The FORTIFIED Factor

In this episode, our AI moderators break down the backbone of the FORTIFIED Gold Standard: the continuous load path. Learn how specific materials and construction techniques work together to help the…

Think FORTIFIED Standards are the same everywhere? Not quite! Depending on where you live, your home’s requirements change to match your region’s biggest wind threats. In this quick episode, we’ll un…

Starting a FORTIFIED project and not sure where to begin? Have no fear! IBHS provides a directory of professionals who are certified in FORTIFIED services - including roofers, builders, engineers and…

Tune into this episode of "The FORTIFIED Factor" to learn about the roofing roadmaps developed by IBHS to identify key components of a roof and how they should be constructed in order to achieve the …

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) on wind-driven rain — a powerful but often underestimated force in severe stor…

Did you know a #FORTIFIEDRoof is a roof that's more resilient against hail damage?

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, we take you behind the scenes at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home…

Did you know that commercial buildings can be built or retrofitted to FORTIFIED standards? In this episode, we learn how the residential construction methods are modified and applied to a different k…

When the FORTIFIED Home Program first began, the three tiers of designations were known as Bronze, Silver and Gold. But in 2019, IBHS changed Bronze to "Roof." Want to know why? Take a listen to this…

What can keep your home in one piece when severe weather strikes? In this episode, our AI hosts discuss what makes FORTIFIED Gold the true "gold standard" of home construction when severe weather is …

Is your chimney braced properly to withstand severe storms and high winds? In this episode, our AI hosts are checking out facets of the FORTIFIED Silver that make homes more resilient to hurricane an…

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor Podcast, we break down design pressure ratings and their crucial role in building resilient, FORTIFIED homes. Understanding how windows, doors, roofs and other…

Following our previous episode on ASCE 7 Standards, this episode covers the recent editions to ASCE 7 and how FORTIFIED Home Standards intersect. Together, these designs are strengthening homes natio…

Get ready to geek out over building codes! This episode is a deep dive into ASCE 7 - the nationally adopted loading standard for general structural design. More information on this subject can be fou…

Take a deep dive into all the details of the 2025 FORTIFIED Standard at each level: Roof, Silver and Gold. Knockout Inspections is a national leader in FORTIFIED Evaluations and ready to help you ach…

Is your home winter ready? Maybe it's not winter right now, but it never hurts to know how to prepare. This comprehensive episode covers everything you need to know on winterizing your home - includi…

Is your home thunderstorm ready? This comprehensive episode covers everything you need to know on severe weather preparedness and recovery - including annual preparation, home upgrades, last-minute p…

Hurricane season runs from June 1st - November 30th. This episode goes over tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) on how to plan ahead and prepare your home for hurric…

How does a roof become a FORTIFIED Roof? Not only does a roofer have to follow the FORTIFIED building standards, but a FORTIFIED Evaluator also has to document the work through a set of required phot…