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Why Shingles Make the Best Roofs—And Why You Want a FORTIFIED Roof
Written by Christopher / 
June 5, 2025
When it comes to choosing the best roofing material for your home, the options are endless: metal, tile, slate, flat membrane systems, wood shakes, and, of course, the tried-and-true asphalt shingle. While each option has its perks, asphalt shingles remain America’s favorite roofing material—and for good reason.
And if you’re going to invest in a new roof, don’t just settle for “good.” Go for FORTIFIED. A FORTIFIED Roof is a special roofing system designed and certified to withstand severe weather, offering unmatched peace of mind and often insurance savings to boot.
Let’s break down why shingles are king, and how the FORTIFIED standard takes your roof from decent to disaster-resistant.
🏠Why Shingles Still Reign Supreme
1. Affordability Without Compromise
Asphalt shingles provide one of the best cost-to-value ratios on the market. Compared to metal, slate, or tile roofs, shingles are far more affordable without sacrificing protection when installed correctly.
2. Proven Durability
Today’s architectural shingles aren’t your grandpa’s three-tab. Modern shingles are:
Thicker, with double or triple laminated layers
Wind-rated up to 130 mph or more
Impact-resistant options available for hail and debris
With proper installation, shingles can easily last 20 to 30 years or longer.
3. Design Flexibility
Shingles come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their home without the high costs of premium materials. Some architectural shingles even mimic the look of slate or wood shake.
4. Low Maintenance
Shingle roofs require very little upkeep. As long as your flashing and ventilation are in good shape, shingle systems can remain watertight and reliable for decades.
5. Ease of Installation and Repair
Unlike tile or metal, shingles are easier and faster to install or replace—saving you labor costs. If storm damage affects a few shingles, you can often repair the affected area without replacing the entire roof.
🌪️ But Here’s the Problem: Standard Shingle Roofs Aren’t Built for Disasters
Your average roof is installed to code—but “code” is often just the minimum. If you’re living in a coastal or storm-prone area, the bare minimum won’t protect your home from hurricanes, high winds, or hail.
That’s where the FORTIFIED Roof™ program changes the game.
🛡️ What Is a FORTIFIED Roof?
The FORTIFIED Roof™ standard was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to drastically improve the performance of roofs in severe weather. It’s an enhanced set of installation and material guidelines that:
Strengthen roof decking and fasteners
Seal the roof deck to prevent water intrusion
Upgrade installation techniques to secure shingles against extreme winds
When certified, a FORTIFIED Roof can stand up to winds of 130–150+ mph—something standard roofs simply aren’t designed to handle.
🏆 Why You Want a FORTIFIED Roof (Even If Your Shingles Are Already “High-End”)
✔️ Hurricane & Hail Resistance
FORTIFIED roofs reduce damage during:
Category 3–4 hurricanes
Hailstorms
Tornadoes and high-wind events
Upgraded fasteners, enhanced edge protection, and sealed decking help keep your roof on and watertight even when surrounding homes are being destroyed.
✔️ Lower Insurance Premiums
Most major insurance carriers in coastal and wind-prone regions offer discounts of 20–50% on premiums for FORTIFIED roofs. Some state programs (like in Alabama and Louisiana) even offer grants up to $10,000 to help you afford the upgrade.
✔️ Better Resale Value
A FORTIFIED certificate on your home can raise its resale value, especially in storm zones where buyers are increasingly asking about roof strength.
✔️ Peace of Mind
A FORTIFIED roof doesn’t just sit pretty—it performs. When a storm rolls in, you don’t have to wonder if you’ll be filing a claim the next morning. You can rest easier knowing your home is protected by best-in-class roofing standards.
🧰 How to Get a FORTIFIED Roof (Hint: Your Contractor Matters)
To get a FORTIFIED Roof, you’ll need:
A licensed roofing contractor trained in FORTIFIED techniques
A certified FORTIFIED evaluator to inspect your install
Materials and methods that meet the IBHS standards
You’ll get official documentation showing your home meets the FORTIFIED Roof standard—a document that pays off with insurance savings and disaster protection.
💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Roof—FORTIFY
Asphalt shingles are already a smart choice. They’re durable, affordable, and adaptable. But when you combine them with FORTIFIED construction, you elevate your home’s defense system against Mother Nature’s worst.
Protect your family. Protect your home. Protect your investment.
If you’re already planning a re-roof or building a new home, this is your chance to upgrade without regret. Ask us about installing a FORTIFIED Roof and get the protection (and savings) you deserve.