From the high-velocity winds of the Gulf Coast to the unpredictable storms of the Midwest, severe weather is no longer a rare occurrence—it’s an annual reality. For roofing contractors, this shift has created a massive demand for systems that do more than just meet the minimum code. Homeowners are looking for “storm-proof” peace of mind.
The FORTIFIED™ program provides the scientific blueprint for that protection, and STINGER provides the tools and materials to execute it without sacrificing job site speed. FORTIFIED is an optional, voluntary upgrade for the homeowner, and STINGER tools and underlayments provide moisture protection on every single job, whether you are going for the official certification or just building a standard code roof.
The FORTIFIED Advantage: Science-Backed Protection
Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction standard that goes beyond traditional building codes. It addresses the specific failure points of a roof during high-wind events, hail, and hurricanes.
By upgrading to a FORTIFIED Roof, contractors provide:
- Superior Durability: Structures designed to withstand winds that typically tear apart standard builds.
- Water Intrusion Defense: A system that keeps water out even if the primary roof covering (shingles or metal) is blown away.
- Financial Incentives: In many regions, a FORTIFIED certification translates directly into insurance discounts and increased property value for the homeowner.
STINGER: The Fast Track to Compliance
Meeting the rigorous requirements of a FORTIFIED Roof often implies a slower, more meticulous installation. STINGER flips that narrative, offering a system of underlayments and fasteners designed to hit those high standards with peak efficiency.
1. Creating a Sealed Roof Deck with EXO Underlayments
A sealed deck is the heartbeat of the FORTIFIED standard. STINGER EXO Synthetic Underlayments act as a secondary moisture barrier that stays intact when the elements are at their worst.
- Precision Layout: Every roll features a pre-printed fastening pattern, ensuring your crew hits the exact spacing required for FORTIFIED compliance.
- Job Site Safety: With a slip-resistant backing and spunbond surface, these underlayments prioritize the safety of your crew during installation.
- Efficiency Hack: Use EXO25 FIT (half-width rolls) at the eaves and ridges. This allows you to meet “staggered double-layer” requirements without wasting full-width rolls, saving approximately one full roll per 25 squares.
2. Maximum Grip with CN100B and NailPac®
The strength of a roof is only as good as its connection to the deck. FORTIFIED requires 1″ plastic caps paired with ring-shank nails to prevent wind uplift.
The STINGER CN100B Cap Nailer and NAILPAC fasteners are the pro’s choice for this requirement:
- Superior Hold: Ring-shank nails provide the lateral and uplift resistance necessary to prevent blow-offs.
- Speed: The pneumatic tool allows crews to secure underlayment at a pace that manual hammers can’t match.
Watertight Seal: The 1″ caps create a compression seal at every penetration point, blocking water from entering through the fastener holes.
Performance Comparison: Standard vs Stinger & fortified
| Feature | Standard Roof | STINGER & FORTIFIED Backed Products |
| Secondary Barrier | Often minimal or felt | EXO Synthetic Underlayment |
| Fastening | Standard staples/nails | 1″ Plastic Caps & Ring-Shank Nails |
| Wind Resistance | Varies by local code | Engineered for high-wind & hurricanes |
| Installation Tool | Manual hammer | Pneumatic CN100B Cap Nailer |
Build for the Long Haul
When the storm clears, your reputation is what remains. By combining the building science of the FORTIFIED program with the high-performance delivery of STINGER underlayments and tools, you aren’t just installing a roof—you’re building a shield.
Protect your clients’ homes and your business’s reputation by raising the standard on every project.