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 spheres
• Why granule loss and deformation matter just as much as visible cracks
• The difference between “Good” and “Excellent” hail performance ratings
• Why not all “impact-resistant” shingles perform the same in real storms
• What homeowners should know when choosing a roof in hail-prone areas

If 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

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 weather
• What “positive anchorage” really means for elevated roof platforms
• Common issues with flashing, sealing, and deterioration at roof penetrations
• What’s required for re-roofing when HVAC units are elevated above the roof
• The documentation and compliance verification needed for FORTIFIED eligibility

If 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.

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, and
• When documentation from the shingle manufacturer may allow a diverter to remain installed

Whether 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.