Asphalt Shingles - 15 Year Redesignation Eligibility

A major change is coming to FORTIFIED Home™ re-designations—and if your home has asphalt shingles, you need to understand what it means.In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, our AI Experts, informed by Knockout Inspections, break down IBHS Technical Bulletin FH 2026-03 and the new re-designation eligibility requirements for homes with asphalt shingle roof systems.Under the new requirements, a FORTIFIED Home with asphalt shingles can generally remain eligible for designation for up to 15 years from the applicable starting point. Because FORTIFIED designations are generally renewed every five years, that effectively limits a qualifying asphalt-shingle roof to the initial designation plus two five-year re-designations before roof replacement is needed to restart eligibility. For an existing roof with a known installation date, however, the 15-year period is measured from the documented roof installation date, not necessarily the initial FORTIFIED designation date. If the installation date is unknown, the home is eligible for a single initial designation term of up to five years and cannot be re-designated until the asphalt shingle roof covering is replaced. We also explain when the new rule takes effect, how it applies to FORTIFIED Roof™, Silver and Gold properties, what happens when an existing designation extends beyond the new eligibility limit, and how replacing an asphalt shingle roof can begin a new eligibility period.One distinction is especially important: the new 15-year limit is a FORTIFIED re-designation eligibility requirement. It does not establish the service life of asphalt shingles or automatically mean a 15-year-old roof needs replacement for other purposes. If you own a FORTIFIED home, are planning to build or re-roof one, or work in roofing, insurance, real estate, construction, or home inspections, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.Have questions about how the new requirements may apply to your home? Contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO (855-463-6756) or visit fortifiedhome.com.