The FORTIFIED Factor

Knockout Inspections

An AI assisted podcast discussing all things resilient, reliable and severe-weather ready as it pertains to one of of your most important investments: YOUR HOME! This is a work product of Knockout Inspections. Our company has a team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators ready to answer any and all of your questions. Give us a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO, or visit fortifiedhome.com.

  1. 5D AGO

    Flashing Guidelines for Steep-Sloped Roofs

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down flashing guidelines for steep-sloped roofs—one of the most critical (and often overlooked) components of a resilient roofing system. Flashing plays a vital role in protecting your home from water intrusion at vulnerable like roof edges, valleys, penetrations, and wall intersections. When installed correctly, it helps prevent moisture from entering the roof system and causing costly damage.  We explore key best practices from FORTIFIED standards, including:  Why corrosion-resistant metal flashing is essential for long-term durability  Proper fastener spacing (typically 6” on center, or tighter in hurricane-prone areas) How to correctly install base flashing and counter-flashing for maximum water-shedding performance  The importance of sealing, overlaps, and integration with underlayment systems Real-world application insights from detailed FORTIFIED roof deck designs, including flashing tape at seams and proper layering techniques Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or simply looking to better understand how to protect your home from severe weather, this episode delivers practical, standards-backed guidance you can trust. 📞 Have questions about your roof or FORTIFIED standards? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to learn more.

    23 min

  2. APR 24

    The 2025 Roof Repair Checklist

    When your FORTIFIED roof is damaged, the repair process isn’t just about fixing shingles—it’s about protecting your designation and your home’s future performance. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the 2025 FORTIFIED Roof Repair Checklist and what’s changed, what matters most, and what homeowners need to get right the first time. Based on the official checklist , we walk through the critical steps required to stay compliant—from documenting the full scope of damage with site-specific photos to verifying structural integrity, roof deck thickness, and proper attachment methods. You’ll learn why sealed roof deck (SRD) repairs, drip edge replacement, and flashing details are essential to maintaining your home’s storm resistance. We also highlight:  Why documentation with geolocation and clarity is mandatory (not optional)  When a FORTIFIED Evaluator or engineer must be involved Key requirements for roof coverings, vents, and impact-rated materials Special considerations for hail, hurricane, and solar (PV) systems The importance of the final signed Confirmation of Completion for IBHS approval The biggest takeaway? Even small repairs must follow strict standards—or you risk losing your FORTIFIED status. If you want your home to remain resilient against hurricanes, hail, and high winds, this episode gives you the step-by-step insight you need to navigate repairs with confidence. 📞 Have questions about your roof or repairs? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to connect with a team of certified FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    19 min

  3. APR 17

    Supplemental Spray Foam Attachment Requirements

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down one of the most practical and often misunderstood upgrades in the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard: supplemental spray foam deck attachment. Using guidance from the latest FORTIFIED Engineering Standard (FH 2015-04), we explore how two-part closed-cell spray polyurethane foam adhesive can strengthen your roof from the inside out—without needing a full roof replacement.  You’ll learn:  How spray foam can simultaneously seal your roof deck AND improve uplift resistance When this method is appropriate (and when it’s not)  The minimum uplift pressure requirements (110 psf and beyond) for compliance  Why proper installation and documentation are critical for FORTIFIED certification  Common attic access challenges that could impact eligibility This episode is a must-listen for homeowners, inspectors, and contractors looking to enhance roof performance—especially in hurricane- and high-wind-prone areas—without tearing off existing roofing materials. If you’ve ever wondered how to upgrade your home’s resilience from the attic, this episode gives you the clarity you need. 📞 Have questions about your home or a FORTIFIED upgrade? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to connect with a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator today.

    21 min

  4. APR 10

    Wood Shake and Shingle Sealed Roof Deck Options

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down everything homeowners need to know about sealed roof deck (SRD) options for wood shake and shingle roofs—a critical component for protecting your home against severe weather. Using guidance from the official FORTIFIED Engineering Standards Technical Bulletin , we explore the two approved SRD installation methods that help prevent water intrusion if your roof covering is compromised: ✔️ Seam tape with a single layer of organic felt✔️ Two-ply organic felt installation You’ll learn how these systems work, why proper sealing at the roof deck level matters, and how choosing the right method can significantly improve your home’s resilience during hurricanes, high winds, and hail events. We also highlight key installation requirements—like proper fastening patterns, material standards (ASTM D226, ASTM D4869), and best practices from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau—to ensure your roof meets FORTIFIED standards. If you have a wood shake or shingle roof (or are considering one), this episode will help you make informed, weather-ready decisions that protect your biggest investment. 📞 Have questions or want to learn more about upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

    21 min

  5. MAR 27

    Tape Types for Sealed Roof Deck Systems

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down one of the most important—but often overlooked—components of a FORTIFIED™ Roof system: the tape used to seal roof deck seams. Not all tapes are created equal. Choosing the right material can mean the difference between a home that withstands wind-driven rain—and one that suffers costly water intrusion. Drawing from official FORTIFIED engineering guidance and IBHS resources, this episode covers:  The two approved tape standards for sealed roof decks:  ASTM D1970 (modified bitumen)  AAMA 711-13 Level 3 (flexible flashing tapes)  Why proper adhesion (no wrinkles, no voids) is critical to performance  How OSB roof decking can impact tape adhesion—and when primers are required The three main tape types homeowners and contractors should understand:  Modified Bitumen  Butyl  Acrylic  Key differences in temperature performance, flexibility, and durability Installation best practices to ensure your sealed roof deck actually performs during a storm You’ll also learn why pressure-sensitive adhesives depend on proper installation conditions—and how small mistakes can compromise your entire roofing system. If you’re considering a roof replacement, FORTIFIED upgrade, or just want to better protect your home, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make informed decisions. 📞 Have questions about your roof or FORTIFIED standards? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to learn more.

    19 min

  6. MAR 20

    Roof Deck Attachment Documentation Standards

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections break down Roof Deck Attachment Documentation Standards and explain what FORTIFIED evaluators, roofers, and homeowners need to know about documenting roof sheathing nail patterns. You’ll learn why roof deck attachment documentation matters, the purpose behind confirming both nail spacing and nail penetration into structural members, and the current standard requirement for eight total photos taken from both above and below the roof deck. The episode also covers the two approved alternative documentation paths for cases where attic access is blocked, the underside of the deck is obscured, or top-side photos cannot be captured during certain new construction projects. Whether you are pursuing a FORTIFIED designation, planning a re-roof, or simply want to better understand what resilient roofing documentation looks like, this episode helps clarify the standards that can make or break an evaluation. Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

    22 min

  7. MAR 13

    Foundation Requirements for Eligibility

    In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, the AI Experts informed by Knockout Inspections break down one of the most important topics in resilient construction: foundation requirements for FORTIFIED eligibility. Listeners will learn which foundation types are eligible for FORTIFIED Roof, which foundation conditions can make a home ineligible, and why dry-stack foundations are a major concern. The episode also explains how eligibility changes between FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Silver, and FORTIFIED Gold, including when positive anchorage to the foundation is required and what documentation evaluators need to verify compliance. This episode is especially helpful for homeowners, builders, contractors, real estate professionals, and anyone exploring how to make a home more severe-weather ready, more reliable, and more resilient. It also highlights key distinctions for homes with slab-on-grade foundations, stem walls, piers or pilings, and HUD-Code manufactured homes. Based on the referenced technical bulletin, positive attachment to the foundation is no longer required for FORTIFIED Roof eligibility, but it remains required for FORTIFIED Silver and FORTIFIED Gold. The bulletin also states that homes on dry-stack masonry or stone foundations are not eligible unless properly retrofitted, and that evaluators must document foundation type and, in some cases, anchorage details.  If you have questions about your home’s eligibility, foundation type, or next steps toward a FORTIFIED designation, contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

    16 min

  8. MAR 6

    Reroofing Over Self-Adhered Membranes

    When it’s time to replace a roof, what happens if the existing roof already has a self-adhered membrane installed on the deck? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, the AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the engineering guidance behind reroofing over self-adhered membranes and what homeowners, contractors, and inspectors need to know to stay FORTIFIED-compliant. Self-adhered polymer-modified bitumen membranes are widely used in the FORTIFIED Roof™ sealed roof deck system because they adhere directly to the roof deck and can remain in place even if the roof covering is lost during severe weather.  But that durability can raise an important question: How do you reroof when the membrane is bonded to the decking? In this episode, we cover: Why self-adhered membranes are a powerful defense against wind-driven rainThe challenges of removing adhered underlayment during reroofingWhen installing a second layer of self-adhered membrane is allowedWhen a two-ply felt sealed roof deck system can be used insteadWhy closed-cell spray foam full-fill applications are not accepted for this scenarioHow inspectors verify the condition of the roof deck from the atticThe documentation required for a FORTIFIED re-roof projectIf you’re planning a reroof, working toward a FORTIFIED Home™ designation, or simply want to better understand how resilient roofing systems work, this episode explains the technical bulletin guidance in clear, practical terms. A stronger roof means a stronger home—and better protection when severe weather strikes. Have questions about FORTIFIED roofing or reroofing projects?Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to learn more.

    23 min
See All (71)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

An AI assisted podcast discussing all things resilient, reliable and severe-weather ready as it pertains to one of of your most important investments: YOUR HOME! This is a work product of Knockout Inspections. Our company has a team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators ready to answer any and all of your questions. Give us a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO, or visit fortifiedhome.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Knockout Inspections
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Knockout Inspections
  • Show Website
    The FORTIFIED Factor