FORTIFIED Roof™ Protection for Apex Homeowners
Apex sits at one of the highest elevations in the Triangle—making it especially vulnerable to high winds. FORTIFIED Roof™ provides the hurricane-level protection Apex homes need. K&D Roofing is one of the only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED evaluators and installers in the area, bringing proven storm protection and insurance savings to Apex homeowners.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Apex:
Bella Casa, Scotts Mill, Beaver Creek, Salem Village, Thornton Estates, Kelly Glen
Zip Codes:
27502, 27523, 27539
Calculate Your FORTIFIED ROI
See how much you could save with FORTIFIED certification in Apex. Adjust the sliders below to match your situation and see your personalized payback period and long-term savings.
🏠 Your Roof Details
💰 Your Savings
Cost vs. Savings Over Time
🛡️ Why FORTIFIED?
- 💨Wind resistance up to 130+ mph — built to withstand hurricane-force winds and severe storms
- 🌧️Sealed roof deck prevents water intrusion — even if shingles blow off, your home stays dry
- 🏡Transferable to new homeowners — adds resale value (3-7% potential increase) and makes your home more attractive to buyers
- 📋Required by some NC insurers for best rates — lock in the lowest premiums available in North Carolina
What is FORTIFIED Roof™?
Scientifically Proven
FORTIFIED is a designation from IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)—a nonprofit that scientifically tests building methods. Not a brand, but a construction standard backed by research.
Hurricane-Level Protection
FORTIFIED roofs are engineered to withstand 130+ mph winds through sealed decks, ring-shank nails (4x holding power), and reinforced edges. Far exceeds building code minimums.
Insurance Savings
NC homeowners with FORTIFIED certification save $500–$1,500+ per year on insurance. Most recover the upgrade cost in 2–4 years, then pocket the savings for decades.
Three FORTIFIED Levels
FORTIFIED Roof
Roof only. Best ROI when re-roofing. Typical upgrade: $3,500–$6,500.
FORTIFIED Silver
Roof + gable ends. More expensive. Usually done during new construction.
FORTIFIED Gold
Roof + gables + openings. Full home protection. Highest cost.
Why Apex Needs FORTIFIED
Apex's elevation and exposure make it particularly susceptible to wind damage during storms. Standard roofs often fail at edges and corners. FORTIFIED roofs use reinforced drip edge, sealed decks, and ring-shank nails to withstand 130+ mph winds—far exceeding what standard Apex roofs can handle.
What Makes a Roof FORTIFIED?
1. Sealed Roof Deck
We install peel-and-stick underlayment across your entire roof deck—not just valleys. This creates a waterproof barrier that prevents wind-driven rain from penetrating your home during storms.
- ✓100% deck coverage (code requires 10%)
- ✓Prevents water intrusion if shingles blow off
- ✓Inspected by evaluator BEFORE shingling
2. Ring-Shank Nails
Ring-shank nails have ridges that grip like threads—providing 4x the holding power of smooth-shank nails. This prevents shingles from blowing off during high winds.
- ✓4x holding power vs. standard nails
- ✓Prevents shingle blow-offs in high winds
- ✓Required for GAF WindProven™ ratings
3. Reinforced Drip Edge
FORTIFIED requires metal drip edge installed OVER the sealed deck at eaves and UNDER at rakes. This reinforces the roof's most vulnerable points where blow-offs typically start.
- ✓Prevents edge blow-offs (where failures start)
- ✓Proper installation sequence verified
- ✓Extends roof lifespan by protecting edges
4. Evaluator Inspection
A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator (Todd Kennedy) inspects the sealed deck BEFORE shingling. This ensures quality you can't see after the roof is complete—unlike standard roofing.
- ✓Independent quality verification
- ✓Photo documentation uploaded to IBHS
- ✓Certificate issued after final inspection
Why Choose K&D for FORTIFIED in Apex
K&D owner Todd Kennedy is a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator who completed IBHS's intensive training program. We've installed dozens of FORTIFIED roofs in Apex and understand the unique wind challenges here. Apex homeowners typically save $700–$1,200/year on insurance—meaning FORTIFIED pays for itself in 2–4 years while providing decades of superior storm protection.
Certified Evaluator
Todd Kennedy passed IBHS's rigorous FORTIFIED Evaluator exam—one of the few in NC.
GAF Master Elite
Top 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. Access to premium warranties and materials.
Full-Service
We handle FOCUS 2.5 registration, inspections, and certification. You handle nothing.
The FORTIFIED Process
Step 1: Free Inspection & Quote
We inspect your Apex roof, explain FORTIFIED benefits, and provide a detailed quote. No pressure, just honest information.
Step 2: Project Registration
We register your project in IBHS's FOCUS 2.5 system and handle all paperwork. You don't lift a finger.
Step 3: Sealed Deck Installation
Our crew installs peel-and-stick underlayment across 100% of your roof deck, ring-shank nails, and reinforced drip edge.
Step 4: Evaluator Inspection (Pre-Shingle)
Todd Kennedy inspects the sealed deck BEFORE shingling. Photos are uploaded to IBHS for verification. This is the quality control step standard roofs skip.
Step 5: Shingle Installation
Once the sealed deck passes inspection, we install GAF Timberline HDZ shingles (or your material of choice) using ring-shank nails throughout.
Step 6: Final Certification
After final inspection, IBHS issues your FORTIFIED certificate. You submit this to your insurance company for immediate discounts.
Your K&D FORTIFIED Team in Apex
Todd Kennedy is one of the Triangle's only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED Evaluators. Our team has installed dozens of FORTIFIED roofs across Apex and the Triangle.
Todd Kennedy
Owner / FORTIFIED Evaluator
IBHS-certified FORTIFIED Evaluator serving Apex
Robert Copp
Team Lead
Expert FORTIFIED installations in Apex
Isaac Klick
Team Lead
Quality control for Apex FORTIFIED projects
Adam Curtis
Project Manager
Managing every Apex FORTIFIED project
Dayani
Office Administrator
Coordinating your Apex FORTIFIED project
FORTIFIED FAQs — Apex
What is a FORTIFIED Roof™?
FORTIFIED Roof is an IBHS designation certifying your Apex roof meets hurricane-level construction standards. It includes sealed roof decks, ring-shank nails (4x stronger), and reinforced edges—methods scientifically proven to withstand severe storms.
Does FORTIFIED qualify for insurance discounts in Apex?
Yes. Apex homeowners with FORTIFIED certification save $500–$1,500+ per year on insurance. NC insurers offer 20–40% discounts on wind/hail coverage for FORTIFIED homes. Given Apex's wind exposure, insurers value FORTIFIED highly here.
How much does FORTIFIED cost in Apex?
FORTIFIED upgrades add $3,500–$6,500 to a standard Apex roof replacement. Most homeowners recover this cost in 2–4 years through insurance savings, then continue saving hundreds per year for the life of the roof.
What's the difference between FORTIFIED Roof and regular roofing?
Standard Apex roofs meet minimum building code. FORTIFIED roofs exceed code with sealed decks (preventing water intrusion), ring-shank nails (4x holding power), and reinforced drip edge (preventing blow-offs). A certified evaluator inspects BEFORE shingling.
Why is FORTIFIED especially important in Apex?
Apex's elevation puts homes at higher wind exposure than surrounding areas. FORTIFIED's reinforced edges and ring-shank nails are specifically engineered for high-wind zones—making FORTIFIED especially valuable for Apex homeowners.
Can I add FORTIFIED to my existing Apex roof?
No. FORTIFIED requires a sealed deck installed during full roof replacement. If you're planning to re-roof, now is the perfect time to upgrade to FORTIFIED for a small additional cost compared to decades of protection and savings.
Your Roof Won't Fix Itself.
No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest roofing from a local company that's been here since 2017.
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