FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

Important Update on FORTIFIED™ Roofing Standards for Ono Island Homes: Compliance Required by November 2025

The update below comes from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) this week. Though the changes won’t take effect until November 2025, I wanted to share this information now to help you prepare, as it will impact eligibility for FORTIFIED designation for homes on Ono Island.

Starting in November 2025, all new roofs and re-roofing projects on Ono Island will need to be installed by certified FORTIFIED™ roofing contractors to qualify for FORTIFIED designations. This change is intended to improve the quality of installations, reduce errors during the evaluation process, and increase the number of homes successfully achieving the FORTIFIED certification. As an expert real estate advisor on the Gulf Coast, I recommend homeowners and contractors take note of this shift, especially for projects aimed at achieving FORTIFIED Gold or Silver designations.

What Is Changing for Ono Island Roofing Projects?

To achieve a FORTIFIED designation under the new 2025 standard, only certified FORTIFIED roofing contractors will be permitted to install new or replacement roofs. Non-certified contractors often make installation errors that prevent homes from securing this valuable designation. By requiring certification, IBHS hopes to ensure more consistent, high-quality installations that adhere to FORTIFIED standards.

Evaluators are encouraged to inform any non-certified roofing contractors about this upcoming requirement, as well as homeowners and general contractors who may have been working with non-certified roofing teams. This update will apply to homes seeking FORTIFIED Gold or Silver designations, which require higher levels of protection and resilience.

Ono Island New Construction Homes For Sale

How to Become a Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor

For contractors not yet certified, IBHS offers a streamlined certification process:

Training and Exam: The certification course can be completed online at a self-paced rate, typically taking about six hours and costing $150. After passing the certification exam, contractors can set up a profile on the FORTIFIED Provider Portal.
Certification Benefits: Once certified, contractors are listed in the FORTIFIED directory and can use the FORTIFIED logo in their marketing, signifying expertise in resilient construction—a significant appeal for Ono Island homeowners.

If you’re a homeowner planning a new construction or re-roofing project on Ono Island, it will be essential to select a FORTIFIED-certified roofing contractor. For builders who prefer using non-certified roofers, this email provides the necessary information for them to get certified.

Ono Island Fortified New Construction Homes

Benefits of the FORTIFIED Standard for Ono Island Homes

Increased Resilience: FORTIFIED roofs are engineered to resist wind, water intrusion, and other storm-related impacts, offering enhanced protection to homes on Ono Island.
Potential Insurance Savings: Homes with FORTIFIED designations may qualify for insurance discounts, helping to reduce long-term costs for homeowners.
Higher Property Value: A FORTIFIED designation can add value and marketability, particularly in coastal areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.

Taking Action Now

For homeowners and builders planning projects over the next year, it’s crucial to plan ahead and consider certified contractors to ensure compliance with the upcoming standards. This proactive approach not only prepares your property for compliance but also adds peace of mind, knowing your home is built to withstand Gulf Coast weather conditions.