A FORTIFIED Roof costs more than a standard roof replacement, typically 6% to 16% more depending on your home, materials, and contractor. But the upfront cost is only part of the picture. Insurance discounts, grant programs, and increased home value mean most homeowners recover that investment and come out ahead.
Lower Your Insurance Premium
Insurance companies recognize FORTIFIED roofs as lower risk. Many states require discounts for FORTIFIED-designated homes, and some insurers offer savings of 10% to 35% off the wind portion of your premium. In a coastal state, that adds up fast. Over ten years, those savings can easily exceed the cost difference between a standard roof and a FORTIFIED one.
Grants Are Available
Several states offer grant programs that pay part or all of the cost to re-roof to the FORTIFIED standard. Current programs include:
- Strengthen Alabama Homes, up to $10,000, no income limit
- My Safe Florida Home, up to $10,000 in matching grants
- Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, up to $10,000
- Strengthen Your Roof, up to $10,000 for North Carolina coastal policyholders
- SC Safe Home, up to $10,000
- Strengthen Oklahoma Homes, up to $10,000
- Strengthen Arkansas Homes, grants available
- FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund, up to $15,000 in AR, LA, MS, NM, TX
Programs open, close, and change amounts throughout the year. Check the resource map for what is currently available in your state.
Tax Incentives
Some states offer tax credits or deductions for homeowners who upgrade to the FORTIFIED standard. Louisiana offers tax credits up to $10,000 and deductions up to $5,000 for qualifying upgrades. Check your state resource page for what is currently available where you live.
FORTIFIED Roof Endorsements
Several states require insurers to offer a FORTIFIED Roof endorsement, which means if your roof is damaged and needs replacing after a covered claim, your insurer must offer to upgrade it to the FORTIFIED standard at no additional cost to you. For example, in North Carolina, eligible NCIUA policyholders can receive up to $5,000 toward a FORTIFIED upgrade after a covered loss. Check with your insurer to see if an endorsement is available for your policy.
Savings After a Catastrophic Storm
After a major storm, homeowners without a FORTIFIED Roof face the full cost of repairs, often with limited contractor availability and inflated prices. The data from Hurricane Sally clearly tells the story. IBHS field findings after the storm found that over 95% of FORTIFIED homes had little to no damage or insurance claims. A May 2025 peer-reviewed study by the University of Alabama's Center for Risk and Insurance Research confirmed those results, finding that FORTIFIED Roof homes had 73% fewer insurance claims and 72% lower total losses than standard-construction homes. The study estimates insurers would have saved $105.6 million if all homes in Sally's path had been built or retrofitted to the FORTIFIED Roof standard. The savings from avoided damage can far exceed the designation's upfront cost.
Increase Your Home Value
A FORTIFIED Roof designation can increase home value by up to 7%. It signals to buyers that the home is built to a higher standard, an advantage in coastal and storm-prone markets. At resale, a FORTIFIED designation can be a meaningful differentiator, particularly as more buyers in storm-prone states become aware of the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save on insurance with a FORTIFIED Roof?
Savings vary by state and insurer. In states with mandatory discount laws, homeowners typically save 10% to 35% off the wind portion of their premium. Contact your insurer directly to find out what discount is available on your policy.
Do I have to apply for a grant before I re-roof?
Yes. Most grant programs require you to apply and receive approval before work begins. Starting the roof before your grant is approved can disqualify you. Check the resource map and contact your state program before hiring a contractor.
Can I get both a grant and an insurance discount? Y
es. Grants cover part, or all of the upfront cost, and insurance discounts apply once your designation is issued. They are separate benefits, and most homeowners qualify for both.
What states have grant programs?
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arkansas currently have active programs. The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund covers Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Programs change regularly, so check the resource map for current availability.
Will a FORTIFIED Roof lower my flood insurance?
A FORTIFIED Roof designation specifically addresses wind and water intrusion through the roof. It does not affect flood insurance rates, which are based on your property's flood zone designation.
How do I find out what is available in my state?
The Don't Goof resource map is updated regularly and lists grants, insurance discounts, tax credits, and endorsements by state. Find What's Available in Your State
How long does a FORTIFIED Roof designation last?
A FORTIFIED designation is valid for five years. After that, a certified evaluator must inspect the roof and verify it still meets the standard before a new five-year certificate is issued. Some states require an active designation to maintain eligibility for insurance discounts. If your designation lapses, you may lose your premium discount until it is renewed.
How do I find a qualified contractor?
Use the IBHS professional directory to find FORTIFIED-certified roofers and evaluators in your area. Before hiring anyone, review the warning signs of contractor fraud; it is common in storm-prone markets and after major weather events. Learn how to avoid contractor fraud.