Stronger edges
Specific materials and installation methods, including a wider drip edge and a fully-adhered starter strip, are required to help reduce the risk of blow offs caused by wind getting underneath roof edges.
GAF products and a FORTIFIED Roof™
What is a FORTIFIED Roof?
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) created the FORTIFIED program1, a voluntary construction program designed to help protect homes from severe weather like high winds, hail, and hurricanes. A FORTIFIED Roof designation may also qualify for financial incentives.2 GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, has formed an alliance with IBHS to help make FORTIFIED Roofs more accessible to homeowners.
What are the requirements of a FORTIFIED Roof?
FORTIFIED Roof™ is the first designation level in the FORTIFIED™ program1 and focuses on strengthening the roof. To be eligible for a FORTIFIED Roof™ designation, a FORTIFIED™-certified roofing contractor must use products that meet specific standards and install the roof in accordance with the applicable FORTIFIED™ Standard and manufacturer’s installation instructions. A Certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator must then independently verify that all requirements are satisfied before IBHS will award a 5-year designation.
1Eligibility criteria, terms, and restrictions apply. See current FORTIFIED Home™ Standard available at fortifiedhome.org for details. U.S. only.
2Insurance discounts, grants, and other incentives are not guaranteed and may vary, if available. For more information, visit fortifiedhome.org/incentives.
Are you a contractor who wants to become FORTIFIED Certified?
Jump to contractor sectionWhat makes a FORTIFIED Roof™?
Sealed roof deck
Roof decks must be sealed in a particular manner to help prevent water from passing through gaps should wind manage to rip off the roof covering.
Better attachment
Specific ring-shank nails, installed in an enhanced pattern, are required to help keep the roof deck attached in high winds.
Strong roof vent
(Hurricane Standard Only)
All ridge and off-ridge roof vents must be tested in accordance with TAS 100 (A).
All ridge and off-ridge roof vents must be tested in accordance with TAS 100 (A).
Impact-resistant shingles
(Optional Hail Supplement Only)
In hail-prone areas, homeowners are encouraged to opt for the Hail Supplement, which requires shingles with a score of Good or Excellent on the IBHS Hail Impact Ratings.
In hail-prone areas, homeowners are encouraged to opt for the Hail Supplement, which requires shingles with a score of Good or Excellent on the IBHS Hail Impact Ratings.
How GAF helps make FORTIFIED Roofs more accessible
GAF has helped protect homes with high-quality roofing products for over 135 years. In fact, more homes and businesses in the U.S. are protected by a GAF roof than by any other product. We continue the tradition of helping you protect your home by making FORTIFIED Roofs1 more accessible to homeowners.
Work with a GAF Master Elite® Contractor who is FORTIFIED Certified
GAF offers training to help GAF Master Elite® Contractors3 meet the requirements to become FORTIFIED Certified with IBHS.4 A FORTIFIED Certified Master Elite® contractor can also provide access to GAF’s strongest warranties.
Peace of mind and potential financial benefits
Limited Warranty coverage exclusive to GAF Master Elite® contractors⁵
When your FORTIFIED Roof is installed by a GAF Master Elite® Contractor you’re eligible for a Golden Pledge® or President’s Club Limited Warranty as well as benefits provided by the FORTIFIED Addendum to the Golden Pledge® or President’s Club Limited Warranty.5
Limited warranty details 
Potential Savings and Incentives
To encourage building for resilience against severe weather events, insurance discounts, grants and other incentives may be available in certain states.2
Financial Incentives 1Eligibility criteria, terms, and restrictions apply. See current FORTIFIED Home™ Standard available at fortifiedhome.org for details. U.S. only.
2Insurance discounts, grants, and other incentives are not guaranteed and may vary if available. For more information, visit fortifiedhome.org/incentives
3Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use. Visit gaf.com/gaf-contractor-terms-of-use for details. Always verify that your contractor is certified by GAF by visiting gaf.com/roofing-contractors.
4FORTIFIED™ certified is a program of IBHS. Eligibility requirements, terms, and restrictions apply. For details, visit fortifiedhome.org/how-to-become-fortified-certified. Always verify that your contractor is FORTIFIED Certified with IBHS by visiting fortifiedproviders.com.
5See Golden Pledge Limited Warranty and President's Club Limited Warranty and Limited Fortified Addendum for complete coverage and restrictions.
What GAF Products can be used to comply with certain FORTIFIED requirements?⁶
FORTIFIED Roof™ Leak Barrier Requirement:
- Must comply with ASTM D1970 standards.
- 1-ply self-adhering leak barrier.
WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier
Self-sealing leak barrier that helps protect vulnerable areas of the roof against wind-driven rain and ice dams.
View WeatherWatch® Product
StormGuard® Film-Surfaced Leak Barrier
Self-sealing leak barrier that helps protect vulnerable areas of the roof against wind-driven rain and ice dams.
View StormGuard® ProductFORTIFIED Roof™ Peel & Stick Starter Strip Requirement:
- Must comply with ASTM D1970 standards.
- Either embed the starter strip in roofing cement or use self-adhering starter strips.
QuickStart® Peel & Stick Starter Roll
This efficient peel and stick starter roll features properly positioned adhesive that helps resist shingle blow-off.
View ProductFORTIFIED Roof™ Sealed Roof Deck Requirement:
- Must comply with ASTM D8257 standards.
- Use a 2-ply synthetic underlayment.
FeltBuster® Synthetic Roofing Felt
Cost-effective upgrade to typical asphalt felts that provides a secondary layer of wind-driven rain protection.
View FeltBuster® Product
TigerPaw™ Premium Roof Deck Protection
Premium construction provides strong, protection against wind-driven rain infiltration.
View TigerPaw™ Product
Deck-Armor™ Premium Breathable Roof Deck Protection
Breathable technology helps manage roof system moisture and provides a secondary layer of wind driven rain protection.
View Deck-Armor™ ProductSelf-adhering, polymer-modified bitumen tape:
- Meets or exceeds the physical requirements of ASTM D1970
- 4" wide
GAF Roof Deck Seam Tape
Helps seal roof deck joints, seams and around fasteners to reduce the risk of water infiltration.
View TapeFORTIFIED Roof™ Standard Shingle Requirement:
- Must be Class F (ASTM D3161) or Class H (ASTM D7158) rated asphalt shingles.
Timberline® AS II
Timberline® AS II Shingles with UL 2218 Class 47 impact resistance give your roof a fighting chance in hail-prone areas and help protect it against wind and blue-green algae too.
View Timberline® AS II Shingles
Timberline HDZ®
Timberline HDZ® Shingles, GAF’s top-selling shingle, features High Definition® color blends.
View Timberline HDZ® Shingles
Timberline UHDZ®
Timberline UHDZ® Shingles offer a combination of beauty and benefits that go beyond any other GAF shingle.
View Timberline UHDZ® Shingles
Timberline HDZ® RS
Timberline HDZ® RS shingles with EcoDark&® granules can be used to comply with cool roof requirements while also enhancing the curb appeal of your home.
View Timberline HDZ® RS Shingles
Camelot® II
An artisan-crafted slate-like shape and custom palette conjure the romance of European architecture.
View Camelot® II Shingles
Woodland®
Designed after the look of hand-cut European shingles, Woodland® Shingles combine rustic charm with 21st-century style.
View Woodland® Shingles
Slateline®
Bold shadow lines and tapered cut-outs create the look of slate at a fraction of the cost.
View Slateline® Shingles
Grand Sequoia®
Artisan-crafted shapes combined with oversized tabs result in a sophisticated beauty unmatched by typical shingles.
View Grand Sequoia® Shingles
Grand Sequoia® RS
The cool roof you need with the distinctive style you crave.
View Grand Sequoia® RS Shingles
Grand Sequoia® AS
Made with our proprietary SBS modified asphalt formulation, Grand Sequoia® AS SBS Modified IR Shingles provide an excellent combination of UL 2218 Class 47 impact resistance and beauty.
View Grand Sequoia® AS ShinglesIf seeking the optional hail supplement under the FORTIFIED Home - High Wind designation, asphalt shingles must be rated Good or Excellent in the IBHS Hail Impact Standard Ratings.7
Timberline® AS II
Timberline® AS II Shingles with UL 2218 Class 47 impact resistance give your roof a fighting chance in hail-prone areas and help protect it against wind and blue-green algae too.
View Timberline® AS II Shingles
Timberline HDZ®
GAF’s top-selling shingle, features High Definition® color blends with GAF’s proprietary algae protection technology.
View Timberline HDZ® Shingles
Timberline UHDZ®
Timberline UHDZ® (Ultra High Definition) shingles offer a combination of beauty and benefits that go beyond any other GAF shingle.
View Timberline UHDZ® Shingles Grand Sequoia® AS
Made with our proprietary SBS modified asphalt formulation, Grand Sequoia® AS SBS Modified IR Shingles provide an excellent combination of UL 2218 Class 47 impact resistance and beauty.
View Grand Sequoia® AS Shingles- Asphalt shingles must meet ASTM D3161 (Class F) or ASTM D7158 (Class H)
TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles
Double layer 12" (305 mm) width ridge cap shingles with large exposure provide a dimensional finished look.
View TimberTex®
Z®Ridge Distinctive Ridge Cap Shingles
Distinctive 10" (254 mm) width ridge cap shingles with unique Z-fold design offer the look of thick wood shakes.
View Z® Ridge
Seal-A-Ridge® Ridge Cap Shingles
Cost-effective 12" (305 mm) width ridge cap shingles that help protect hips and ridges against blow-off.
View Seal-A-Ridge®
TimberCrest® Premium SBS‑Modified Ridge Cap Shingles
10" (254 mm) width impact-resistant ridge cap shingles with bullnose rounded edge help accent your new GAF shingle roof.
View TimberCrest®
Seal-A-Ridge® AS SBS Modified IR Ridge Cap Shingles
12" (305 mm) width SBS-modified impact-resistant ridge cap shingles that help protect against extreme weather.
View Seal-A-Ridge®Note: Availability varies by region. See gaf.com/RidgeCapAvailability for regional availability.
- All ridge and off-ridge roof vents must be tested in accordance with TAS 100 (A).
A broad line of ridge and off-ridge ventilation products for residential roof systems.
Cobra® Attic Ventilation Products
Cobra® Attic Ventilation products provide a variety of ridge and off-ridge ventilation solutions for residential roofs.
View Cobra® ProductsMaster Flow™ off ridge attic ventilation products
Master Flow™ Roof Louver SSB960 Metal Slant‑Back
Super slant-back roof vent with 60 in² of NFA allows heat/moisture to escape the attic. Available with an optional weather filter.
View Product
Master Flow™ High‑Capacity Dome Vent
Extra-large 144 in² of NFA allows large amounts of heat/moisture to escape the attic.
View ProductElectric & Solar Power Attic Vents - Roof Mount
Master Flow EZ Cool™ Plug‑in Power Attic Vent ‑ Roof Mount
Roof mount power attic vent that conveniently plugs into a 110v electrical outlet in the attic.
View Product
MasterFlow™ Power Attic Vents - Roof Mount with Thermostat
Serious off-ridge ventilation power with advanced technology. Help pull heat and moisture from the attic. Thermostat included. Available in multiple colors.
View Product
Master Flow™ Wi‑Fi Attic Vent - Roof Mount
1,250 CFM airflow with combo humidistat/thermostat controllable wirelessly via smartphone or tablet.
View Product
Master Flow™ Power Attic Vents - Roof Mount with Humidistat/Thermostat
Serious off-ridge ventilation power with advanced technology. Help pull heat and moisture from the attic. Thermostat/Humidistat combo included. Available in multiple colors.
View Product
Master Flow™ GreenMachine™ Solar‑Powered Roof Vent
Up to 525 CFM airflow vent uses the sun's power to reduce heat/moisture in the attic.
View Product
Master Flow™ GreenMachine™ Dual‑Powered Roof Vent
Unique technology automatically switches between solar (up to 525 CFM airflow) and house power (750 CFM airflow) to reduce heat/moisture in the attic.
View Product
Master Flow™ GreenMachine™ High‑Power Solar Roof Vent
Up to 750 CFM airflow low-profile vent with integral solar panel uses the sun's power to reduce heat/moisture in the attic.
View Product
Master Flow™ GreenMachine™ High‑Power Solar Roof Vent - Dual‑Powered Model
Unique low-profile vent automatically switches between solar (up to 750 CFM airflow) and house power (900 CFM airflow) to reduce heat/moisture in the attic.
View ProductWind Turbines
Master Flow™ Galvanized Wind Turbines - Externally-Braced
12" (305 mm) galvanized turbine with stainless dual-bearing system uses the wind to pull heat and moisture from the attic systems for extra durability.
View ProductAluminum Ridge Vent
Master Flow™ Ridge Vent - Aluminum
Durable construction with built-in baffle allows heat/moisture to escape and resist weather infiltration.
View ProductRooftop Accessories
Master Flow™ Pivot™ Pipe Boot Flashing
Help protect your home against damaging leaks at one of the most vulnerable parts of new or existing roofs — penetrations — the place where plumbing pipes stick through your roof.
View Product
Master Flow™ Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent
Features a sleek and strong design that helps vent bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and other household appliances through the roof.
View ProductFORTIFIED Roof™ Roll Roofing Requirement:
- Roof slope must be less than 2:12.
- Low-slope roof system attachments must be installed in compliance with the requirements of the certified design pressure report and building code requirements.
LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Base/Ply Sheet
Durable membrane used as a base sheet for LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Cap Sheet or as a ply sheet in modified bitumen roofing systems.
View Product
LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Cap Sheet
An SBS Granule-surfaced roofing membrane providing durable protection for low-slope areas of your property.
View Product
LIBERTY™ Flashing Cement
A premium formulation for use as a cold-applied bonding agent with GAF LIBERTY™ and other asphaltic roof systems.
View Product
LIBERTY™ Asphalt Primer
Creates a base with excellent adhesion for GAF LIBERTY™ and other asphaltic roof systems.
View Product6Eligibility criteria, terms, and restrictions apply. See current FORTIFIED Home™ Standard available at fortifiedhome.org for details. U.S. only. Even if GAF products meet certain FORTIFIED requirements or are used in a FORTIFIED designated roof, GAF products are covered by GAF’s limited warranties, which provide your sole and exclusive remedy for any covered issues arising out of or related to qualifying GAF products. See gaf.com/warranties for details.
7Testing performed under controlled laboratory conditions. GAF makes no express or implied warranty about the impact performance of these products against hail. Hail damage is not covered under the limited warranty. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty available at gaf.com/warranties for details.
The GAF & IBHS alliance
With a first-of-its-kind alliance, GAF and IBHS are recognizing and supporting the important role of the contractor in building more resilient communities by helping make FORTIFIED Roofs1 more accessible to homeowners. GAF Master Elite® contractors3 can take advantage of special training offered by GAF to help them meet the requirements to be a FORTIFIED Certified contractor.4 Once certified, these contractors can offer an additional limited warranty addendum.
1Eligibility criteria, terms, and restrictions apply. See current FORTIFIED Home™ Standard available at fortifiedhome.org for details. U.S. only.
3Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use. Visit gaf.com/gaf-contractor-terms-of-use for details. Always verify that your contractor is certified by GAF by visiting gaf.com/roofing-contractors.
4FORTIFIED™ certified is a program of IBHS. Eligibility requirements, terms, and restrictions apply. For details, visit fortifiedhome.org/how-to-become-fortified-certified. Always verify that your contractor is FORTIFIED Certified with IBHS by visiting fortifiedproviders.com.
FAQs about FORTIFIED Roofs⁶
A FORTIFIED Roof may help protect against severe weather and may be eligible for insurance discounts, grants and other incentives in certain states.2
The FORTIFIED Standard requires roofs to be sealed in a particular manner to help reduce the risk of water passing through gaps if wind removes the roof covering.
Initial FORTIFIED designation certificates expire five years from the date they were issued. At the end of that period, a redesignation inspection is required to maintain the designation.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. IBHS’s building safety research leads to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.
2Insurance discounts, grants, and other incentives are not guaranteed and may vary if available. For more information, visit fortifiedhome.org/incentives
6Eligibility criteria, terms, and restrictions apply. See current FORTIFIED Home™ Standard available at fortifiedhome.org for details. U.S. only. Even if GAF products meet certain FORTIFIED requirements or are used in a FORTIFIED designated roof, GAF products are covered by GAF’s limited warranties, which provide your sole and exclusive remedy for any covered issues arising out of or related to qualifying GAF products. See gaf.com/warranties for details.