Are you a roofing contractor or builder trying to stay ahead of the new 2025 FORTIFIED® Home Standard? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the stricter requirements that now define what it means to be a truly resilient, storm-ready roofing professional.
We cover why IBHS raised the bar for roof performance nationwide, what the November 1, 2025 cutoff means for your projects, and how to adapt your crews, materials, and documentation so your work still qualifies for FORTIFIED designations and homeowner insurance benefits.
You’ll learn:
- The hard deadline: which projects must follow the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard and which can still use the 2022 standard
- How tighter nailing patterns, minimum sheathing thickness, and mandatory sealed roof decks change your day-to-day installs
- Why IBHS-rated impact-resistant shingles are now required for FORTIFIED hail requirements (legacy “Class 4” isn’t enough)
- The new rules for roof-mounted equipment like solar panels, HVAC units, and satellite dishes
- What “no more sloppy documentation” really means: high-res, time-stamped, geo-tagged photo verification layer-by-layer
- The mandatory contractor certification requirements to keep your roofs eligible for FORTIFIED designations
- The updated time-in-business requirement: lowered from 7 years to just 2 years, opening the door for high-performing newer companies
- How the online FORTIFIED Roof 2025 training and exam work (tight timelines, 85% passing score, 3 attempts)
- The step-by-step path to becoming a listed FORTIFIED service provider and turning compliance into a competitive edge
Whether you’re a seasoned roofing company or a fast-growing contractor, this episode helps you turn a looming standard into a market advantage—and avoid losing jobs, designations, or future insurability because your installs no longer qualify.
🎧 Hosted by AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) on The FORTIFIED Factor—your AI-assisted, AI-hosted guide to resilient, reliable, severe-weather-ready homes.
👉 Have questions after the episode?
Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to connect with a FORTIFIED Evaluator and get clarity on your next roofing project.