Applications Open for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program

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.

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

• Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence and must verify they have a homestead exemption if selected for a grant.
• 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.

Yes. The grant can be used to pay the difference between your insurance claim payment and the cost of an upgraded FORTIFIED roof. Homeowners who have an open claim or had a claim for the repair or replacement of the roof must disclose the claim information during the grant process.

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 all costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant, which is limited to construction costs.

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.

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.