Fortify Homes

The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its first round of grants for Louisiana Citizens policyholders at noon on October 2. Homeowners who are interested in the program are urged to create a profile before October 2.

Once we begin accepting applications on October 2, Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grants will be available only to policyholders who have insurance through Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Homeowners who apply for a grant without having insurance coverage through Citizens will be removed from the offering. Grants will be opened to all homeowners later this year.

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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.

ELIGIBILITY:

Homeowners interested in the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program should understand the following details and requirements before applying. Please Contact Us if you have any questions about these items:

Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption on the property during the application process.

Homeowners must provide proof of an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage. 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, which typically cost a total of $300 to $500 for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator. A list of approved Evaluators is available here.

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. A list of approved Contractors 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.

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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.

FAQ:

For questions about the IBHS FORTIFIED standards, materials, or Certification Process, please go to www.fortifiedhome.org for more information

What is the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP)?

The LFHP grants up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program will help Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds and other severe weather.

What is the FORTIFIED Roof standard?

The wind mitigation standard adopted by the LFHP is known as the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard. Based on decades of research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornados. More information about the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard is available at www.fortifiedhome.org. Learn more about mitigation-related tax deductions and premium discounts by clicking here.

When will the grant program open?

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. Those interested in the program may sign up for announcements about upcoming grant application dates here.

How do I apply?

Homeowners must visit www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes to create a profile in the LFHP system. This can be done at any time. Once the homeowner has created a profile, they can sign up for announcements about upcoming grant application dates here. 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.

What types of homes are eligible?

Most primary residences, including duplexes and similar structures, are eligible for the program. New construction homes, condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible.

What requirements must a homeowner meet to be eligible?

Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption during the application process. Homeowners must also have an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage. 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. The home must also be in good repair and eligible for a FORTIFIED Home designation as determined by a FORTIFIED™ Evaluation and IBHS. Properties must meet eligibility criteria described in the 2020 FORTIFIED Standard and associated technical documents as published by the IBHS.

What is a FORTIFIED Evaluation?

FORTIFIED™ Evaluators are independent, third-party professionals who have been trained and certified in FORTIFIED™ standard requirements. They document and verify the entire construction process to ensure program requirements are met. They work with all parties involved to help the process goes smoothly. The FORTIFIED™ Evaluation is performed by a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator and is a required step in the grant process that determines whether the home is eligible to be upgraded to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard and what work is needed to upgrade the home. The evaluation process continues through completion of the work to confirm the home is properly upgraded to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard. The Evaluator will provide a report to IBHS and obtain the FORTIFIED™ Roof certificate. Homeowners are responsible for paying evaluation fees, which typically cost a total of $300 to $500 for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator. A list of approved Evaluators is available here.

How much is a LFHP grant?

The grant will cover up to $10,000 in construction costs for the roof upgrade and will be paid directly to the contractor upon completion of the project and submission of required paperwork, including the FORTIFIED™ certificate from IBHS. Homeowners will pay a grantee will pay all costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant, which is limited to construction costs.

When do I choose a Contractor?

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.

Can I receive a grant for a roof that is already being upgraded or that was recently upgraded to the FORTIFIED standard?

No, homeowners must apply for and be awarded a grant before selecting a Contractor and beginning construction.

Can the grant be used to help pay for repairs if my roof is damaged?

Yes. The grant can be used to pay the difference between your insurance claim payment and the cost of an upgraded FORTIFIED roof.

What is a FORTIFIED designation certificate?

A FORTIFIED designation is written certification that a home or business has been built, renovated, or re-roofed according to FORTIFIED standards. The designation certificate is issued by IBHS after reviewing the documentation provided by a FORTIFIED Evaluator. A FORTIFIED designation is required to receive LFHP grant funding.

How long does a designation last?

FORTIFIED designations last five years. Because the condition of a home changes over time, it is important to periodically confirm it still meets the rigorous requirements of a FORTIFIED designation. A simple re-designation inspection through a FORTIFIED Evaluator verifying there have been no substantial changes to the structure and that the roof covering is within its life expectancy is typically all that is required to renew the designation for another five-year period. A reminder letter is sent to the address of the home that was upgraded to the FORTIFIED standard. Designation certificates are transferable upon a home sale.

How do I receive a discount on my insurance premium after work is complete?

After the work is complete and your home is upgraded to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard, you will be issued a certificate that can be shared with your insurer for a discount on your premium. When you sell the house, the certificate can be passed along to the new owner. FORTIFIED™ Roof certificates are good for five years, and homeowners will need to retain an Evaluator to reinspect the home to renew the certification.

CONTACT:

EMAIL: fortify@ldi.la.gov
PHONE : (225) 342-0111

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