Most people assume that if their roof meets building code, it’s good enough. But what if good enough still means getting a tarp after every hailstorm?
Here’s the truth: building code is just the legal minimum. It’s focused on life safety—not long-term protection. That’s why more homeowners in Oklahoma are turning to Fortified roofs, a scientifically tested upgrade designed to stand up to wind, hail, and the toughest weather Mother Nature can throw at us.
And now, thanks to a new $10,000 state grant, upgrading to a Fortified roof is more affordable than ever.
Key Takeaways
| Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Building code is only a minimum standard | Most roofs are legally compliant but not designed to survive repeated storms. |
| FORTIFIED Roofs are scientifically proven | Developed by IBHS, they outperform standard roofs in wind, hail, and water resistance. |
| Scott McCollum Sr. is a certified Fortified Evaluator | His decades of field experience ensure your upgrade meets the highest national standards. |
| The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant offers up to $10,000 | Qualifying homeowners can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for a Fortified upgrade. |
| Oklahoma leads in hail-related losses | Investing in stronger roofing now can prevent major future claims and reduce insurance premiums. |
| McRoof provides full support, start to finish | From grant guidance to certified installation, McRoof simplifies the process for homeowners. |
| A Fortified Roof protects people, property, and premiums | It’s about long-term peace of mind—not just passing inspection. |
Why Code-Minimum Roofs Aren’t Built to Survive the Next Storm
Most Roofs Are Built to the Bare Minimum—And That’s a Problem
When it comes to home protection, most people assume that if their roof meets building code, it must be high quality. But as Scott McCollum Sr., Master Haag Certified Inspector and FORTIFIED Evaluator, explains:
“Building codes are minimum standards. They’re designed to preserve life, not property.”
That means your roof might be legal—but it’s not necessarily resilient. Building codes only ensure your roof won’t collapse during a storm. They don’t ensure it will protect your home, prevent water intrusion, or withstand repeated hail and high winds—especially here in Oklahoma.
“You wouldn’t shop for a car, home security system, or healthcare provider that only meets minimum standards,” Scott says. “So why settle for a roof that barely passes?”
What Is a Fortified Roof—and Why Is It Better?
Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard uses real-world disaster data to prescribe better roofing systems. Fortified roofs are engineered to hold up under extreme weather—including hail, straight-line winds, and wind-driven rain.
They go far beyond code and are proven to reduce damage from the types of storms Oklahoma sees every year.
Table: Code-Minimum Roof vs. Fortified Roof
| Feature | Code-Minimum Roof | FORTIFIED Roof™ |
|---|---|---|
| Decking Attachment | Standard nailing pattern | Ring-shank nails with closer spacing to resist wind uplift |
| Roof Deck Sealing | Not required | Sealed roof deck to prevent water intrusion if shingles are lost |
| Drip Edge | Optional in many cases | Required at all eaves and rakes to protect from wind-driven rain |
| Underlayment | Basic felt underlayment | Synthetic underlayment sealed at seams for added moisture control |
| Venting and Flashing | Standard options | Reinforced and tested to remain intact under high-stress conditions |
| Insurance Incentives | None | Often eligible for insurance discounts and premium reductions |
Why It Matters in Oklahoma
As Scott points out, Oklahoma is one of the most violent weather zones in the country—facing everything from tornadoes to catastrophic hail. Roofs built to code may survive a single storm, but they’re unlikely to hold up through multiple high-impact weather events.
A FORTIFIED Roof helps homeowners:
- Reduce the likelihood of storm-related roof failure
- Avoid repeated insurance claims
- Increase home value and insurability
- Protect their family and belongings when it matters most
“This isn’t about overbuilding—it’s about building smart,” Scott says. “FORTIFIED gives us a playbook based on science, not guesswork.”
Fortified Roofing Is Science-Driven Storm Protection
The IBHS Fortified Program Explained
As a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator, Scott McCollum Sr. has seen firsthand how code-minimum roofs fail—and how FORTIFIED roofs stand strong.
Created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the Fortified Roof standard is the result of years of controlled disaster simulations. IBHS testing facilities recreate real storm conditions, including:
- Category 3 hurricane-force winds
- Wind-driven rain
- Large hail impacts
- Flying debris
- Tornado uplift pressure
The findings are clear: homes built to Fortified standards survive. Homes built to minimum code often don’t.
What Makes a Fortified Roof So Different?
Each FORTIFIED Roof includes a set of specific, tested upgrades that dramatically improve performance and reduce failure points. These are not high-end luxuries—they are intelligent reinforcements that protect homes, reduce insurance claims, and extend roof lifespan.
Key Fortified Components
| FORTIFIED Upgrade | Purpose and Protection |
|---|---|
| Sealed Roof Deck | Prevents water from entering attic even if shingles are lost in high winds or hailstorms |
| Ring-Shank Nails | Stronger hold than standard nails, resisting uplift during tornado and straight-line winds |
| Full Drip Edge Coverage | Deflects wind-driven rain, reducing edge leaks—a common failure point |
| Synthetic Underlayment | Reduces moisture absorption and resists tearing during intense wind conditions |
| Hail-Resistant Vents | Reinforced vents that remain functional even after large hail impacts |
Built for Places Like Oklahoma
Originally developed for hurricane-prone coastal areas, FORTIFIED standards now apply directly to high-risk inland states like Oklahoma—where severe hail, shifting tornado zones, and wind-driven storms are a yearly threat.
“Whether it’s Edmond, Norman, or Piedmont—FORTIFIED roofing is the future of building in Oklahoma,” Scott says. “It’s not about overkill. It’s about keeping your home in one piece.”
How Oklahomans Can Access $10,000 Toward a Fortified Roof
A State-Backed Grant to Build Safer Homes
Oklahoma is no stranger to extreme weather—and it shows in our insurance premiums. With some of the highest homeowner insurance rates in the country, state leaders knew something had to change.
That’s why the Oklahoma Insurance Department, under Commissioner Glen Mulready, created the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program—a forward-thinking initiative that gives qualifying homeowners up to $10,000 to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof.
As Scott McCollum Sr., Master Haag Certified Inspector and FORTIFIED Evaluator at McRoof, explains:
“This isn’t just about cost savings. It’s about reducing storm-related damage across the state and building smarter, stronger homes.”
Who Qualifies for the Fortified Grant?
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Homeownership | Must own and occupy the home as a primary residence |
| Insurance Status | Property must currently be insured |
| Property Condition | Must meet minimum condition criteria and pass a pre-inspection |
| Roofing Contractor | Work must be done by a FORTIFIED-certified contractor and evaluator |
| Location | Available statewide in Oklahoma |
“If you meet the basic criteria, this grant can dramatically lower the cost of upgrading to a resilient roof,” Scott says. “We’ve seen homeowners cut their final out-of-pocket cost in half—or more.”
Why This Grant Matters Now More Than Ever
Here’s the reality:
- Oklahoma leads the nation in hail-related insurance claims
- Severe wind events and shifting tornado patterns are increasing
- Replacing your roof after every storm isn’t sustainable—financially or structurally
The $10K Fortified Roof Grant is more than a rebate. It’s a chance to:
- Reduce long-term insurance claims
- Make your home eligible for insurance discounts
- Improve your home’s value and resilience
- Protect your family from future disaster losses
“This is about helping families protect what matters most,” says Scott. “And the state is finally putting real money behind that mission.”
Why McRoof Is Oklahoma’s Leader in Fortified Roof Installation
Certified. Experienced. Focused on Protection.
As one of Oklahoma’s most trusted names in roofing, McRoof doesn’t just install shingles—they install peace of mind. With Scott McCollum Sr. leading the Fortified evaluation process, homeowners can rest easy knowing their project meets the highest national standards for resilience and compliance.
“I’ve spent decades assessing storm damage,” Scott says. “I know what fails and why. Fortified roofing is the only system I trust to hold up long term.”
What to Expect When You Work With McRoof
| Service | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Free Roof Inspection | A full evaluation to determine if you qualify for Fortified grant funding |
| Grant Support and Guidance | Help navigating the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes application process |
| Licensed Fortified Evaluator | Scott personally oversees compliance from start to finish |
| Top-Tier Materials and Crews | High-impact shingles, sealed decking, drip edge, and clean work practices |
| Insurance Coordination | Seamless support for homeowners filing claims or combining upgrades |
Whether you’re recovering from storm damage or planning ahead, McRoof offers the experience, credentials, and state-certified expertise to do the job right.
“This isn’t about selling a roof,” Scott adds. “It’s about building one that doesn’t fail the next time Oklahoma’s weather rolls through.”
Don’t Settle for Minimum Standards—Build Fortified
Your home is likely your most valuable asset. And in a place like Oklahoma, it deserves more than the minimum. As Scott McCollum Sr., McRoof’s Master Haag Certified Inspector and Fortified Evaluator, explained:
“Building code is a starting point—not a finish line.”
A FORTIFIED Roof isn’t just a stronger roof. It’s a smarter investment in long-term resilience, property value, and family safety. And with the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant offering up to $10,000, there’s never been a better time to upgrade.
Whether you’ve experienced hail damage, rising premiums, or just want to prepare for the next big storm, McRoof is here to help—starting with a free inspection and honest advice.
👉 Schedule your free Fortified roof evaluation today
Let McRoof guide you through the grant process, install a roof that exceeds expectations, and protect your home from the next storm—not just the last one.