This page is a deep, homeowner-focused FAQon the IBHS FORTIFIED Home program and Maine’s Fortify Maine Home Resiliency Program.It’s written to help you understand what FORTIFIED is, what it costs, what’srequired, how the designation process works, and how the Maine roof grant isexpected to work in Phase 1 (roofing) starting in 2026.
Importantnote: Program details can changeas Maine finalizes rules and launches the application portal. Always verifycurrent requirements with the Maine Bureau of Insurance and IBHS before yousign a contract.
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1
The basicsWhat FORTIFIED is (and what it isn't)
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2
Fortify Maine (roof grants)Eligibility, timeline, and steps
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3
FORTIFIED designationsDesignations & common Maine upgrades
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4
Cost & contractsCost, quotes, contracts, and what to watch for
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5
Insurance savingsInsurance savings & paperwork
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Maintenance & renewalMaintenance, inspections, and renewal
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Real-world scenariosReal-world scenarios and quick answers
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8
Glossary + resourcesGlossary + trusted resources
FORTIFIED is a voluntary, beyond-code construction and re-roofing program designed to reduce storm damage by strengthening the parts of a home that most commonly fail in high winds and wind-driven rain (and, where applicable, hail). It's based on research and testing by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Learn more from the official program site:
FORTIFIED Home (Program Overview)
and IBHS guidance:
IBHS FORTIFIED Construction Standards.
Not exactly. Building code is the legal minimum. FORTIFIED is a step beyond code and focuses on installation methods and system performance—so it's not simply "buy a premium shingle." A FORTIFIED Roof designation, for example, is heavily tied to how the roof deck is attached/sealed and how edges and the roof covering are installed.
Official standards and guidance:
IBHS Standards (Beyond Code).
FORTIFIED work is documented and verified by a trained, independent third-party (a FORTIFIED Evaluator). The documentation is reviewed and, when requirements are met, the program issues the designation/certificate.
Program training + certification references:
FORTIFIED Training
and provider/certification pathway details:
How FORTIFIED Certification Works.
FORTIFIED has three main designation levels that build on each other:
- FORTIFIED Roof™ – focuses on strengthening the roof system to resist wind uplift and reduce water intrusion.
- FORTIFIED Silver™ – includes Roof requirements plus added protections for other vulnerable areas (varies by hazard/home type).
- FORTIFIED Gold™ – includes Roof + Silver and adds a stronger "continuous load path" connecting roof-to-walls-to-foundation.
Official reference for Gold and the continuous load path concept: FORTIFIED Gold (Official) and IBHS explanation: IBHS: Continuous Load Path.
You can adopt many FORTIFIED practices without pursuing formal designation, but the biggest financial benefits typically require the official certificate—especially for insurance credits/discounts and structured grant programs that require third-party documentation.
Program documentation context + standards:
FORTIFIED Home (Official).
Many Maine homeowners still see value because frequent nor'easters, strong wind events, and wind-driven rain can cause roof failures and interior water damage even outside of hurricanes. Maine also launched a resilience initiative focused on upgrading roofs to FORTIFIED standards to reduce damage over time.
Official Fortify Maine program references:
Maine PFR: Fortify Maine Home Resiliency Program
and the program overview PDF:
Fortify Maine Overview (PDF).