Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What does it take to build a stronger roof without dramatically changing the way you build?
Jordan Smith visits a Habitat for Humanity community in Fort Worth that’s adding the first step in resilience to every home: a FORTIFIED Roof. Sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), this episode explores the FORTIFIED program with special guest Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, and explains how research-backed building practices help homes better withstand high winds while reducing the cost of storm damage when failures occur.
Jordan and Fred discuss how IBHS puts homes to the test in their 6-story wind tunnel at their Research Center, replicating realistic weather conditions including Category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, with winds up to 130 mph. That science led to the development of the FORTFIED standard that identifies the practical construction upgrades, like stronger roof attachments, sealed roof decks and improved edge details, proven to better withstand severe weather with little additional cost.
They also highlight how stronger homes can remain affordable through thoughtful design, available grants, and the latest building science.
Whether you're a builder, roofer, contractor or housing professional, you'll gain practical insights into the building science behind stronger, resilient homes.
Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Learn more at:
FORTIFIED Home: fortifiedhome.org
FORTIFIED Wise: fortifiedwise.com
Financial Incentives: fortifiedhome.org/incentives
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: ibhs.org
Research Behind FORTIFIED: ibhs.org/wind/residential-fortified-demonstrations
RSVP For BuildShowLive 2026 in San Antonio - Tickets on Sale May 1st bsl.buildshownetwork.com/EWfSx
➤CHANNELS:
Podcasts: @BuildShowPodcasts
Build Experts: @BuildShowNetwork
Build Show Live: @BuildShowLive
➤BUILD GEAR STORE:
build-gearstore.com
➤SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
Apple: apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FXNg4X
➤SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:
buildshownetwork.com/newsletter
➤ADVERTISE WITH US:
buildproductions.com
➤LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILDING:
thebuildshow.com
➤SOCIALS:
Instagram: instagram.com/risingerbuild
Instagram: instagram.com/thebuildshow
Facebook: facebook.com/buildshownetwork
➤THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
⚝ ARCLIN: arclin.com
⚝ HUBER: huberwood.com
⚝ PELLA: pella.com
These are trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years, and their support helps make these videos possible. We highly encourage you to visit their websites for more information.
What does it take to build a stronger roof without dramatically changing the way you build?
Jordan Smith visits a Habitat for Humanity community in Fort Worth that’s adding the first step in resilience to every home: a FORTIFIED Roof. Sponsored by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), this episode explores the FORTIFIED program with special guest Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, and explains how research-backed building practices help homes better withstand high winds while reducing the cost of storm damage when failures occur.
Jordan and Fred discuss how IBHS puts homes to the test in their 6-story wind tunnel at their Research Center, replicating realistic weather conditions including Category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, with winds up to 130 mph. That science led to the development of the FORTFIED standard that identifies the practical construction upgrades, like stronger roof attachments, sealed roof decks and improved edge details, proven to better withstand severe weather with little additional cost.
They also highlight how stronger homes can remain affordable through thoughtful design, available grants, and the latest building science.
Whether you're a builder, roofer, contractor or housing professional, you'll gain practical insights into the building science behind stronger, resilient homes.
Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Learn more at:
FORTIFIED Home: fortifiedhome.org
FORTIFIED Wise: fortifiedwise.com
Financial Incentives: fortifiedhome.org/incentives
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety: ibhs.org
Research Behind FORTIFIED: ibhs.org/wind/residential-fortified-demonstrations
RSVP For BuildShowLive 2026 in San Antonio - Tickets on Sale May 1st bsl.buildshownetwork.com/EWfSx
➤CHANNELS:
Podcasts: @BuildShowPodcasts
Build Experts: @BuildShowNetwork
Build Show Live: @BuildShowLive
➤BUILD GEAR STORE:
build-gearstore.com
➤SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
Apple: apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: spoti.fi/3FXNg4X
➤SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER:
buildshownetwork.com/newsletter
➤ADVERTISE WITH US:
buildproductions.com
➤LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILDING:
thebuildshow.com
➤SOCIALS:
Instagram: instagram.com/risingerbuild
Instagram: instagram.com/thebuildshow
Facebook: facebook.com/buildshownetwork
➤THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
⚝ ARCLIN: arclin.com
⚝ HUBER: huberwood.com
⚝ PELLA: pella.com
These are trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years, and their support helps make these videos possible. We highly encourage you to visit their websites for more information.
