Minnesota weather is unpredictable—and your roof takes the brunt of it. Heavy snow in January, hailstorms in May, and high winds in any season can cause costly damage to homes across the Twin Cities. While traditional roofing systems meet basic building codes, they often fall short when it comes to long-term protection in such a challenging climate.
That’s where the fortified roof comes in.
Designed and tested to perform under the toughest conditions, it combines premium materials, advanced installation techniques, and certified inspections to give homeowners greater resilience against severe weather.
So, what exactly is a fortified roof, and why are more Twin Cities homeowners making the switch?
Key Takeaways
- A fortified roof is a strong roofing system designed to protect Minnesota homes from hail, wind, and heavy snow.
- The fortified program includes certified inspections and levels such as fortified silver and fortified gold for added strength.
- Important features include a sealed roof deck, impact-resistant shingles, reinforced edges, and rain-resistant attic vents.
- Twin Cities homeowners choose fortified roofs for better protection, lower insurance costs, higher home value, and lasting peace of mind.
What Is a Fortified Roof?
A fortified roof is a specially engineered roof cover designed to meet the requirements set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It’s part of the nationally recognized fortified program, which establishes a national standard for building stronger, more resilient structures.
Program Overview
A fortified home uses upgraded construction materials and advanced roof installation methods to strengthen all the components of the roof deck, roof edges, and attached structures like porches and garage doors.
Every project is inspected by a certified fortified evaluator to ensure compliance.
Our crews are manufacturer-certified to meet IBHS and premium brand standards for durability and warranty protection.
This system is not only for hurricane-prone areas. It’s proven equally valuable in Minnesota, where other severe weather events, severe thunderstorms, and hail-prone areas cause extensive roof and property damage.
Fortified Designation Levels
The program offers multiple levels, including fortified silver and fortified gold, which build on each other to provide greater impact and wind damage resistance.
These levels outline specific upgrades in deck attachment, water protection, and structural connections to create a continuous load path for extreme weather defense.
Key Features That Make Up a Fortified Roof
Each level of a fortified roof is built on a foundation of specific upgrades that work together to provide maximum protection.
Key components include:
Sealed Roof Deck
A sealed roof deck prevents water intrusion by creating a continuous moisture barrier under the asphalt shingles or other roof cover. In Minnesota, where ice dams can cause water damage, this feature protects insulation and prevents mold in your house.
Enhanced Roof Deck Attachment
A fortified roof uses ring shank nails or an enhanced pattern nailing schedule to keep the roof deck attached during high winds and extreme weather.
This is far more secure than standard nailing, offering better impact protection and helping to protect your home during a severe storm.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are a core element of the program. They are engineered to reduce hail damage and extend the life of the roof. These shingles also include reinforced starter strip installation at the edges for added storm damage resistance.
We use Malarkey® Class 4 shingles for their proven performance in Minnesota hailstorms and back them with manufacturer warranties for lasting peace of mind.
Wider Drip Edges and Roof Edge Protection
The fortified standards call for a wider drip edge and additional reinforcement at roof edges. This helps prevent shingle loss in high winds, reduces covered loss claims, and keeps vulnerable areas from suffering catastrophic damage.
Rain-Resistant Attic Vents
Rain-resistant attic vents allow airflow while blocking wind-driven rain. This helps protect homes from water damage and reduces the risk of rot in the roof structure.
Why More Twin Cities Homeowners Are Making the Switch
Choosing a fortified roof isn’t just about meeting a standard. It’s about gaining year-round advantages that matter to Twin Cities homeowners.
These benefits make the investment worthwhile long after installation day:
Severe Weather Resilience
From intense spring storms to heavy winter snow and ice, the local climate is tough on roofs. A fortified system addresses all the components most likely to fail, reducing the risk of storm damage and catastrophic damage.
Our local crews understand exactly how to build for Minnesota’s toughest seasons, combining advanced fortified techniques with premium, manufacturer-backed materials.
Reduced Insurance Costs
Many insurance company programs offer insurance discounts for roofs with a fortified designation. Some even include an optional hail supplement as part of their re-roofing program, designed to help strengthen homes in hail-prone areas.
Lower Long-Term Repair Costs
By meeting building codes and exceeding them through voluntary construction, fortified roofs help prevent covered loss claims and costly repairs. Over time, the savings can be significant, especially when paired with financial incentives from your insurer.
Increased Home Value
Buyers value a quality roof with a fortified designation. It signals a safer, more resilient house, designed to withstand wind, hail, and extreme weather per the scientific research behind the fortified program.
Peace of Mind Year-Round
A fortified roof is an entire system built to protect and provide long-term protection for Minnesota homeowners. Whether it’s a blizzard or a severe thunderstorm, your roof is ready for whatever weather events our climate delivers.
Ready to Protect Your Home With a Fortified Roof?
At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, we install fortified roofs using premium construction materials, certified installation methods, and verified compliance with fortified standards. As a trusted James Hardie, Marvin, and Therma-Tru® certified installer, we deliver Minnesota-tested exteriors proven results backed by strong manufacturer warranties.
We’ve completed more than 6,000 exterior projects and have been protecting homes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas for over 29 years.
Call (651) 571-9557 today to schedule your free estimate and see how a fortified roof can help you protect your home for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fortified roofs be installed on commercial buildings in the Twin Cities?
Yes, fortified roofs can be designed for certain commercial buildings, offering advanced protection from hail, wind, and water. Our certified team ensures installations meet IBHS standards and Minnesota’s commercial construction requirements.
How long does a typical fortified roof installation take in Minnesota?
Most fortified roof projects take one to two weeks from start to finish. Our process includes material preparation, precise installation, and a certified inspection to guarantee compliance with all IBHS fortified roof requirements.
Are fortified roofs available with different design options for Minnesota homes?
Yes, we offer fortified roofs in various materials, styles, and colors. Homeowners can choose asphalt shingles, metal, or other options that meet fortified standards while matching their home’s architectural style.
What maintenance is recommended after installing a fortified roof?
Annual professional inspections are recommended to keep all fortified components in top condition. We offer seasonal maintenance services to protect performance and ensure compliance with warranty and IBHS standards.
