Paying for a new roof out of pocket these days is not pocket change and usually stays on the bottom of the to-do list for most homeowners. Several states now offer grants to incentivize and encourage strengthening homes and re-roofing to the FORTIFIED standard.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ can double the uplift strength of the roof, reduce water intrusion by up to 95%, and increase home value by an average of 7%. There are three steps to a FORTIFIED Roof: re-nail the roof deck with 8D ring shank nails, seal the roof deck and lock it in with a drip edge.
The following federal and state programs are available. Please check each website or contact the grant administrator for more information.
Federal - USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
The USDA offers grants of up to $10,000. These grants can be used for any housing repair, including re-roofing. To receive a grant, participants must meet several qualifications: be 62 years or older, be unable to repay their repair loan, be in the very low-income bracket set by HUD, and live in the house (primary residence).
Alabama - Strengthen Alabama Homes
The Strengthen Alabama Homes grant program provides up to $10,000 to re-roof to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard. There are no income limitations, the house must be a primary residence, and the homeowner must have an insurance policy, including wind insurance, after the roof is completed. Homeowners may also choose to meet the FORTIFIED Silver designation if they choose. The next application date is January 3, 2023.
North Carolina - Strengthen Your Roof
The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) offers eligible policyholders the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $6,000 to install a FORTIFIED Roof™. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and only 2,500 will be awarded in 2022.
South Carolina - SC Safe Home
The SC Safe Home grant program provides up to $5,000 to retrofit coastal homes. Roofs can qualify for a dual certification if the homeowner uses the FORTIFIED Roof standard. This program will re-open in December 2022.
Louisiana - The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program legislation was passed in 2022, and the grant program is currently under development. There is no official date for accepting applications.