Across the U.S., urban leaders face a common challenge: how to build neighborhoods that can withstand the growing force of severe weather. From hurricanes along the Gulf Coast to inland hailstorms and tornadoes, the frequency and cost of natural disasters are surging. Flood barriers, microgrids and green roofs are part of the equation, but increasingly, so is the roof over every home.
In an era when communities are being confronted with stronger storms, rising insurance premiums and infrastructure built for a milder past, resilience has become a defining metric of a “smart” city and neighborhood. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, every dollar invested in storm preparedness can save up to $7 in post-disaster recovery. That makes proactive infrastructure, especially the humble home roof, one of the smartest investments homeowners can make.
A Science-Driven Solution to Urban Vulnerability
The FORTIFIED™ standard, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is emerging as a practical framework for local governments and homeowners to reduce losses and accelerate recovery after severe weather. By setting measurable, science-based performance requirements for roofing systems, FORTIFIED™ is reshaping how homes, especially those in urban areas, prepare for wind, rain and hail at scale.
In 2025, GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, announced a first-of-its-kind alliance with IBHS to make FORTIFIED™ Roofs more accessible nationwide. The FORTIFIED™ standard uses decades of research to set rigorous, above-code performance criteria for roofs designed to resist hurricane-force winds, hail and heavy rain. Together, this groundbreaking collaboration is making FORTIFIED™ Roofs and related products more widely available, helping homeowners strengthen their defenses against the elements.
The FORTIFIED™ approach addresses one of the most vulnerable points of a home: the roof. By securing roof decks, reinforcing edges and adding secondary water barriers, a FORTIFIED™ Roof reduces the risk of blow-offs and leaks that often lead to catastrophic damage. Independent verification ensures each installation meets IBHS’s above-code performance standards.
“A stronger roof can prevent damage from cascading from a minor repair to major losses.” “Science shows that resilience works,” says Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED at IBHS. “And, research clearly shows that resilience works.”
The data backs it up. After Hurricane Sally struck Alabama in 2020, FORTIFIED™ homes saw 73% fewer insurance claims and 20% lower loss severity than non-FORTIFIED™ homes. If every home in the storm’s path had met the FORTIFIED™ standard, researchers estimate $140 million in damages could have been avoided.
These findings have helped drive adoption in both coastal and inland regions, particularly in municipalities where insurance availability and affordability have become pressing policy issues. For insurers and municipalities grappling with storm-driven risk, these numbers represent more than savings; they’re proof that resilience can be measured, scaled and replicated.
Expanding Access Through Training and Technology
A key barrier to scaling resilience is workforce readiness. As part of the collaboration with IBHS, GAF is training roofing contractors in FORTIFIED™ installation through their Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE) program.
To date, more than 1,000 roofing professionals from over 500 companies have been trained to become FORTIFIED™ certified roofing contractors, creating a national network of skilled contractors capable of delivering above-code performance across diverse markets. These programs not only strengthen community preparedness but also open pathways for skilled tradespeople to participate in building storm resilience across the country.
“Contractors who go through this program are investing in the safety of their communities,” said Mike Thomas, Director of External Learning & Development, Storm Restoration at GAF. “Through this training and our product offerings, we are raising the bar for roofing standards nationwide and expanding access to IBHS' FORTIFIED solutions that deliver roofs designed to be stronger and more durable against severe weather.”
Why It Matters for Smart Cities
For planners and policymakers, FORTIFIED™ offers a model for integrating resilience into existing housing and infrastructure programs. States including Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma now provide grants or insurance incentives for FORTIFIED™ construction, a policy lever that other cities can adapt to strengthen storm preparedness. Cities like New Orleans, LA and Birmingham, AL are also using local and CDBG funding to complement state grants for families in need.
“Smarter cities are those that plan for the storms of the future, not just recover from the ones of the past,” says Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED at IBHS. “Roof resilience may not sound high-tech, but it’s one of the most cost-effective tools cities have to protect their people and budgets.”
Looking Ahead
As urban resilience planning expands to include energy systems, housing stock and emergency response, GAF and IBHS’s alliance illustrates a simple truth: resilience starts with the fundamentals. When roofs hold, families stay, businesses stay open, insurers stabilize and neighborhoods recover faster, making the entire city stronger.
For more information about the FORTIFIED™ Roof Program and GAF products, warranty and training, visit www.GAF.com/FORTIFIED.
