GAF hits major milestone with 650+ individuals from more than 350 GAF Master Elite® companies trained to be FORTIFIED certified, protecting communities against severe weather

GAF is expanding the pool of roofing professionals equipped to make resilient FORTIFIED™ roofs more accessible to homeowners across the country.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, is celebrating a major milestone in the company’s alliance with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Since the first-of-its-kind alliance was announced earlier this year, GAF has trained more than 650 individuals from over 350 GAF Master Elite® companies to become FORTIFIED™ certified. The training equips contractors with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to install roofs that can help better protect homes from severe weather events. Through this specialized training, GAF is expanding the pool of roofing professionals equipped to make resilient FORTIFIED™ roofs more accessible to homeowners across the country.

“We are excited to have added hundreds of GAF Master Elite contractors to the list of FORTIFIED roofing contractors who can now deliver roofs designed to be stronger and more durable against severe weather, helping communities across the country build resiliency,” said Mike Thomas, director, learning & development storm restoration at GAF. “By raising the bar for roofing standards and expanding access to IBHS’ FORTIFIED solutions, we’re proud to not only help families feel more secure in their homes but also drive meaningful progress across the roofing industry as a whole.”

Recent data shows homes with FORTIFIED roofs experienced a 73% reduction in claim frequency, a 15% reduction in claim severity and a 72% reduction in loss ratios compared with conventionally built homes, highlighting the growing demand for contractors trained in these critical techniques. As a part of its alliance with IBHS, GAF is leveraging its long-established CARE (Center for Advancement of Roofing Excellence) program to provide this specialized training that helps GAF Master Elite® Contractors meet the requirements to become FORTIFIED Certified Roofing Contractors with IBHS. 

“Through our alliance with GAF, the training and certification of roofing professionals in FORTIFIED standards have expanded significantly, transforming the landscape of resilient roofing and expanding access to FORTIFIED across the country,” said Fred Malik, managing director of FORTIFIED at IBHS. “This collaboration equips GAF Master Elite contractors to help homeowners protect their homes from severe weather, supporting stronger, safer communities.”

The training ensures contractors understand how to install a FORTIFIED Roof™, a national standard developed by IBHS to help protect homes against extreme weather. It establishes rigorous, above-code construction requirements to safeguard homes against hurricanes, high winds and storms.

For more information about the FORTIFIED Roof Program and GAF products, warranty and training, visit www.GAF.com/FORTIFIED.

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.

About the IBHS

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. IBHS’s building safety research leads to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities. Learn more at ibhs.org.

About FORTIFIED

FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes against severe weather, including high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Visit fortifiedhome.org to learn more about the program, including the designation process.