Accessory roof structures—like porches, carports, patio covers, sunrooms, and pergolas—can make or break your home’s FORTIFIED Roof™ designation.
In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2023-03: Eligibility and Compliance of Accessory Roof Structures and explain how these structures impact your home’s ability to achieve a FORTIFIED Roof – New Roof or Existing Roof designation.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The difference between an accessory roof that is completely separate vs. tied into the main roof
- Why vertical separation and proper edge detailing matter
- What happens when an accessory roof meets the main roof at the eave or edge
- When BOTH roofs must meet FORTIFIED Roof – New Roof requirements
- How certain configurations may limit eligibility to Existing Roof designation only
- Documentation requirements and compliance verification steps
- Special considerations for Silver and Gold designations
One of the biggest takeaways? If any roof—low slope or accessory—is connected to the main roof cover, BOTH roof systems must meet FORTIFIED Roof – New Roof requirements with full documentation submitted to IBHS. If edge detail requirements cannot be properly installed or documented along the intersection, the home may not qualify for the New Roof designation.
Whether you're a homeowner planning a re-roof, a contractor evaluating project scope, or a FORTIFIED Evaluator navigating compliance, this episode helps you identify potential red flags before they delay or derail your designation.
Accessory structures may seem minor—but when it comes to high-wind resilience, they play a major role in protecting your most important investment: your home.
Have questions about your roof configuration or FORTIFIED eligibility?
📞 Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756)
🌐 Visit fortifiedhome.com
Our team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators is ready to help you build resilient, reliable, and severe-weather ready.