Frequently Asked QuestionsNCIUA's STRENGTHEN YOUR ROOF is a pilot program that will provide grants up to $6,000 for roof replacement with an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™. This program is open to eligible policyholders with properties on the Outer Banks and Barrier Islands (rating territories 110 and 120).
A limited number of grants is available and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been awarded or until December 31, 2022, whichever comes first. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve your grant.
Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Dorian, and Hurricane Isaias were the latest reminders that strong roofs are front-line defenders against high winds and severe rain. When a roof fails, it can initiate a cascade of damage to both a home's interior and its structure. According to IBHS, in most years, roof-related damage is responsible for 70-90 percent of total insured residential catastrophic losses, depending on specific weather events. As startling as that statistic may be, it fails to capture the gravity of the human consequences and loss that results from roof failures—damaged homes and businesses disrupt daily life, derail careers, and destroy financial security. That's why it is critical for homeowners and communities to protect roofs from the effects of severe weather.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communication organization supported solely by property and casualty insurers and reinsurers that conduct business in the United States.
Convinced that the continuing cycle of human suffering that strikes families and communities in the wake of severe weather can be broken, IBHS is a team of scientists and risk communicators who deliver strategies to build safer and stronger homes and businesses.
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes and even tornados.
Stronger Edges:
Roof damage often begins when wind gets underneath the roof edge and rips it away from the home.
To help protect this vulnerable area, FORTIFIED requires specific materials and installation methods,
including a wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip, that when used together create a stronger system.
Sealed Roof Deck:
If wind rips off roof covering―such as shingles, metal panels, or tiles―it exposes the wood beneath and
allows water to pass through the gaps and enter the home. FORTIFIED requires roof decks to be sealed to
prevent this type of water damage. In fact, a sealed roof deck can reduce potential water intrusion by
more than 95 percent compared to a standard roof, dramatically lowering the possibility a homeowner will
be forced from their home for an extended period of time, even if the roof covering is damaged.
Better Attachment:
Instead of common smooth nails, FORTIFIED requires ring-shank nails, installed in an enhanced pattern,
to help keep the roof deck attached to the home in high winds. In fact, using ring-shank nails nearly
doubles the strength of the roof against the forces of winds.
Please visit FortifiedHome.org/Research to learn more about IBHS.
A pilot program is a trial intended to evaluate new program success. NCIUA launched Strengthen Your Roof in 2019 and is still gathering statistical information on the program.
Also, NCIUA plans to announce a separate program in coastal areas of North Carolina in 2022. This program, Strengthen Your Coastal Roof, will begin accepting applications during the third quarter. Announcements will be sent to eligible policyholders prior to the program launch.
Since this is a pilot program, the NCIUA will use the collected data to design future programs for its policyholders. We have partnered with multiple universities to assist with data analysis.
For example, the North Carolina State University Institute for Advanced Analytics analyzed NCIUA claims data from Hurricanes Dorian, Florence, Matthew, and Isaias. It confirmed that a FORTIFIED Roof increased the resiliency of a home and, when the home was damaged, reduced the severity of the damage.
NCIUA is also working with the following universities to assist with research on disaster mitigation, construction, resilience, preparedness, and grant effectiveness: North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University, University of Delaware, Cornell University, and University of California. None of these institutions are charging for their time and effort.
A limited number of grants (approximately 2,500) will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been awarded or until December 31, 2022, whichever comes first. Policyholders are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve a grant.
The grant maximum amount is $6,000. However, if the entire cost of installing a FORTIFIED Roof is less than $6,000, the grant amount will be limited to the total cost of the roof.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to check their eligibility for a grant. Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2022 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been awarded or until December 31, 2022, whichever comes first. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve your grant.
Currently, grant funds carry a tax liability. The policyholder accepts responsibility for all tax liability associated with the receipt of the grant. NCIUA will require a completed W-9, which is a request for the policyholder's taxpayer identification number. The policyholder should consult with a tax advisor regarding any tax implications.
NCIUA continues to support legislation that would protect North Carolina residents who receive state-based Strengthen Your Roof grants from having to pay federal income tax on the grant money they receive. NCIUA encourages bipartisan legislation to ensure consistent federal tax treatment for grants received by homeowners for mitigation work and encourages state-based mitigation and resiliency programs.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been awarded or until December 31, 2022, whichever comes first.
Once an application is approved, policyholders have until July 31, 2024 to complete the installation of a FORTIFIED Roof.
NCIUA Homeowners, Homeowners Windstorm or Hail, Dwelling, and Dwelling Windstorm or Hail policyholders with covered property along the Outer Banks and Barrier Islands (rating territories 110 and 120). Policyholders must have a current, eligible policy that was effective on or before June 1, 2022.
Rating territories are established by the North Carolina Rate Bureau. In general, these territories include the area south and east of the Inland Waterway from the South Carolina line to Fort Macon (Beaufort Inlet), thence south and east of Core, Pamlico, Roanoke, and Currituck Sounds to the Virginia line, being those portions of land generally known as the "Outer Banks."
NCIUA determines initial eligibility for the Strengthen Your Roof Grant Program. IBHS will determine if the home is eligible for a FORTIFIED Roof™.
Some types of properties that may be ineligible include condos, co-ops, attached dwellings (including, but not limited to, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes), multi-unit residential buildings, residential portions of mixed-use buildings, and commercial buildings. Residential properties must meet eligibility criteria described in the 2020 FORTIFIED Standard and associated technical documents as published by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
In general, multi-unit residential buildings can present design and ownership concerns due to shared systems that may be present (e.g. roof systems that cover multiple units). Other construction design elements or building techniques, such as roof structural members spaced more than 24 inches apart, flat roofs, vaulted ceilings, roof-top decking and dry-stack foundations, can cause a property to be ineligible.
These lists are not exhaustive, and if there are questions concerning eligibility, please visit the IBHS website (FortifiedHome.org/Research).
Not all mobile homes and manufactured homes are eligible. To be eligible, certain criteria must be met. At a minimum, the home must: have been constructed after July 13, 1994; meet IBHS foundation and building requirements; and have a HUD Zone IV designation.
A FORTIFIED Roof meets a specific standard, which was designed after decades of research to provide greater protection from natural disasters.
Stronger Edges:
Roof damage often begins when wind gets underneath the roof edge and rips it away from the home.
To help protect this vulnerable area, FORTIFIED requires specific materials and installation methods,
including a wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip, that when used together create a stronger system.
Sealed Roof Deck:
If wind rips off roof covering―such as shingles, metal panels, or tiles―it exposes the wood beneath and
allows water to pass through the gaps and enter the home. FORTIFIED requires roof decks to be sealed to
prevent this type of water damage. In fact, a sealed roof deck can reduce potential water intrusion by more
than 95 percent compared to a standard roof, dramatically lowering the possibility a homeowner will be forced
from their home for an extended period of time, even if the roof covering is damaged.
Better Attachment:
Instead of common smooth nails, FORTIFIED requires ring-shank nails, installed in an enhanced pattern,
to help keep the roof deck attached to the home in high winds. In fact, using ring-shank nails nearly
doubles the strength of the roof against the forces of winds.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ designation is written certification that a home or business has been built, renovated, or re-roofed according to FORTIFIED standards. The document is issued by IBHS after a review of the documentation provided by a FORTIFIED Evaluator and is required in order to receive FORTIFIED insurance discounts and to qualify for mitigation credits.
A FORTIFIED Roof™ designation lasts 5 calendar years. At the end of that period, a re-designation inspection will be required to maintain the home or business's current designation level. If there have been no substantial changes to the structure and the roof covering is within its life expectancy, the designation will be re-issued for another 5-year period.
The policyholder can visit StrengthenYourRoof.com or call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
Yes. Please call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
For the policyholder's convenience, the Strengthen Your Roof Grant Program provides a list of Participating Contractors who are experienced and knowledgeable about IBHS and the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ program. The list of Participating Contractors, along with counties they serve, can be found on the StrengthenYourRoof.com website. Policyholders may select a contractor from this listing or a contractor of their choice to work directly with the assigned FORTIFIED Evaluator.
The policyholder may solicit bids from multiple contractors. The selected contractor will work with a FORTIFIED Evaluator who will confirm that the roof has been built to the FORTIFIED standard. When the roof is complete, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will send documentation to IBHS for review. If the FORTIFIED standards have been met IBHS will issue an official five-year designation certificate, which may be renewed.
Yes. If a policyholder would like to select a contractor who is not on the list, please call 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
If a contractor wants to participate in the Strengthen Your Roof Pilot Grant Program, the contractor can send an email to NCROOFS@ncjua.com or call 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
When policyholders are ready to finalize the contractor decision, they can log into the StrengthenYourRoof.com website to make the selection.
Participating Contractors are insured, experienced in IBHS construction and understand NCIUA's Grant Program. NOTE: NCIUA does not guarantee any work performed by Participating Contractors or FORTIFIED Evaluators. In addition, NCIUA does not guarantee the quality or performance of any service performed or materials used on the roof. NCIUA does not warranty any workmanship by any Participating Contractor or FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Yes. Contractors may use their own bid sheets to provide an initial FORTIFIED Roof replacement quote to the policyholder. NCIUA will contact the contractor to ensure he or she understands the grant process and the role of the FORTIFIED Evaluator. NCIUA will also send the contractor the IBHS Bid Sheet, an IBHS Re-roofing Checklist, and an IBHS Compliance Form. It is important to remind the contractor not to start work until an approved FORTIFIED Evaluator has been assigned.
It may be helpful to ask your contractor to separate the FORTIFIED upgrade cost from the basic roof replacement. Separating the cost of the FORTIFIED upgrade from the basic roof replacement will assist you in understanding the savings associated with the grant.
Work may begin when the FORTIFIED Evaluator is assigned and has coordinated the installation process with the selected contractor. It is critical to have the Evaluator be part of the process from the beginning to help ensure all elements required to obtain the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation have been reviewed.
FORTIFIED Evaluators are third-party contractors who have been trained to verify and document the construction process to ensure key elements of the FORTIFIED standard have been met. The evaluator will be onsite a limited amount of time and will rely on the homeowner and the contractor to provide some of the documentation required to apply for the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation from IBHS. If IBHS awards the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation, NCIUA will then finalize the grant.
Once the policyholder has been accepted into the Grant Program and has selected their contractor, a FORTIFIED Evaluator will be assigned by the Strengthen Your Roof team. The FORTIFIED Evaluator will provide guidance throughout the entire process of replacing the current roof with a FORTIFIED Roof. The FORTIFIED Evaluator works with the policyholder and contractor to successfully receive the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation.
If the policyholder wishes to choose their own FORTIFIED Evaluator, please email NCroofs@ncjua.com or call 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
The FORTIFIED Evaluator will be assigned once the policyholder has selected a contractor.
A bid is not required before or during the application process. The policyholder only needs to complete the application, confirm the policy number, and submit at least 4 photos of the property.
Once the application is approved and the grant is reserved, the policyholder will be notified to request bid(s), select a contractor, and install an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™.
Some homes are not eligible for the grant program. For example, and not by way of limitation, the home must have 7/16-inch minimum roof deck sheathing and 24 inches on center maximum rafter framing. This can be evaluated either by visiting the site or by reviewing photographs of the property (submitted during the application process). Other reasons that a home may be ineligible include homes with significant damage to roof structural members, un-reinforced foundations, or pest damage. This list is not exhaustive.
In some cases, a pre-inspection (at no cost to the policyholder) may be required to determine eligibility for the program.
Once a policyholder meets the eligibility criteria and the application is accepted, NCIUA will reserve up to $6,000 toward the installation of a FORTIFIED Roof to be paid upon completion of the FORTIFIED Roof replacement and receipt of the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate.
The new IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ must be installed by July 31, 2024. Once the policyholder has submitted all required documentation, the grant funds will be distributed.
If a contractor has not uploaded the bid onto the StrengthenYourRoof.com website, call the contractor.
If a desired bid has been received, the policyholder does not have to wait until all other requested bids are uploaded to select a contractor.
The policyholder can withdraw the grant application. The grant is only paid when the policyholder has replaced the roof and obtained the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate.
After the FORTIFIED Roof is successfully installed:
The objective of this Grant Program is to assist eligible policyholders who have voluntarily decided to replace their current roofs without having an insured loss for damages requiring a roof replacement. No policyholder can benefit from both the coverage provided by their NCIUA Policy for a FORTIFIED Roof replacement and the Grant Program.
Therefore, if the policyholder experiences a covered loss under an NCIUA policy for roof damage, Association staff will reach out to the policyholder to discuss. The Grant Program may not apply.
Disclaimer: Homes that achieve FORTIFIED Home™ requirements may still sustain damage during severe weather. However, meeting IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ requirements will harden the building systems that are most frequently damaged.