FORTIFIED

Gold Standard

Modern kitchen with white marble island, black and wooden cabinetry, open shelves, gold pendant lights, and a patterned rug on light wood flooring.

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.

White modern farmhouse-style home with large windows, a front porch with plants, and a sloped roof.

What’s Included in a Certified Build™

FORTIFIED Gold Home

  • Engineered Load Path: Roof-to-wall, story-to-story, and wall-to-foundation connections

  • Enhanced Roof Deck Attachment: Double 5/8" CDX or ZIP Roof sheathing

  • Roof Assembly:

    • Vapor diffusion port

    • R-25+ rigid insulation above

    • Closed-cell spray foam (ccSPF) below

  • Garage Doors: Pressure-rated to ≥130 mph (test standard)

  • Sealed Roof Edges: Taped seams, ZIP System, or Huber underlayment

  • Soffit Bracing & Chimney Anchoring

  • Rainscreen Walls: Pressure equalized with full water management detailing

  • Moisture Protection: Stego Wrap vapor barrier (15–20 mil), SIGA/ZIP tapes, Delta-Vent detailing

  • Optional Impact-Rated Windows & Entry Doors: Available with multi-point locks and protective storm filmfor clients desiring additional safety and peace of mind

Certified Build works directly with Tim Stolba, a FORTIFIED Evaluator based in Central Iowa. Our partnership ensures:

  • Pre-construction consultation

  • 3 official site visits (included in the $2,500 certification fee)

  • Photo documentation

  • Compliance with all 2025 FORTIFIED Gold checklist items

  • Final certification issued by IBHS

Tim’s standard agreement includes:

  • $2,500 for FORTIFIED Gold evaluation

  • 3 visits included

  • Optional 4th visit: $175

  • 50% deposit due before inspection starts

A green and gold sign with the word 'FORTIFIED' in large white letters and 'GOLD' in smaller white letters below.

Certified & Inspected

by IBHS-Trained Raters

Protect Your Home, Your Family, and it’s Future

Learn more

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.