CHICAGO — The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a new white paper Roofing Best Practices: FORTIFIED HOME PROGRAM available at metalconstruction.org/tech-resources. It outlines an educational program that has been developed to provide guidance as well as a model for certification for enhanced wind performance for roofing applications.

The FORTIFIED program was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The program’s objective was for roofing materials to have greater resistance to severe weather conditions and prevent roofing failure from wind uplift and excessive wind loading. The paper also details how the study differentiates from current IBC and IRC requirements regarding metal roofing construction and retrofit.

The FORTIFIED program is the result of several existing roof tests as well as field experience dealing with this type of wind loading. The performance levels are generally more than what is required by local codes.

“This is important work,” said Jeff Henry, MCA executive director. “We are always seeking higher safety standards, and this study shows a clear path to safer roofing installation.”

The white paper is free for download on the MCA website in the resources section.