The FORTIFIED Factor

Knockout Inspections
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2H AGO

    Factory Seconds and Unlabeled Materials Policy

    Can you use factory seconds or unlabeled building materials on a FORTIFIED Home™ project? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2023-04 and explain why factory seconds and unlabeled materials are not permitted in the FORTIFIED Home™ program. According to the FORTIFIED Engineering Standards Technical Bulletin FH 2023-04, materials that do not meet a manufacturer’s quality assurance standards—whether for aesthetic or functional reasons—are often sold as “factory seconds” or bundled in unlabeled wraps. However, the bulletin clearly states that the use of factory seconds or unlabeled products is unacceptable in the FORTIFIED Home program. Why does this matter? The 2025 FORTIFIED Home™ Standard requires specific material testing and performance verification. For example, asphalt shingles must meet ASTM D3161 (Class F) or ASTM D7158 (Class H) wind resistance standards. Without proper labeling and documentation, compliance cannot be verified. In this episode, we discuss: What qualifies as “factory seconds”Why unlabeled materials create compliance issuesDocumentation and photo verification requirementsHow IBHS verifies material complianceBest practices for contractors and homeowners pursuing FORTIFIED designationWe also cover the importance of photographing product labels on-site, with geolocation stamps or visible home addresses, to meet documentation requirements. If sufficient documentation is not provided, IBHS may request additional information. If you're building or re-roofing to meet FORTIFIED Home™ – Hurricane or High Wind standards, this episode is essential listening. Have questions about materials, documentation, or whether your home qualifies for FORTIFIED designation? 📞 Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) 🌐 Visit fortifiedhome.com. Our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators are ready to help you build stronger, safer, and more resilient.

    13 min

  2. FEB 6

    2025 FORTIFIED Standards for Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles

    Clay and concrete roof tiles are a durable roofing option—but under the 2025 FORTIFIED Home™ Standard, they come with specific requirements that homeowners, roofers, and builders must understand. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down how the current 2025 FORTIFIED Standard applies to clay and concrete tile roof systems. The guidance discussed in this episode reflects existing requirements that continue to govern tile installation, attachment, and verification for homes pursuing a FORTIFIED Roof™ designation. Topics covered include: Required design pressure reports for clay and concrete tile systemsHow tile attachments must meet or exceed site-specific wind uplift pressuresApproved installation methods, fasteners, and adhesivesWhy mortar-set tiles are not permitted under the FORTIFIED standardSpecial considerations for hip and ridge boards, fasteners, and roof deckingWhether you’re planning a new roof, re-roofing with tile, or preparing for a FORTIFIED evaluation, this episode clarifies what the standard requires today to help ensure your roof is resilient, reliable, and severe-weather ready. 📞 Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators. This episode is informed by the 2025 FORTIFIED Home™ Standard, Section 4.7.2, which outlines requirements for clay and concrete tile roof systems.

    18 min

  3. JAN 30

    HUD Manufactured Housing Eligibility Requirements

    Can a manufactured (HUD) home qualify for a FORTIFIED Home™ designation? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the often-misunderstood HUD Manufactured Housing Eligibility Requirements and what they mean for homeowners, buyers, and industry professionals. We explain: What officially defines a HUD-manufactured homeWhy wind zones and the year of manufacture (post–July 1994) matterWhich HUD homes are eligible—and ineligible—for FORTIFIED designationThe importance of permanent foundations, proper anchoring, and reinforced masonryHow to identify HUD labels, data plates, and common red flags during evaluationsIf you own—or are considering purchasing—a manufactured home and want to improve its resilience, reliability, and severe-weather readiness, this episode is a must-listen. 📞 Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    13 min

  4. JAN 23

    Leaf Guards & Gutters

    Leaf Gutters and Guards: What Homeowners Need to Know for a FORTIFIED Roof Gutters and leaf guards may seem like simple add-ons, but when it comes to building a FORTIFIED Roof™, they can make or break your home’s ability to withstand high winds and severe weather. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down how gutters and leaf guards interact with critical roof edge details—and why improper installation can jeopardize a FORTIFIED designation. You’ll learn: Why roof edge details are one of the most vulnerable areas during high-wind eventsHow existing gutters can impact New Roof vs. Existing Roof FORTIFIED designationsWhen leaf guards are allowed—and when they disrupt the roof’s load pathInstallation best practices that help protect against water intrusion and wind damageIf you’re planning a re-roof, installing leaf guards, or aiming for a FORTIFIED designation, this episode explains what you need to know before work begins. Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    18 min

  5. JAN 16

    Excessive Gaps in Wood Decking

    What’s happening beneath your shingles matters more than you might think. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts—powered by the real-world experience of Knockout Inspections—break down excessive gaps in wood roof decking and why gaps greater than 1/8 inch can put your home at risk during high-wind events. Using official FORTIFIED Home™ guidance, we explain: Why “solidly sheathed” roof decks are critical for wind resistanceHow excessive gaps impact asphalt shingle performanceWhen manufacturer guidance applies—and when FORTIFIED Standard Detail F-RR-5 becomes the approved solutionWhat homeowners, contractors, and evaluators need to know to stay compliant with FORTIFIED Home™ Hurricane and High Wind standardsWhether you’re upgrading an older home or planning a roof replacement, this episode helps you understand what inspectors look for and how proper corrections can protect your investment—and your peace of mind. Have questions after listening?  📞 Call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    16 min

  6. JAN 9

    Shingle Hail-Impact Resistance

    What does it really mean when a shingle is labeled “hail resistant”? In this updated episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts—powered by Knockout Inspections—break down the latest Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) hail impact resistance testing protocol and what it means for homeowners in hail-prone regions. Using best-available science, IBHS now evaluates asphalt shingles with engineered ice spheres that replicate real hailstones—not steel balls—measuring damage such as granule loss, dents, cracks, and breaches. This new testing method goes far beyond pass/fail ratings, offering data-driven performance rankings that help distinguish truly resilient roofing products from the rest. In this episode, we cover: How IBHS simulates real hail impacts using calibrated ice spheresWhy granule loss and deformation matter just as much as visible cracksThe difference between “Good” and “Excellent” hail performance ratingsWhy not all “impact-resistant” shingles perform the same in real stormsWhat homeowners should know when choosing a roof in hail-prone areasIf you’re building, replacing a roof, or simply want to protect one of your biggest investments—your home—this episode gives you the clarity you need to make smarter, storm-ready decisions. Have questions about hail-resistant shingles or FORTIFIED-ready roofing? 📞 Call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) 🌐 Visit fortifiedhome.com

    15 min

  7. JAN 2

    FORTIFIED Requirements for Elevated Roof HVAC Units

    Roof-mounted HVAC units are common in many regions—but when they’re not properly designed, attached, and evaluated, they can become a serious weak point during high-wind and hurricane events. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the official FORTIFIED Home™ requirements for elevated roof-mounted HVAC units, as outlined in the latest FORTIFIED Engineering Standards. You’ll learn why these systems pose elevated risks, what disqualifies a home from a FORTIFIED designation, and why a professional engineer is always required when roof-mounted HVAC equipment is present. We cover: Why gravity-only and improperly attached HVAC platforms fail in severe weatherWhat “positive anchorage” really means for elevated roof platformsCommon issues with flashing, sealing, and deterioration at roof penetrationsWhat’s required for re-roofing when HVAC units are elevated above the roofThe documentation and compliance verification needed for FORTIFIED eligibilityIf your home has a roof-mounted HVAC unit—or you’re planning upgrades, retrofits, or a FORTIFIED designation—this episode explains what inspectors, engineers, and homeowners need to know to reduce risk and protect the home envelope. 📞 Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    16 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    Rain Diverters on Asphalt Roofs

    Rain diverters may seem like a simple solution for keeping water off walkways—but on asphalt shingle roofs, they can create serious resilience concerns. In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down the latest FORTIFIED guidance on rain diverters and explain why they are not recommended on FORTIFIED asphalt shingle roofs. You’ll learn how inserting diverters between shingle courses can break the manufacturer’s seal, increasing vulnerability to wind damage and jeopardizing a home’s ability to qualify for a FORTIFIED Roof™ – New Roof designation. We also walk through the two compliance pathways outlined by FORTIFIED: When rain diverters must be removed and shingles repaired and resealed, andWhen documentation from the shingle manufacturer may allow a diverter to remain installedWhether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or preparing for a FORTIFIED evaluation, this episode helps you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions that protect both your roof and your designation. Have questions about rain diverters, asphalt shingles, or FORTIFIED requirements? 👉 Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to speak with our team of in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators.

    10 min
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5
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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
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Knockout Inspections
  • Show Website
    The FORTIFIED Factor