As hurricane season approaches, a unique facility in South Carolina is helping to protect homes and businesses from severe weather. Located in the Midlands, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is leading efforts to make buildings stronger and more storm-resistant through its innovative Fortified program.
What Is the Fortified Program?
The Fortified program is a set of scientifically tested construction standards designed to upgrade roofs and reduce damage from high winds and heavy rain. These standards focus on improving the structure of buildings by reinforcing:
Underlayment materials (the protective layer beneath roof shingles)
Grooved nails, which offer better grip and resistance against uplift during storms
Edge sealing techniques to prevent wind-driven rain from getting inside
According to Rachel Gauthier, a meteorologist with the Institute, these improvements can keep water out of your home even if shingles are lost, helping families stay in their homes after a storm.
“Even if you do lose your roof cover, which is gonna be a lot less likely with all these stronger components… the water doesn’t get in your house, and you’re able to stay in your house,” Gauthier explained. “That really makes a huge difference for people.”
Why It Matters for the Lowcountry
Charleston and other coastal areas in South Carolina face regular threats from hurricanes and tropical storms. Programs like Fortified can help reduce costly storm damage and protect communities before disasters strike.
Upgrading your roof to meet Fortified standards can make your home more resilient, and in some cases, may also help lower insurance premiums.
Learn More About Hurricane Preparedness
If you’re looking to better understand how to prepare for storms, News 4 is offering a Hurricane Special to share expert advice and safety tips:
Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 p.m. on MyTV Charleston
Sunday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. on MyTV Charleston
Also available on YouTube
The special will feature information from meteorologists, emergency officials, and building experts to help families get ready and stay safe during hurricane season.
Fortified Standards: Small Upgrades, Big Impact
Whether you’re building a new home or updating an older one, applying Fortified standards can offer peace of mind. Here’s what’s typically involved:
| Upgrade Area | Fortified Feature |
|---|---|
| Roof Decking | Stronger nails with closer spacing |
| Underlayment | Waterproof layers to prevent leaks |
| Roof Edges | Enhanced sealing to block wind & rain |
| Connections | Secure roof-to-wall tie-down systems |
These upgrades are especially helpful in regions like Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston, where storm threats are regular and growing.
