Fall Is for FORTIFIED: Why October Is the Smartest Month to Upgrade Your Roof on the Gulf Coast
October on the Gulf Coast is that in-between season… the kind that teases cool mornings but still keeps your hurricane app on standby. It’s calm, but it’s not quiet.
At Novare, we believe October is the smartest time of year to prepare for what’s next… because true peace of mind starts before the storms ever make headlines.
“The calm after hurricane season isn’t the time to relax… it’s the time to reinforce.”
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What “FORTIFIED” Really Means
The FORTIFIED® standard, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is a science-backed system designed to help your home stand stronger when it matters most.
It’s not a brand or a buzzword. It’s a set of construction methods proven to reduce storm damage and lower long-term maintenance costs. FORTIFIED homes across the Gulf Coast consistently show less water intrusion and fewer insurance claims after severe weather.
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The Four Details That Make All the Difference
1. 🔩 Ring-Shank Nails That Refuse to Let Go
These nails bite deeper and hold tighter especially where the wind tries hardest to lift (the edges and ridge).
2. 💧 A Sealed Roof Deck
If the shingles go, your home shouldn’t flood. A sealed deck keeps the water out even when the wind gets in.
3. 🛠️ Locked-Down Edges
Proper starter courses, edge metal, and flashing prevent that “peel-back” effect seen on traditional installs.
4. 🌬️ Materials Made for the Gulf
Salt air, humidity, and high winds aren’t generic conditions and neither are our solutions. Every fastener and flashing choice is made for this climate.
“We don’t build to code; we build to outlast.”
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The Truth About “Free Money” and Grant Programs
Yes, you’ve probably seen the ads: “Get a FORTIFIED Roof for free!”
The truth? Most grant programs come with long waitlists, paperwork bottlenecks, scheduling restrictions, and beat down pricing - leaving homeowners with minimal options, subpar work and little to no customer service. While we qualify to participate, we decided it was a hard pass.
At Novare, we believe your home shouldn’t wait on government timing. We streamline the process and deliver the FORTIFIED protection your family deserves now, without the red tape.
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Why October Is the Window That Makes Sense
• 🍂 Perfect Weather: Cooler temps and lower humidity mean cleaner deck seals and quicker cure times.
• 🗓️ Easier Scheduling: Our teams are available post-peak storm season for faster turnarounds.
• 🌧️ Forward Thinking: You’ll head into next spring’s storm season ready, not reactive.
• 🚫 No Delays: By working directly with Novare, you skip the funding hoops that slow other projects down.
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Your FORTIFIED Roof Checklist
When you hire Novare, you’re not just hiring a roofer. You’re hiring a partner who understands the science, the standards, and the South Alabama soil your home stands on.
✅ Tear-off and deck evaluation
✅ 8d ring-shank re-nailing per FORTIFIED pattern
✅ Sealed roof deck with ASTM D1970-approved materials
✅ Reinforced eaves, starter course, and flashing
✅ Wind-rated roofing per Gulf Coast design speeds
✅ Stainless or galvanized hardware for salt exposure zones
✅ Complete documentation for your peace of mind
“FORTIFIED isn’t a feature… it’s a philosophy.”
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Why Novare Does It Differently
At Novare, it’s never just a roof.
It’s your family’s first line of defense, your home’s protection plan, and your legacy under construction.
Our Fortified-certified team brings craftsmanship, transparency, and documentation to every project. We don’t chase rebates or rush jobs. We build with intention because we’re not just installing roofs; we’re setting standards.
Legacy > Scale. People > Profits. Always.
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Schedule Your FORTIFIED Evaluation
October appointments are now open across Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
If you’re ready to strengthen your home before the next storm season, our team will walk you through every detail of the FORTIFIED process… simply, clearly, and without the wait.