FORTIFIED Roof™ Protection for Knightdale Homeowners
Knightdale homeowners are protecting their homes with FORTIFIED Roof™—the scientifically proven way to withstand hurricanes and severe storms. K&D Roofing is one of the Triangle's only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED evaluators and installers. When you upgrade to FORTIFIED in Knightdale, you get hurricane-level protection AND $500–$1,500+ in annual insurance savings.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Knightdale:
Eagle Ridge, Robertson Pond, Hodge Road, Buffalo Creek, Spring Forest, Shepard
Zip Codes:
27545
Calculate Your FORTIFIED ROI
See how much you could save with FORTIFIED certification in Knightdale. 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 Knightdale Needs FORTIFIED
Knightdale experiences severe summer storms, high winds, and occasional hail. Standard roofs often fail at edges and corners during high winds. FORTIFIED roofs use reinforced drip edge, sealed decks, and ring-shank nails to withstand 130+ mph winds—far exceeding what standard 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 Knightdale
K&D owner Todd Kennedy is a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator who completed IBHS's intensive training program. We handle the entire FORTIFIED process: FOCUS 2.5 registration, sealed deck installation, evaluator inspection BEFORE shingling, and final certification. Knightdale homeowners typically save $600–$1,200/year on insurance, recovering the upgrade cost in 2–4 years.
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 Knightdale 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 Knightdale
Todd Kennedy is one of the Triangle's only IBHS-certified FORTIFIED Evaluators. Our team has installed dozens of FORTIFIED roofs across Knightdale and the Triangle.
Todd Kennedy
Owner / FORTIFIED Evaluator
IBHS-certified FORTIFIED Evaluator serving Knightdale
Robert Copp
Team Lead
Expert FORTIFIED installations in Knightdale
Isaac Klick
Team Lead
Quality control for Knightdale FORTIFIED projects
Adam Curtis
Project Manager
Managing every Knightdale FORTIFIED project
Dayani
Office Administrator
Coordinating your Knightdale FORTIFIED project
FORTIFIED FAQs — Knightdale
What is a FORTIFIED Roof™?
FORTIFIED Roof is an IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) designation certifying your roof meets hurricane-level construction standards. It includes sealed roof decks, ring-shank nails, and reinforced edges—methods proven through scientific testing.
Does FORTIFIED qualify for insurance discounts in Knightdale?
Yes. Knightdale homeowners with FORTIFIED certification save $500–$1,500+ per year on homeowners insurance. NC insurers offer 20–40% discounts on wind/hail premiums for FORTIFIED homes.
How much does FORTIFIED cost in Knightdale?
FORTIFIED upgrades add $3,500–$6,500 to a standard Knightdale roof replacement. Most homeowners recover this cost in 2–4 years through insurance savings, then continue saving hundreds per year.
What's the difference between FORTIFIED Roof and regular roofing?
Standard roofs meet minimum code. FORTIFIED roofs exceed code with sealed decks (preventing water intrusion), ring-shank nails (4x holding power), and reinforced edges (preventing blow-offs). A certified evaluator inspects BEFORE shingling.
Can I upgrade to FORTIFIED when re-roofing in Knightdale?
Yes. Re-roofing is the perfect time to upgrade to FORTIFIED. The sealed deck is installed during tear-off, adding only minimal cost and time. You get hurricane protection for a fraction more than a standard roof.
What are the three FORTIFIED levels?
FORTIFIED Roof (roof only), FORTIFIED Silver (roof + gables), FORTIFIED Gold (roof + gables + openings). Most Knightdale homeowners choose FORTIFIED Roof during re-roofing since it provides the best ROI.
Your Roof Won't Fix Itself.
No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest roofing from a local company that's been here since 2017.
Call or Schedule Online
Free Roof Inspection
Detailed Estimate in 24hr
We Build Your Roof
You Sleep Better