The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) is a state-sponsored initiative designed to help homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes by upgrading their roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Below are the key details of the program, tailored to assist homeowners interested in working with Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC:
Program Overview
- Purpose: The LFHP provides grants to retrofit or replace roofs to meet the FORTIFIED Roof standard, which enhances resistance to hurricane-force winds (up to 150 mph) and wind-driven rain, reducing storm damage and potentially lowering insurance costs.
- Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per homeowner, paid directly to contractors after project completion. Homeowners are responsible for any costs exceeding the grant, including permits, inspections, and evaluation fees (typically $300-$500.
- Funding: The program is funded with approximately $30 million, aiming to fortify around 3,000 homes. As of February 2025, about 1,800 grants have been awarded, with at least $10 million in unspent funds carried over.
- Home Condition: The home must be in good repair, as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Exclusions: New construction homes, condominiums, and mobile homes are not eligible. Duplexes may qualify if they are the primary residence with a homestead exemption.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the LFHP, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
Insurance: Proof of an active residential insurance policy with wind coverage is required. If the home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, proof of flood insurance is also needed. Contact your insurance agent to confirm coverage.
Primary Residence: The home must be the homeowner’s primary residence with a verified homestead exemption.
Geographic Restrictions: See website for updates.
Application Process
- Registration: The next registration period will be updated on their website. First you should create a profile on the LFHP website (www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes) (www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes) and register during this window.
- Lottery System: Previous registrants must re-register. Selected homeowners receive email notification.
- Important Note: Do not contact contractors or evaluators or begin work before receiving LFHP approval, as this disqualifies you from the grant. The LFHP manages the selection of approved professionals.
- Working with Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC
- Certified Contractor: Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC is a trusted, IBHS-certified FORTIFIED contractor, experienced in installing roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof standard, which includes enhanced fasteners, sealed roof decks, reinforced edge details, and wind-resistant vents.
- Grant Assistance: Our team guides you through the LFHP application process, ensuring compliance with all requirements. We handle the installation or retrofit, coordinating with FORTIFIED Evaluators for inspections.
- Post-Grant Support: After your roof is certified, we provide documentation to help you claim insurance discounts (20-52% off the wind portion of your premium) and a potential tax deduction of up to $5,000 (or 50% of retrofit costs, whichever is lower). Additionally, a new law exempts the $10,000 grant from state income tax.
Benefits of a FORTIFIED Roof
- Proven Resilience: A 2020 study from Hurricane Sally showed FORTIFIED Roof homes had 73% fewer claims, 15% less severe damage, and 72% lower loss ratios compared to conventional homes.
- Cost Savings: Homeowners can save up to 65% on deductibles and benefit from lower premiums, making the investment cost-effective within years.
- Increased Property Value: FORTIFIED roofs enhance home resilience, potentially increasing market value by up to 7%.
How to Get Started with Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC
- Create an LFHP Profile: Visit www.ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes to set up your profile and register for the upcomming lottery.
- Wait for Selection: If selected, you’ll receive an email from LFHP. Do not start work or hire contractors until approved.
- Contact Us: Once approved, call Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC at 337-999-ROOF (7663) or visit www.aroofrestore.com for a consultation. We’ll handle the FORTIFIED installation and coordinate evaluations.
- Enjoy Your FORTIFIED Roof: After completion, your roof will be certified, unlocking insurance discounts and storm protection.
Additional Incentives
- FORTIFIED Endorsement: Ask your insurance agent about adding a FORTIFIED Endorsement to your policy, which covers costs to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof after a covered loss.
- SBA Loans: Post-disaster, homeowners can increase SBA disaster assistance loans by up to 20% for mitigation improvements like FORTIFIED roofs.
Acadiana Roof Restoration LL is a Certified Fortified Roofing Contractor for the Louisiana Fortified Roofing Grant. (Regulation 126- Louisiana Fortify Homes Program LAC37:XIII Chapter 182)
Call us direct, or click link below to an external page where you put your information and apply for the grant.
