Fortify Homes Grants
Introducing the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.
It grants up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The program will help Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Grants are offered through the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
Approved FORTIFIED™ Contractor
Roofing Masters of Louisiana is now certified and approved to install your FORTIFIED Roof(TM) under the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program!
What is a FORTIFIED Roof™?
A program of IBHS, a FORTIFIED Roof is a collection of construction upgrades that work together to protect your home from severe weather. Each FORTIFIED solution includes enhancements specifically designed to give your home the level of protection you want from the weather your home faces.
BENEFITS
Stronger Edges
To prevent wind from getting underneath the roof edge and ripping it away, FORTIFIED requires specific materials and installation methods, including a wider drip edge and fully adhered starter strip.
Sealed Roof Deck
FORTIFIED roof decks must be sealed to prevent water damage that typically comes through exposed wood decking when roof coverings are blown away.
Better Attachment
FORTIFIED requires ring-shank nails instead of common smooth nails, which help keep the roof attached to your home in high winds. This nearly doubles the strength of your roof against wind.
Impact-Resistant shingles
For the optional hail supplement to a FORTIFIED designation, the standard requires stronger shingles that can withstand hail up to two inches in diameter, offering better protection for your home.
Eligibility
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- Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption on the property if selected for a grant.
- Homeowners must provide proof of an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage if selected for a grant. If they live in a Special Flood Hazard Area as designated by FEMA, they must also provide proof of a flood insurance policy. Contact your agent if you are unsure whether you have these coverages.
- New construction homes, condominiums and mobile homes do not qualify.
- Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are NOT eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.
- Duplexes and similar structures are eligible if the building is the homeowner’s primary residence and if the homeowner can verify the homestead exemption on the property.
- Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator. Homeowners are responsible for paying evaluation fees for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator. A list of approved Evaluators is available here.
- Homeowners who select a Contractor and begin work on the project before receiving approval from the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will not be eligible for a grant.
- The completed project must meet the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard in order to receive the grant funding.
- Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.
- We recommend confirming there is at least one FORTIFIED™ Contractor that is able to perform the work before paying for an Evaluator to inspect the home.
- Homeowners should confirm there is at least one FORTIFIED™ Contractor that is able to perform work before paying for an Evaluator to inspect the home. During the grant process, you will be asked to submit at least three bids from Contractors to the LFHP for review. If you hire a Contractor and begin work before acceptance into the grant program, you will not be eligible for the grant. A list of approved Contractors is available here.
Approved FORTIFIED™ Contractor
We appreciate you choosing Roofing Masters of Louisiana for one of your bids!
FIRST COME – FIRST SERVED
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its next round of grants for all eligible Louisiana homeowners at noon on November 27. Homeowners who are interested in the program are urged to create a profile before November 27.
** Click here for detailed instructions on creating a profile in the LFHP system. Please note, homeowners will need to log in to their profile before applying for a grant during an open application period. **
The grant application process will open periodically and accept a limited number of applications on a first-come, first-served basis each time the application process opens. Subscribe for updates.
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Grants are offered through the Louisiana Department of Insurance.