Louisiana Homeowners Could Get $10,000 Free for New Roof

The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program has opened another lottery registration for homeowners to get access to $10,000 in grant money to pay for a new fortified roof through the program.

Registration is open Wednesday, February 2, 2025, through Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 5 p.m. This is the latest in a series of grant programs where homeowners can try to qualify for the grant money. If you were unsuccessful in a prior lottery as part of this program, you can try again.

What Is The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program?

Paying for homeowners insurance in the state of Louisiana, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, will almost break the bank for you. Hundreds of thousands of people are in this situation right now.

The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is a program giving grant money to homeowners to get new rooves. What makes these rooves different? These rooves are fortified to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety standards. Here is a video to explain what a fortified roof is from the Institute:

An even better demonstration of a regular roof construction versus the construction of a fortified home really drives home the point of the reason you need to consider seriously upgrading to this type of roof:

How Much Does A Fortified Roof Cost?

While each home is different, including square footage, if you decide to go with a fortified from the Institute it will add between $1,000 to $3,000 to the cost of your home. So, they point out, the typical home of 2,000 square feet will cost you about that same amount.

The grant, if you are one of the lucky lottery winners, is $10,000, so if costs go above that, you have to pay the difference. And depending on who gives you the quote, you might need to have a few thousand dollars on hand. Some homeowners don't have that money on hand, especially if you are waiting for the grant money to come in.

Who Can Install A Fortified Roof?

You can use any roofer, contractor, or builder you want, but in order to use the Fortified program grant money, you have to have that person follow all the rules. There is even a list of contractors in each state who have completed FORTIFIED Wise training, so they do much more about the process.

You also have to have a Fortified Rood Program evaluator for the entire process. This person will document everything; they offer information and consultation about the process. You have to have this person as part of the process whether you choose a roofer who has gone through the training or not.

When choosing a contractor who is a Fortified certified person and evaluator, make sure you do your due diligence about that company. You can check with things like the Better Business Bureau; you can ask friends, and you can look up a variety of reviews from multiple platforms to help you decide who you choose.

Who Is Eligible To Try For Grants For This Round?

If you live in a coastal area within the designated map, then you will be eligible to enter the lottery for the $10,000 in grant money for this go-round. If you are not sure, take a look at this link. These are the areas that are able to participate this time around. Other grants may open up later this year.

For this round, 1,000 homes will be chosen. Please know if you are chosen, there are a multitude of things you must do and know before, during, and after the process. There are several eligibility requirements, and you should click here to check these out.

Here are other things to know:

• You must have a profile to register for the program.
• Go to this link to click the Login button to create a new profile.
• If you already have a login, go to this link to log in.
• If you tried last time and didn't get the grant, you have to register again for this round.
• Follow the instructions.
• If you want to get on the mailing list, click here.

Do I Get A Discount On My Insurance With A Fortified Roof?

Once you have your certificate for your Fortified Roof, you should present it to your insurance company to ask for a discount. Just like anything else, the amount will differ depending on a variety of factors determined by your insurance provider.

The Fortified Certificate is transferable to the next buyer of your home, so you should definitely have that handy if you decide to sell your home.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance's website briefly addresses the insurance discount issue in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section at the bottom.