Protecting Your Home from Severe Weather
Welcome to our FORTIFIED Roof Louisiana page, where we'll explore the importance of having a fortified roof in the Pelican State. Louisiana is no stranger to extreme weather conditions, from hurricanes and tropical storms to heavy rainfall and high winds. A FORTIFIED roof is your best defense against these natural challenges. Learn how you can safeguard your home and loved ones by choosing a FORTIFIED roof.
What is a FORTIFIED ROOF?
A FORTIFIED roof is a roofing system designed and constructed to withstand the harshest weather conditions. It's a set of building standards and practices developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to ensure the resilience of homes in the face of extreme weather events. FORTIFIED roofs are a proven solution for protecting your home in Louisiana.
Stronger Edges
Roof damage often begins when wind gets underneath the roof edge and begins ripping it away from the home. To help protect this vulnerable area, FORTIFIED requires specific materials and installation methods, including a wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip, that when used together create a stronger system.
Sealed Roof Deck
If wind rips off your roof covering―such as shingles, metal panels, or tiles―it exposes the wood beneath and allows water to pass through the gaps and enter your home. FORTIFIED requires roof decks to be sealed to prevent this type of water damage.
Better Attachment
Instead of common smooth nails, FORTIFIED requires ring-shank nails, installed in an enhanced pattern, to help keep the roof deck attached to your home in high winds. In fact, using ring-shank nails nearly doubles the strength of your roof against the forces of winds.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
In hail-prone areas, FORTIFIED requires shingles tested by IBHS to show they can withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter. These shingles outperform typical Class 4 shingles when tested against realistic hailstones and will better protect your home. Louisiana sees plenty of hail, so let Epic Roofing inspect your roof next time a hail storm hits.
Why FORTIFIED?
FORTIFIED goes beyond building codes to improve performance against natural hazards and reduce the risk of personal property loss.
1. Hurricane Resilience:
Louisiana is prone to hurricanes, which can bring devastating wind and rain. FORTIFIED roofs are engineered to withstand the impact of hurricane-force winds, protecting your home's structural integrity.
2. Flood Protection:
Heavy rainfall and flooding are common in Louisiana. FORTIFIED roofing systems incorporate features to prevent water infiltration, reducing the risk of costly water damage.
3. Enhanced Durability:
Louisiana's climate can be tough on traditional roofs. FORTIFIED roofs are built to be more durable, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
