairs, replacements, or additions ta any part of the home, including the following can void your certification: