In this episode, our AI Experts dive into a deep-dive from the perspective of an insurance underwriter, unlocking key insights into how insurance professionals view resilient, severe-weather-ready homes. You’ll learn:

• What underwriters look for when evaluating a home’s risk profile.
• Why the right construction standards—especially those built to the FORTIFIED Home™ Standard—matter when it comes to premium pricing and claims.
• Common pitfalls that drive up insurance cost or disqualify homes from favorable terms.
• Actionable steps homeowners can take to strengthen their home, reduce risk, and speak intelligently with their insurer.

Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, real-estate professional or just want to understand how your home’s resilience affects your insurance outcome — this episode arms you with knowledge to protect your investment.

Have questions after listening? Our in-house FORTIFIED Evaluators at Knockout Inspections are ready to help. Call 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

In this week’s episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) unpack a clear, practical checklist designed to help you verify whether a home is truly FORTIFIED—or simply marketed that way. Whether you’re buying, selling, or making sure your own home is protected, this step-by-step guide equips you to separate genuine resilience from assumption.

Here’s what’s inside this checklist-driven deep dive:

• The must-have item: an official, valid IBHS certificate—your only true proof of FORTIFIED status
• Evaluator verification: how to confirm the certified professional behind the documentation
• Designation levels explained: Roof, Silver, and Gold—what each one covers and why it matters
• Maintenance & renewal checks: how major repairs can impact or invalidate the designation
• Documentation you should request: from photo evidence to detailed reports
• Insurance confirmation: why discounts and credits offer real-world validation
• Red flags to watch for: expired certificates, missing paperwork, and “built to FORTIFIED specs” claims without verification

This episode offers clarity, confidence, and a checklist you can trust—because protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind should never be guesswork.

If you have any questions after listening, our team is here to help. Call 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

Do you really need the most expensive, highest-rated shingle to earn a FORTIFIED Roof™ certification?

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) bust one of the biggest myths in roofing — that Class 4 impact-rated shingles are a requirement for a FORTIFIED Roof. Spoiler: they’re not!

You’ll learn:

• The three pillars every true FORTIFIED Roof™ must have — sealed roof deck, enhanced nailing, and locked-down edges.
• The real difference between wind ratings (Class F or H) and impact ratings (Class 3 or 4) — and how they affect your home’s performance.
• Why installation quality often matters more than premium materials when it comes to passing inspection.
• How marketing, insurance discounts, and local habits fuel the “Class 4 = mandatory” myth.
• When it does make sense to upgrade to Class 4 shingles for hail-prone regions — and when you can save thousands by sticking with Class F or H.

Whether you live on the coast or in hail country, this episode helps you make smarter, more resilient investments for your home — without overpaying for the wrong things.

Have questions after listening?
Call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to learn more about certified FORTIFIED evaluations.

In this forward-looking episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts—powered by Knockout Inspections—explore what’s next for the FORTIFIED home movement. From self-healing concrete and hurricane-resistant composites to AI-driven home monitoring systems, we dive into emerging materials and technologies that could redefine how we build resilience into our homes.

Discover how innovation in construction science, climate adaptation, and smart-home technology could soon transform the way homes are protected against severe weather. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or inspector, this episode offers a glimpse into the next generation of FORTIFIED design.

🏠 Learn how the future of FORTIFIED construction could make your home stronger, safer, and smarter than ever before.

For any questions following the episode, contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com
to learn more.

Keeping your home resilient, reliable, and severe-weather ready starts with proactive care! In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts (informed by Knockout Inspections) walk you through the essential annual maintenance checklist every FORTIFIED homeowner should follow.

Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your FORTIFIED home for years, this checklist will help you stay storm-strong and inspection-ready all year long.

📞 Have questions about maintaining your FORTIFIED home or scheduling an official inspection?
 Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.

In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts — informed by the team at Knockout Inspections — unpack two of the most important systems working quietly above your head: roof penetrations and ventilation.

From the way vents, pipes, and flashing are sealed, to how air moves through your attic, every detail plays a role in how well your roof performs — especially during severe weather. We’ll explain how proper installation and balanced ventilation can prevent leaks, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of your roof, all while helping your home meet FORTIFIED Home™ standards for resilience.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your roof, prep for an inspection, or simply understand how your home breathes, this episode will give you the insight you need to stay storm-ready and structurally sound.

✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How FORTIFIED Evaluators assess roof penetrations for long-term protection
• The role ventilation plays in roof health and attic performance
• Why improper sealing and airflow can lead to costly damage
• Actionable steps to ensure your roof meets FORTIFIED standards

Have questions after listening? Our certified FORTIFIED Evaluators at Knockout Inspections are ready to help.
📞 Call 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com to learn how to make your home stronger, safer, and storm-ready.

Ever wondered why roof fastening patterns matter so much when it comes to protecting your home from severe weather? In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, we’re diving deep into the world of metal roof fastening zones and patterns — a crucial part of achieving a FORTIFIED Roof™ that stands strong against high winds and heavy storms.

Our "AI experts" (informed by Knockout Inspections) break down how different fastening zones are designed, why proper installation is key to performance, and what homeowners need to know to make sure their roof meets or exceeds FORTIFIED Home™ standards.

You’ll learn:

• How fastening patterns affect a roof’s strength and wind resistance
• The science behind fastening zones in FORTIFIED standards
• Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
• What inspectors look for when verifying a metal roof for FORTIFIED certification

Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or roofing professional, this episode will help you better understand what it takes to make your roof truly resilient, reliable, and storm-ready.

👉 Have questions after listening? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com
for more information about building and maintaining a FORTIFIED home.

In this episode, learn how a Gold FORTIFIED Home is one continuously strong structure — from the roof all the way down to the foundation.

For any questions following this episode, contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com.

We're continuing in our two-part series on retrofitting existing homes to the FORTIFIED Standard. In this 9-minute episode, we're discussing what it takes for a previously built home to earn a Gold FORTIFIED designation status... Spoiler alert: it's a lot of work!

For any questions following this episode, reach out to Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO, or visit fortifiedhome.com.

Can you make an existing home more resilient to severe weather events? The answer is "yes!" In this episode, we discuss the procedures of retrofitting a previously built home with the purpose of receiving a FORTIFIED Roof or Silver designation.

For any questions following the episode, please reach out to Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com.