FORTIFIED
Gold Standard
FORTIFIED Gold is the highest level of resilience recognized by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It protects homes against severe weather by reinforcing the entire structural system — from the roof to the foundation — with an engineered continuous load path.
When storms hit, most homes rely on gravity alone. But FORTIFIED Gold homes are engineered to stay together under stress, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure from wind, water, and pressure.
What Is FORTIFIED Gold?
Backed by Building Science
FORTIFIED Gold requires an engineered roof-to-wall and wall-to-foundation connection — not just stronger nails or flashing.
Third-Party Verified
Certified Build partners with a local IBHS-trained FORTIFIED Evaluator to inspect and certify each home at key stages.Insurance Benefits
Many insurance companies offer premium discounts or incentives for homes that meet FORTIFIED standards.Peace of Mind
Whether it's high winds, straight-line storms, or tornado-adjacent systems, your home is built to stay intact, watertight, and structurally sound.
Why It Matters
Every Certified Build™ home is built to meet —
or exceed — the FORTIFIED Gold standard.
FORTIFIED Gold
Requirements for Your Region
Central , Iowa 50023
According to your ASCE 7-22 report and IBHS classification:
Ultimate Design Wind Speed: 110 mph
Region Type: High Wind (NOT Hurricane)
Classification: Exposure C
What This Means:
Garage Doors: Must be pressure-rated per FORTIFIED Section 5.4.2
Optional impact-resistant film available for added protection to doors & windows from impact and burglar
Impact-Rated Windows & Entry Doors: Not required (only in Hurricane zones) —
Wall Impact Resistance: Not required (Hurricane zones only)
We verify garage door compliance using documentation from leading brands like Clopay, Amarr, and Wayne Dalton.
All HVAC systems in Certified Build homes are engineered by Energy Vanguard to meet or exceed Zero Energy Ready performance requirements, using advanced Manual J/S/D/T design and ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation standards.
Protect Your Home, Your Family, and it’s Future
Every Certified Build home — whether Select, Certified, or Bespoke — comes FORTIFIED Gold by default. We believe building a legacy means starting with resilience. That’s why FORTIFIED isn’t an upgrade — it’s our standard.