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Aerial view of a house with fortified roofers working on a partially completed new roof. Tools and materials are scattered on the lawn. Logo for “FORTIFIED ROOF” is top left, and “SUMMIT Roofing & Restoration” is bottom right.

Certified FORTIFIED Roofer in Tennessee & Arkansas: Why It Matters for Your Home

4 Min Read

August 25, 2025

Fewer leaks. Fewer surprises. More peace of mind. Here’s how a FORTIFIED Roof™ can help your home stand up to real storms—and how Summit Roofing & Restoration makes it simple.


What Is a Certified FORTIFIED Roofer?

A Certified FORTIFIED roofer is trained on the IBHS FORTIFIED® Roof standard—construction practices proven to better protect homes from wind-driven rain and high winds. Unlike a typical code-minimum installation, FORTIFIED focuses on critical details that keep water out when shingles are stressed by weather.

At Summit Roofing & Restoration, we bring those best practices to your project and coordinate with an independent FORTIFIED Evaluator so your property can pursue an official FORTIFIED designation. Want to compare options first? Explore our Residential Roofing and Commercial Roofing services.

Good to know: FORTIFIED isn’t a shingle brand; it’s a third-party resilience standard. The goal is a stronger, tighter, better-sealed roof system.


How a FORTIFIED Roof Is Built Differently

FORTIFIED lays out a clear set of upgrades that go beyond typical code. Three of the biggest:

  • Sealed roof deck. If wind ever strips shingles, a sealed deck helps prevent rain from pouring through gaps in the wood sheathing.
  • Stronger attachment. Enhanced nailing patterns and/or ring‑shank nails keep your roof covering anchored under higher wind loads.
  • Locked‑down edges. Reinforced edges make it harder for wind to get under the shingles and peel them back.

Live in hail country? Your project may include a High Wind & Hail supplement using hail‑rated components. Curious about metal? See our Metal Roofing options, including standing seam and metal shingles.


Why FORTIFIED Makes Sense in TN & AR

From Memphis and Atoka to Dickson, Dyersburg, and Jonesboro, our region sees severe thunderstorms, straight‑line winds, and hail. A FORTIFIED Roof helps you:

  • Reduce storm surprises. FORTIFIED details target the most common failure points so your home is better prepared before storms arrive. If you’ve had damage before, our Storm Damage team can assess and recommend a FORTIFIED‑ready scope.
  • Protect resale value. Buyers appreciate documented resilience. With an official designation on file, your upgrade is more than a promise—it’s proof.
  • Simplify next steps. We handle the planning, installation, and coordination so the process is smooth from start to finish. Financing available—check our Financing page.

Serving communities across Service Areas throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Mississippi, we’re big enough to serve you—and small enough to care.


What the FORTIFIED Evaluator Does (And Why It Matters)

A FORTIFIED Evaluator is a trained, third‑party pro who verifies materials and methods during your roof project. They document the work and submit the packet to IBHS for review. That independent verification is what turns “we built it stronger” into an official designation certificate for your property.

  • Designations are currently valid for a set term and can be renewed with a re‑inspection.
  • The documentation package becomes a valuable paper trail for future buyers, lenders, and insurers.

Want to see how we work? Browse recent installs in our Projects gallery or meet your local crew on Meet the Team.


Summit’s FORTIFIED‑Ready Process

  1. Assessment & options. We inspect your roof, explain FORTIFIED requirements for your home and local risk, and review shingle vs. Metal Roofing options.
  2. Clear scope & pricing. You’ll see exactly what’s changing and why. Need help with the budget? See Financing.
  3. Build to the standard. Our factory‑trained team installs to the plan and keeps your property tidy.
  4. Third‑party evaluation. We coordinate with an independent Evaluator to document the job for the designation.
  5. Final walkthrough & paperwork. You get a clean site—and a clean set of documents.

FAQs

Is FORTIFIED only for the coast?
No. Wind and hail impact inland communities across TN and AR. FORTIFIED targets wind‑driven rain and uplift that can happen during severe thunderstorms and straight‑line winds, not just hurricanes.

Do I need special shingles?
FORTIFIED is product‑agnostic. The key is installing qualified components and following the details—sealed deck, upgraded attachment, and reinforced edges.

Will my insurance go down?
Many carriers and state programs offer incentives for homes with an official FORTIFIED designation. Availability varies by insurer and ZIP code—your Summit consultant can help you check.

What if I already have damage?
Start with a free inspection from our Storm Damage team. If your roof is eligible, we’ll recommend a repair or replacement scope with FORTIFIED details.


Ready to FORTIFY Your Roof?

If you’re in Memphis/Atoka, Dickson, Dyersburg, or Jonesboro, let’s talk about a roof that’s tougher, tighter, and documented. Get your free FORTIFIED consultation today: Instant Quote → or Contact Us.

Several workers are installing new roofing on a house, with some on the roof and others on the ground. A tall ladder leans against the structure, and construction materials are stacked nearby. Leafless trees are visible in the background.

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