When Arkansas storms roll through—hail, straight-line winds, even tornadoes—your roof is your first line of defense. That’s why Ozark Mountain Roofing offers IBHS FORTIFIED™ Roof upgrades in partnership with GAF. We’re among a small group of Arkansas contractors trained to deliver FORTIFIED installations that are independently verified by a third-party evaluator—so you get strength you can prove, not just promise.
What is a FORTIFIED™ Roof?
FORTIFIED™ is a nationally recognized standard from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) designed to reduce storm damage. A FORTIFIED Roof focuses on the details that most often fail in severe weather, including:
- Sealed roof deck to keep water out if shingles blow off
- Ring-shank nails & tighter nailing patterns to better hold the deck in high winds
- Locked-down edges & enhanced flashing to protect vulnerable eaves and rakes
- Improved vents & penetrations to resist wind-driven rain
Every FORTIFIED Roof is independently verified by a Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator, and successful projects earn a 5-year designation from IBHS (renewable with an inspection).
Why choose Ozark Mountain Roofing for FORTIFIED?
Through the GAF & IBHS alliance, GAF trains select contractors to meet FORTIFIED standards and helps identify GAF products that comply. As part of this network, Ozark Mountain Roofing can deliver a roof that’s built—and documented—to a higher standard than typical code-minimum installs. That means less chance of leaks and costly interior damage after the next big storm.
Are there grants for Arkansas homeowners?
Yes—grant funding has been available in Arkansas through regional partners and programs that support FORTIFIED roofs:
- FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund: Provides grants (when available) up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for new construction that meet the FORTIFIED Roof standard. Arkansas homeowners have already benefited from this funding.
- Community partners (such as Communities Unlimited) have periodically administered FORTIFIED roofing grants in AR—for example, an application window in early 2025. These cycles open and close based on funding, and eligibility can include income and primary-residence requirements. Our team can help you monitor openings and apply.
Additionally, mitigation savings and tax incentives may apply in Arkansas, and some insurers consider premium discounts for FORTIFIED roofs. Availability varies by carrier; we’ll help you document your designation so you can ask your insurer about potential savings.
How the FORTIFIED process works (simple as 1-2-3)
- Assessment & estimate
We inspect your current roof and provide a FORTIFIED-ready scope using compatible GAF materials. - Verified installation
Our crew installs to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard and GAF specs. A Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator collects photos and documentation before, during, and after installation. - Designation & paperwork
You receive your IBHS FORTIFIED Roof designation (valid for 5 years) and the packet you need to discuss incentives with your insurer.
Why this matters in Arkansas
Arkansas sits in one of the nation’s most active wind and hail corridors. A conventional roof often fails at edges, decking seams, and penetrations—exactly what FORTIFIED upgrades address. By sealing the deck and securing edges, FORTIFIED helps keep water out even if shingles are damaged, preventing the interior cascade of drywall, flooring, and electrical damage that follows many storm losses.
FAQs
What does “one of the only roofers in Arkansas offering FORTIFIED” mean?
IBHS maintains a provider directory of trained contractors and evaluators. Compared to neighboring coastal states, Arkansas has far fewer FORTIFIED providers. We’re proud to be among the limited Arkansas roofing companies equipped to deliver a verified FORTIFIED Roof. (You can always check the directory to see who serves your ZIP.)
Will my insurance go down with a FORTIFIED Roof?
Many insurers recognize FORTIFIED and may offer a discount or mitigation credit, but it’s carrier-specific. Your verified designation gives you the documentation to request any available savings.
What if grant applications are closed right now?
Grant windows open periodically. We’ll help you prepare eligibility documents, connect you with active programs, and time your project for funding when possible. (Examples include past FORTIFIED Fund allocations and nonprofit-administered rounds in AR.) f
Do I have to use GAF products to get FORTIFIED?
FORTIFIED is product-agnostic, but GAF clearly labels solutions that align with the standard and provides contractor training—streamlining compliance and verification.
Ready to upgrade? Here’s your next step.
- Request a FORTIFIED Roof assessment from Ozark Mountain Roofing.
- We’ll review current grant/incentive options and help you apply if eligible.
- You get a stronger, verified roof—and the paperwork to talk with your insurer.
Want to learn more right now? Explore the official GAF overview of FORTIFIED Roof™ here: https://www.gaf.com/en-us/plan-design/fortified-roof.
Ozark Mountain Roofing: Arkansas expertise, IBHS-verified resilience, and guidance through the grant landscape—so your home is ready for whatever the Ozarks sky sends next.