What you need to know about
Louisiana fortify homes program
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What is it?
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 helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount awarded by the program and may need to pay some costs upfront since grant checks are issued to contractors only after job completion.
What is a FORTIFIED Evaluation?
A FORTIFIED™ Evaluation is performed by a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator, such as Knockout Inspections, and is a required step in the grant process that determines whether the home can be upgraded under the LFHP and what work is needed to upgrade the home. An evaluation is also performed after the work is complete to confirm the home was properly upgraded to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard.
What is a FORTIFIED Evaluation?
This Louisiana Fortify Homes Grant Program requires the involvement of a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator. Knockout Inspections has a team of licensed and certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluators ready to assist you!
About FORTIFIED Roof Standards
The wind mitigation standard adopted by the LFHP is known as the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard and was developed by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). All materials used in the Fortified standard have been extensively tested and approved. FORTIFIED roofs require the use of ring-shank nails instead of common smooth nails to enhance attachment strength. Fortified homes in Louisiana are built or retrofitted to IBHS standards to resist high winds, heavy rain, and hail from hurricanes. Please refer to the IBHS site for more information about specific materials e.g., metal roof panels. More information about the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard is available at www.fortifiedhome.org. Wind mitigation consists of construction methods that strengthen a building against severe storms, high winds and wind-driven rain. Learn more about mitigation-related tax deductions and premium discounts by clicking here.
Why Buy a fortified home in Louisiana?
Safety, Savings, & Smarter Investing.
SAFETY
FORTIFIED Home Program was created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It is a voluntary construction and re-roofing Program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes and even tornados. By choosing FORTIFIED, you are getting protection that goes beyond even the strictest code.
SAVINGS
Insurance companies agree: FORTIFIED protects homes and reduces damage. When you purchase a FORTIFIED Home at any level of certification (Roof, Silver or Gold), you will be eligible to receive insurance discounts from most carriers. Discounts will depend on the state and carrier, but will typically average between 30-50% reduced payments.
SMARTER INVESTING
The risk of resale dramatically reduces with a FORTIFIED Home. As long as you renew your FORTIFIED certification every 5 years, the value of your home will remain high and desirable due to the benefits of safety and insurance discounts. Knockout’s team of FORTIFIED Evaluators will be here to make sure your renewal inspections go smoothly when the time comes.
MAKE SURE IT’S FORTIFIED
It’s important to note that just because a listing description says a home is FORTIFIED, it’s still worth confirming before committing. There are several ‘Caveat Emptor’ states in the US (including Alabama), which basically means it is the buyer’s responsibility to ask for information before purchasing the home.
levels of FORTIFIED certification
You’ve probably heard the term “FORTIFIED,” but what does it mean? We’ve broken down the three levels of certification (Gold, Silver & Roof) to make things clear.
The National Standard of Resilience | FORTIFIED Roof | FORTIFIED Silver | FORTIFIED Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
Enhanced Roof Deck Attachment | YES | YES | YES |
Sealed Roof Deck | YES | YES | YES |
Locked Down Roof Edges | YES | YES | YES |
Impact-Resistant Shingles Rated by IBHS** | YES | YES | YES |
Wind and Rain-Resistant Attic Vents | YES | YES | YES |
Impact Protection for Windows & Doors* | YES | YES | |
Impact* & Pressure-Rated Garage Doors | YES | YES | |
Chimney Bracing | YES | YES | |
Reinforced Soffits* | YES | YES | |
Anchored Attached Structures | YES | YES | |
Gable End Bracing | YES | YES | |
Pressure-Rated Windows & Doors* | YES | ||
Stronger Exterior Sheathing* | YES | ||
Engineered Roof-to-Wall Connections | YES | ||
Engineered Story-to-Story Connections | YES | ||
Engineered Wall-to-Foundation Connections | YES | ||
*Required in Hurricane Prone Areas Only **Required in Hail Prone Areas Only |
Eligibility Requirements
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is designed to help Louisiana homeowners strengthen their primary residence against severe weather, including hurricane-force winds and even tornadoes. To qualify for this home program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, ensuring that grant funds are directed to those most in need of increased home safety and resilience.
Primary Residence and Homestead Exemption
To be eligible, you must own and occupy your primary residence in Louisiana. The property must have a valid homestead exemption and be located in an area prone to severe weather events, such as a special flood hazard area.
Home Condition and Fortified Roof Standard
Your home should be in good repair and able to be upgraded to the Fortified Roof Standard, which includes features like a sealed roof deck and impact resistant shingles. Only homes that meet these standards, as determined by a Fortified Evaluator, can participate in the program.
Application Process and Lottery Registration
The application process for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is managed through the LFHP system on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Homeowners must create a profile and submit their application during open enrollment periods, which are announced periodically. Because demand is high, applicants are selected through a lottery registration process, making it important to apply as soon as the window opens.
Working with Approved Contractors
If selected, homeowners will work with approved contractors to upgrade their roofs to the Fortified Roof Standard. The LFHP grant covers a portion of the costs, making it more affordable to strengthen homes and reduce the risk of roof damage from high winds and severe weather.
Insurance Premium Discounts and Program Support
Many insurers recognize the value of a Fortified designation and offer premium discounts on insurance policies for homes that meet the standard, providing Louisiana homeowners with significant savings. Premium reductions often range from 20% to 55% on the wind and hail portions of insurance policies.
After upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof, homeowners should present their FORTIFIED Roof certificate to their insurer to secure these discounts. Beyond insurance savings, investing in a FORTIFIED roof can also enhance a home’s long-term property value, and the certificate can be transferred to new owners to maintain these benefits.
Getting Started
The Louisiana Department of Insurance guides homeowners through eligibility, application, and contractor collaboration. Upgrading to a Fortified roof offers peace of mind, lower insurance costs, and enhanced home safety.
To get started, review eligibility, create your LFHP profile, and apply during the next lottery. Strengthen your home, reduce risks, and benefit from the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.
FAQS
Homeowners must visit www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes to create a profile in the LFHP system and submit an online grant application. The application opens periodically and accepts a limited number of applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants must sign all required documents, report and provide documentation for all homeowner claims filed in the past 5 years, upload a declarations page showing wind coverage, and disclose any open insurance claims.
Most primary residences, including duplexes and similar structures, are eligible for the program. New construction homes, condominiums and mobile homes do not qualify.
Homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence.
They will be asked to verify they have a homestead exemption on the property during the application process.
Homeowners must provide proof of an in-force wind insurance policy.
If the home is in a Special Flood Hazard area, proof of an in-force flood insurance policy is required.
The home must be in good repair.
The home must be eligible for upgrade to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard as determined by a FORTIFIED™ Evaluation.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance manages the selection of contractors through the LFHP grant program. Homeowners must obtain bids from at least three insurance department-approved contractors who can do the work.
Contractors must begin work within 90 days of approval to remain eligible for grant funding. Homeowners must ensure their contractor understands the procedures and requirements of the FORTIFIED program and that contractors receive all applicable building permits from the local building inspector’s office.
Homeowners may qualify for a state tax deduction of up to $5,000 for voluntary retrofitting for FORTIFIED standards.
Please contact LFHP if you have questions concerning eligibility for the program. If you have questions about the FORTIFIED process or designation, please contact Knockout.
get fortified
Call us today to discuss how we can help get your home FORTIFIED