Roof Qualifications and Definitions

What exactly makes a roof eligible for a FORTIFIED designation—and when you’re replacing a roof, which roof areas actually have to be included?

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections, break down Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard, covering Qualifying Roof Structural Members and the Definition of Roof Areas for FORTIFIED Roof Designations.

We’ll explore the requirements for wood-framed roof structures, including trusses and rafters, framing dimensions and spacing, roof sheathing, engineering considerations, wind-load design, and collar ties. We’ll also explain what happens when a roof’s construction falls outside the Standard’s typical parameters and when professional engineering documentation may be necessary.

Then we tackle an important question for FORTIFIED New Roof projects: Which parts of the roof have to be replaced?

From the main roof and attached garages to balconies, decks, bay windows, bump-outs, awnings, and other architectural features, understanding what is—and isn't—within the scope of a FORTIFIED roof can make a major difference when planning a reroofing project.

Whether you're a homeowner considering a FORTIFIED Roof, a roofing contractor working on FORTIFIED projects, or simply interested in building a more resilient home, this episode helps make the technical language of the 2025 FORTIFIED Home Standard easier to understand.

Have questions about your roof or FORTIFIED eligibility? Contact the in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators at Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.