Kentucky homeowners now have a powerful tool to protect their homes — and their wallets.
The Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) Program is a state grant initiative that provides up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners to upgrade their roofs to FORTIFIED™ Roof standards, the nationally recognized storm-resilience benchmark developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program opened its application portal in March 2026 and is already processing approved grants.
At Knockout Inspections, we are certified FORTIFIED evaluators listed directly on the SKH program — and we’re ready to help Kentucky homeowners navigate every step of this process from start to finish.
What Is the Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program?
Kentucky’s severe weather track record is serious. The state averages 40 to 60 thunderstorms per year, with severe weather peaks in the spring bringing tornadoes, damaging hail, and high winds. In just six years, Kentucky experienced 15 federally declared weather disasters. That relentless weather pressure has made the roof the most critical — and most vulnerable — part of any Kentucky home.
The SKH Program was created in response. In April 2024, Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 256, establishing the program and allocating $5 million in grant funding to help residents make their homes more resilient before the next storm hits. The program is administered by the Kentucky Department of Insurance, and as of March 2026, grants are actively being approved and the first FORTIFIED roofs are being installed.
Applications are open now at skh.ky.gov. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from a finite $5 million pool. Waiting is a real risk.
How Much Can You Receive?
The SKH Program provides a single-tier grant of up to $10,000 toward the construction cost of a qualifying FORTIFIED Roof upgrade.
Key financial details:
- Grant funds are paid directly to your contractor upon project completion
- Homeowners are responsible for costs beyond the $10,000 grant amount
- Homeowners pay the evaluator’s inspection fees separately (these are not covered by the grant)
- Grant funding is limited to construction costs only — not evaluator fees, permit costs, or other soft costs
Who Is Eligible for the SKH Program?
Eligibility is statewide — every Kentucky county can participate, which sets this program apart from state initiatives with more limited geographic coverage.
To qualify, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
- You must be the owner of the property being upgraded
- The home must be your primary residence and you must be a Kentucky resident
- The home must be a single-family or multifamily property with four units or fewer
- The home must be in good repair as determined by a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator
- Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible
- Homes on dry-stack (unrestrained stacked masonry or stone) foundations are not eligible without an approved foundation retrofit
Multifamily properties with multiple owners require participation from all owners of the property.
What Is a FORTIFIED Roof System — and What Makes It Different?
A FORTIFIED roof is not a standard shingle replacement. It is a complete roof system upgrade that goes well beyond what Kentucky’s current building code requires. Every component works together as a system — engineered specifically around how roofs fail in severe weather.
Key improvements include:
- Sealed roof deck — a fully adhered underlayment that prevents water from entering the home even if shingles are lost in a storm
- Stronger roof attachment — ring-shank nails that grip the decking far more tightly than standard smooth-shank fasteners
- Reinforced roof edges — wider drip edge and fully adhered starter strip to prevent wind from getting underneath and ripping the roof away from the structure
- Impact-resistant shingles — capable of withstanding hail up to two inches in diameter, qualifying the home for a high wind and hail FORTIFIED designation
These aren’t theoretical improvements. Homes built to IBHS FORTIFIED standards have been tested by real storms — including hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe convective weather — and they consistently outperform standard code-built homes in post-storm damage assessments.
Standard Roof vs. FORTIFIED Roof: Side by Side
Here’s exactly how a FORTIFIED Roof compares to a standard replacement in Kentucky:
| Standard Roof | FORTIFIED Roof | |
|---|---|---|
|
Meets Kentucky building code |
Yes |
Yes — and exceeds it |
|
Sealed Roof Deck |
No |
Yes |
|
Ring-shank nail deck fastening |
No |
Yes |
|
Impact-resistant shingles (hail) |
No |
Yes — up to 2″ hail |
|
Reinforced roof edges |
No |
Yes |
|
Independent IBHS certification |
No |
Yes |
|
Insurance premium discount |
Not required |
Mandatory by Kentucky law (HB 256) |
|
Storm damage rider available |
No |
Yes — required by HB 256 |
|
Eligible for $10,000 SKH Grant |
No |
Yes |
|
Resale value uplift |
Standard |
Documented advantage |
What Does a FORTIFIED Roof Cost in Kentucky?
This is the question most homeowners ask first — and it’s the right one to ask.
A full FORTIFIED Roof replacement in Kentucky typically runs between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on the size of your home, the pitch and complexity of your roof, and the specific materials required to meet IBHS standards. Larger homes, steeper pitches, and roofs with multiple valleys or dormers will sit toward the higher end of that range.
Here’s where the SKH Program changes the math significantly.
With a $10,000 grant paid directly to your contractor, a substantial portion of the project cost is already covered. For many Kentucky homeowners — particularly those with smaller or simpler roofs — the out-of-pocket cost after the grant can be minimal.
There is one additional cost to plan for: the certified evaluator fee. At Knockout Inspections, our evaluation fee covers both the pre-construction inspection and the post-construction certification that triggers the grant payment to your contractor. Think of it this way — that fee is the key that unlocks $10,000 in state funding. Here’s exactly what a FORTIFIED Evaluator does at each stage.
Important: grant funds are paid directly to your contractor once the post-construction certification is complete. You don’t front the money and wait for reimbursement.
Is a FORTIFIED Roof Worth It?
Even if the SKH Program didn’t exist, the answer for most Kentucky homeowners would still be yes. And in Kentucky specifically, there’s a financial argument that goes well beyond the grant itself.
Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your home.
Kentucky doesn’t get a break from severe weather. The state has recorded 15 federally declared weather disasters in just six years. Standard roofs are built to code — which means they’re built to survive typical conditions, not the outlier events that cause the most damage. A FORTIFIED roof is engineered for exactly those conditions: tornadoes, large hail, high straight-line winds, and the severe convective storms that move through the region every spring.
The insurance discount is mandatory — not optional.
House Bill 256 requires insurance carriers to offer actuarially justified premium discounts for homes that achieve a FORTIFIED designation. In established FORTIFIED markets like Alabama, premium reductions of 20 to 30 percent on wind and storm coverage are common — here’s how Alabama’s program has played out. Kentucky homeowners are now entitled to the same.
It performed when it counted.
When Hurricane Sally struck the Gulf Coast in 2020, FORTIFIED homes performed dramatically better than neighboring homes built to standard code. Sealed roof decks kept interiors dry even when shingles were stripped. Enhanced edge metal held where conventional roofs peeled back. Ring-shank nails kept decking attached where smooth-shank nails pulled out. The same system that protected Gulf Coast homes from a Category 2 hurricane is what will protect your Kentucky home when the next major storm moves through.
It adds real value to your home.
A FORTIFIED designation is increasingly recognized by buyers, insurers, and appraisers as a measurable quality indicator. Here’s what Kentucky home buyers should know about FORTIFIED homes. As the SKH Program expands awareness across Kentucky and more homeowners pursue certification, FORTIFIED-designated homes will carry a distinct advantage in the resale market.
With $10,000 in grant funding, mandatory insurance discounts written into law, and a stronger, more resilient home as the outcome, the question isn’t really whether a FORTIFIED roof is worth it. It’s whether you can afford to let this opportunity pass.
A Mandatory Insurance Discount — Not Just a Perk
Here’s what makes Kentucky’s program particularly powerful for homeowners: insurance savings are not optional. Kentucky House Bill 256 includes a requirement that insurers offer actuarially justified discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums for homes that achieve a FORTIFIED designation. Insurance carriers are also required to offer an optional policy rider that covers the cost of a FORTIFIED roof if a storm damages the existing roof. Learn more about FORTIFIED resources for Kentucky homeowners.
The Role of a Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator
The SKH Program cannot move forward without a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator. The evaluator is the licensed professional who determines whether your home qualifies for the grant, documents the required scope of work, and certifies that the completed project meets IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standards.
Knockout Inspections is listed as a certified evaluator on the official SKH program. We are ready to assist you through both phases of the required evaluation process.
Pre-Construction Evaluation
Before a single shingle is removed, a FORTIFIED Evaluator must assess your home to confirm it is in good repair and eligible for the upgrade. This evaluation documents the current condition of the roof and outlines exactly what work must be completed to achieve FORTIFIED Roof certification. This step is required — you cannot skip straight to hiring a roofer. The program requires evaluator sign-off before construction begins.
Post-Construction Verification and Certification
After the contractor completes the roof upgrade, the evaluator returns to verify that every element of the installation meets IBHS standards. This verification is what triggers the grant payment to your contractor and earns your home its official FORTIFIED designation from IBHS. Both evaluations are your financial responsibility as the homeowner, separate from the grant.
How Knockout Inspections Helps Kentucky Homeowners
Knockout Inspections brings certified FORTIFIED expertise to the SKH process. Here’s what working with us looks like from start to finish:
Step 1: Pre-Application Guidance
We help you understand the program requirements before you apply, so there are no surprises. We review your property type, ownership status, and roof condition to give you an honest assessment of your eligibility and what to expect.
Step 2: Create Your SKH Profile
Homeowners must create a profile and submit their application through the official SKH portal at skh.ky.gov. We walk you through this process and help you understand what documentation you’ll need.
Step 3: Pre-Construction Evaluation
Once your application is approved, we perform the required pre-construction inspection — assessing your roof’s current condition, confirming your home’s eligibility, and documenting the scope of work required for FORTIFIED certification.
Step 4: Contractor Selection Support
The SKH Program requires you to use program-approved contractors. We help you understand what to look for and how to verify that your contractor is certified to perform FORTIFIED work under the program.
Step 5: Post-Construction Certification
After your new roof is installed, we perform the final verification inspection and submit the required documentation so your home receives its official FORTIFIED Roof designation from IBHS — and the grant funds are released to your contractor.
Why the Evaluator You Choose Matters
Not all inspectors understand FORTIFIED standards at the level required by the SKH Program. The documentation requirements are specific. The standards are technical. And if the post-construction inspection doesn’t pass, neither does the grant payment.
Knockout Inspections specializes in FORTIFIED evaluation. We’ve built our reputation helping homeowners earn FORTIFIED Roof, Silver, and Gold certifications — the same standards, the same rigor, applied to every Kentucky home we serve.
The SKH program is moving fast. Grants are being approved. The first roofs are already being installed. And the $5 million funding pool is finite. See how similar programs in Louisiana and Alabama have moved through their funding pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SKH Program available in my county?
Yes. Unlike some state programs with limited geographic coverage, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program is open to homeowners statewide across all Kentucky counties.
When can I apply?
The application portal is open now at skh.ky.gov. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from a finite $5 million pool — don’t wait.
What does a FORTIFIED roof cost in Kentucky?
A full FORTIFIED Roof replacement in Kentucky typically runs between $12,000 and $25,000 depending on home size, roof complexity, and materials. The $10,000 SKH grant offsets a significant portion of that cost, and for many homeowners — particularly those with smaller or simpler roofs — the out-of-pocket expense after the grant is minimal.
Does the grant cover the full cost of the roof?
The grant covers up to $10,000 in construction costs, paid directly to your contractor. Homeowners are responsible for any costs beyond that amount, as well as the evaluator’s inspection fees, which are paid separately and are not covered by the grant.
Is a FORTIFIED roof worth it without the grant?
Yes, for most Kentucky homeowners. A FORTIFIED roof provides measurably better storm performance against the tornadoes, large hail, and high winds Kentucky experiences regularly. House Bill 256 mandates that insurance carriers offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED-certified homes — a financial benefit that continues every year you own the home. The grant makes the decision straightforward, but the roof stands on its own merits regardless.
What is a FORTIFIED roof system?
A FORTIFIED Roof is a complete roofing system built to standards developed by IBHS. It goes significantly beyond Kentucky’s standard building code by requiring ring-shank nails for stronger deck attachment, a sealed roof deck to prevent water intrusion, reinforced roof edges to resist wind uplift, and impact-resistant shingles rated to withstand hail up to two inches in diameter. Every component works together as a system — not just upgraded shingles on a standard deck.
What makes a roof FORTIFIED — and what’s the difference from a regular roof replacement?
A standard roof replacement brings your home up to current Kentucky building code. A FORTIFIED replacement brings it to a higher, independently verified standard engineered around how roofs actually fail in severe weather. The difference is in the details: how the deck is attached, how the edges are secured, and whether the system can keep water out even if the outer layer is damaged.
How long does the FORTIFIED certification process take?
From your initial assessment with Knockout Inspections through completed certification, most projects run four to eight weeks depending on contractor scheduling and material availability. The pre-construction inspection happens before work begins, and the post-construction certification happens once the installation is complete. Grant payment is released to the contractor after the final certification.
Will a FORTIFIED roof lower my insurance premium?
Yes — and in Kentucky, this isn’t optional. House Bill 256 requires insurance carriers to offer actuarially justified premium discounts for homes achieving a FORTIFIED designation. Individual discount amounts will vary by insurer and policy, but the discount is mandated by state law. Carriers are also required to offer a policy rider that covers the cost of a FORTIFIED replacement if a storm damages your existing roof.
Does the grant cover my evaluator fees?
No. The grant is limited to construction costs and is paid directly to your contractor. Evaluator fees are your responsibility as the homeowner, separate from the grant.
Can I use any roofer?
No. The SKH Program requires the use of program-approved, FORTIFIED-certified contractors. Knockout Inspections can help you identify qualified contractors in your area and walk you through what to look for when comparing quotes.
What if my home needs foundation repairs?
Homes on dry-stack (unrestrained stacked masonry or stone) foundations are not eligible for the SKH Program unless an approved foundation retrofit is completed first. Contact us and we can discuss your specific situation.
What happens after I receive my FORTIFIED designation?
You’ll receive an official FORTIFIED Roof certificate from IBHS, which you can use to notify your insurance carrier and begin the process of obtaining your mandatory premium discount under House Bill 256.
Take the First Step Today
The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program is one of the most significant home improvement grant opportunities Kentucky homeowners have ever had — with the added benefit of mandatory insurance savings written directly into state law.
But funding is limited, and grants are moving. The $5 million pool is first-come, first-served. Don’t wait.
Contact Knockout Inspections today to schedule your pre-construction evaluation, get your questions answered, and make sure your home is positioned to receive the FORTIFIED Roof designation and the full $10,000 grant.
Your home has faced Kentucky’s storms. Let’s make it FORTIFIED.