FORTIFIED Standards for Coastal Corrosion Protection

Living near the coast comes with incredible views—but salt, moisture, and coastal air can be tough on the metal components holding a home together.

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard requirements for corrosion protection of fasteners and connectors in coastal regions and explain why seemingly small pieces of hardware can play an important role in a home's long-term resilience.

The 2025 Standard requires installed hardware to comply with the FORTIFIED Fastener and Connector Corrosion Protection Requirements in Standard Detail F-G-1. The requirements vary based on the type of connection, its exposure, and its distance from a saltwater shoreline. The Standard also makes an important distinction between what is required for a FORTIFIED designation and what is considered a best practice.

We'll discuss the coastal exposure zones, corrosion-resistance categories, and why roof connections and exterior exposed connections deserve particular attention. We'll also look at documentation—because achieving a FORTIFIED designation isn't simply about using the right product. The 2025 Standard requires adequate, site-specific documentation to demonstrate that FORTIFIED requirements were followed, and that appropriately rated products were selected and properly installed.

And corrosion doesn't stop mattering once a designation is earned. Earlier FORTIFIED guidance emphasizes inspecting visible connections during re-designation and addressing corroded connections when found. The 2025 Standard similarly states that when corrosion is observed in the connections covered by its corrosion-protection table at re-designation, the designation may not be renewed.

Whether you're a coastal homeowner, builder, roofer, or preparing for a FORTIFIED evaluation, this episode helps explain why coastal corrosion protection matters and how FORTIFIED addresses it.

Have questions about FORTIFIED requirements or your home? Knockout Inspections has a team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators ready to help. Call 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.