What does it take to build a stronger roof without dramatically changing the way you build?

Jordan Smith visits a Habitat for Humanity community in Fort Worth that’s adding the first step in resilience to every home: a FORTIFIED Roof. Sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), this episode explores the FORTIFIED program with special guest Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, and explains how research-backed building practices help homes better withstand high winds while reducing the cost of storm damage when failures occur.

Jordan and Fred discuss how IBHS puts homes to the test in their 6-story wind tunnel at their Research Center, replicating realistic weather conditions including Category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, with winds up to 130 mph. That science led to the development of the FORTIFIED standard that identifies the practical construction upgrades, like stronger roof attachments, sealed roof decks and improved edge details, proven to better withstand severe weather with little additional cost.

They also highlight how stronger homes can remain affordable through thoughtful design, available grants, and the latest building science.

Whether you're a builder, roofer, contractor or housing professional, you'll gain practical insights into the building science behind stronger, resilient homes.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Learn more at:

FORTIFIED Home: https://fortifiedhome.org/
FORTIFIED Wise: https://www.fortifiedwise.com/
Financial Incentives: https://fortifiedhome.org/incentives/
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: https://ibhs.org/
Research Behind FORTIFIED: https://ibhs.org/wind/residential-fortified-demonstrations/

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