When it comes to protecting your home in Oklahoma City, one of the smartest decisions you can make is upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof. While standard roofing systems provide basic coverage, a FORTIFIED roof offers enhanced protection designed to withstand severe weather conditions, reduce damage, and even increase your property’s value.
Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the FORTIFIED roofing system surpasses standard building codes to ensure homes are more resilient to high winds, hailstorms, and other extreme weather conditions.
If you’re weighing the costs of a FORTIFIED roof, here are three compelling reasons to make the upgrade.
1. FORTIFIED Standards Eliminate Building Code Inconsistencies
Building codes in the U.S. vary widely between states and even counties. While states like Florida have stringent codes to protect homes from hurricanes, others, including Oklahoma, often rely on local authorities to enforce building standards. This inconsistency can leave properties vulnerable.
For example, studies in hurricane-prone regions have found that many roofs lack proper sealing or secondary water barriers. This oversight leaves homes susceptible to severe water damage when shingles are compromised during storms.
A FORTIFIED roof addresses these issues by exceeding standard building codes. It includes essential upgrades like a sealed roof deck, which can reduce water intrusion by up to 95%. FORTIFIED evaluations ensure that every step of the construction process is documented and verified, providing homeowners with peace of mind that their roof is built to withstand the elements.
2. Unmatched Protection Against Severe Weather
Living in OKC means dealing with intense weather, from powerful thunderstorms to tornadoes. A FORTIFIED roof is specifically designed to handle these challenges:
• Wind Resistance: Withstand winds up to 130 mph.
• Hail Protection: Handle hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
• Tornado Resilience: Endure EF-2 tornado conditions.
Even routine storms can produce winds of 50 mph or more, which are enough to damage a standard roof. By investing in a FORTIFIED system, you significantly reduce the risk of weather-related damage, giving your family a safer environment and avoiding costly repairs.
3. Financial Benefits That Make It Worth the Investment
Upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof involves the cost of additional building materials and labor to meet FORTIFIED compliance standards. For a 2,000-square-foot home, this typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on factors like roof size, geometry, and geographic location. While this may seem like an added expense, it pays off in multiple ways:
Insurance Discounts
Many insurers offer premium discounts of 20% to 60% for homes with FORTIFIED roofs. These savings can add up quickly, offsetting the initial investment over time.
Increased Property Value
Research shows that homes with FORTIFIED roof certifications can see a 2% to 8% increase in property value. For example, a $200,000 home could gain $6,000 to $16,800 in value, making the upgrade a financially savvy decision.
Reduced Repair Costs
With a FORTIFIED roof, you’re less likely to file costly insurance claims for storm damage. This not only saves money but also helps maintain lower insurance premiums.
Why OKC Homeowners Should Consider FORTIFIED Roofing
In Oklahoma City, where extreme weather events are all too common, a FORTIFIED roof provides more than just structural protection—it offers peace of mind. By partnering with a certified roofing contractor like McRay Roofing & Exteriors, you can ensure your roof is built to the highest standards.
We work with FORTIFIED evaluators to document and verify every step of the process, so you can rest easy knowing your investment is sound. Plus, we’ll help you explore insurance incentives and other financial benefits to make upgrading your roof as affordable as possible.
Ready to Upgrade Your Roof? Contact McRay Roofing Today!
Don’t wait until the next storm season to safeguard your home. Contact McRay Roofing & Exteriors today to learn more about the FORTIFIED roofing system and how it can benefit your property in OKC. Let us help you protect your investment, increase your home’s value, and enjoy unmatched peace of mind.
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