If you live in Louisiana, you already know: storms aren’t just a maybe—they’re a matter of when, not if.

Hurricane season brings the kind of wind and rain that can test even the best-built homes. And for many homeowners, the roof is the first line of defense. When it fails, the damage can add up fast.

At Westbank Roofing, we’ve seen the difference a FORTIFIED Roof™ can make when the weather turns rough. This isn’t just marketing talk—it’s real protection, backed by proven building standards designed to stand up to serious storms.

Here’s what you need to know about fortified roofing and why it matters for homes in our area.

What Is Fortified Roofing?

A FORTIFIED Roof™ follows specific construction guidelines developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These guidelines aren’t just about the materials—they focus on how your roof is installed, sealed, and secured to handle extreme weather.

The goal? Keep the roof on, keep water out, and keep your home safe when storms hit.

The FORTIFIED program offers three levels of protection:

  1. FORTIFIED Roof™ (focused on roof protection)

  2. FORTIFIED Silver™ (adds extra protection at the edges and openings)

  3. FORTIFIED Gold™ (whole-home protection)

For most homeowners, starting with a FORTIFIED Roof™ is the smart move.

Learn more about our process on the roof replacement page.

Why It Matters During a Storm

It’s not just the wind that damages roofs—it’s how the wind gets under the edges and lifts materials right off.

FORTIFIED roofs are built to fight against that with smart design choices like:

  1. Stronger edges to keep shingles or metal panels secured

  2. Sealed roof decks to block water even if shingles blow away

  3. Better fastening methods using nails instead of staples, with specific spacing guidelines

These small upgrades can make a big difference when the winds pick up.

Real Protection, Not Just Another Roof

Standard roofs may meet local code—but local code is often the bare minimum. A FORTIFIED Roof™ goes beyond that.

IBHS has tested these systems against hurricane-level winds and rain. The result? Homes with fortified roofs stayed drier, had less damage, and needed fewer costly repairs after big storms.

Bonus: Many insurance companies offer discounts for FORTIFIED roofs because the risk of damage is lower.

What Makes a Roof Fortified? (It’s More Than Just Strong Shingles)

Here’s what sets a FORTIFIED Roof™ apart from a regular one:

Sealed Roof Deck

Special tapes or membranes are applied under the shingles to block water from getting into your home—even if the outer layer gets damaged.

Locked-Down Edges

Reinforced edges prevent the wind from sneaking under the shingles or metal panels and peeling them away.

Better Fastening

Nails are spaced correctly (and used instead of staples) to make sure everything stays secure, even in high winds.

These features may seem small—but they can mean the difference between minor repairs and major damage after a storm.

Fortified Roof vs Regular Roof: Why Not Just Meet Code?

Building codes are designed for minimum safety, not maximum protection.

A code-built roof might hold up during a typical rainstorm—but when a hurricane rolls through, the weak spots show fast.

FORTIFIED roofing isn’t about doing the minimum. It’s about planning for the worst so you don’t have to worry.

Not sure if your current roof is up to the challenge? We offer professional roof inspections to give you peace of mind.

Is Fortified Roofing Right for You?

If you’ve had to deal with roof repairs after a storm—or if your roof is getting older—now’s the perfect time to consider upgrading.

A FORTIFIED Roof™ makes the most sense if:

  1. You live in a high-wind or hurricane-prone area (like most of Louisiana)

  2. Your roof is 15+ years old

  3. You’re already planning a roof replacement and want better protection for the future

Our team at Westbank Roofing can walk you through your options and help you decide what’s right for your home and your budget.

Protect Your Home Before the Next Big Storm

The storms aren’t going to stop coming—but you can be ready for them.

At Westbank Roofing, we don’t just install new roofs. We help homeowners protect their homes and feel confident about the roof over their heads. If you’re ready to talk about a FORTIFIED Roof, we’re here to offer honest advice and quality work.

📞 Ready to Strengthen Your Roof?

Contact Westbank Roofing Today:
🌐 www.westbankroofing.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 504-340-4977