A pilot program that will provide grants up to $10,000 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 are available and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been awarded. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to reserve your grant.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research, and communication organization.

FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen your roof against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, and hurricanes.

Visit FortifiedHome.org/Research to learn more about IBHS.

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 an IBHS 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, and University of California. None of these institutions are charging for their time or effort.

The grant maximum is $10,000. If your application is approved, NCIUA will reserve up to $10,000 toward the installation of an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™. However, if the entire cost of installing the roof is less than $10,000, the grant amount will be limited to the total cost of the roof and will be paid upon completion of the roof replacement and receipt of the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate.

Grant funds are currently considered taxable income. As such, the policyholder is responsible for any tax obligations resulting from receipt of the grant. NCIUA requires a completed IRS Form W-9 from the policyholder to obtain their taxpayer identification number. Policyholders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor to fully understand any tax implications.

NCIUA remains committed to supporting and advocating for federal legislation that would exempt North Carolina residents from federal and state income taxes on Strengthen Your Roof grant funds received through this state-based program.

This pilot program is limited to policies written by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) / Coastal Property Insurance Pool.

NCIUA policyholders who have an active and eligible Homeowners, Homeowners Windstorm or Hail, Dwelling, or Dwelling Windstorm or Hail policy on property along the Outer Banks and Barrier Islands (rating territories 110 and 120) meet initial eligibility to receive a grant.

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 based on policy type, property location, and eligibility guidelines. IBHS will determine if the home is eligible for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™.

The FORTIFIED Home Program is only applicable for the residential, single-family, and two-family dwelling types listed below. Note that this list is not all inclusive and each building’s unique attributes determines eligibility.

• Single-family detached home — a freestanding residential building occupied by one family. Limited to three stories above grade. This also includes detached single-family factory-built modular homes that are designed, built, and sited to meet all local building code requirements.
• Two-family dwelling units (duplex) — a freestanding residential building occupied by two families. Limited to three stories above grade. NOTE: The entire two-family building, which includes both dwelling units, must be evaluated under the appropriate FORTIFIED requirements and the entire building must meet all requirements for the designation being considered. Individual units are NOT eligible for designation unless the entire building is being designated.
• HUD manufactured homes — a single-family residential home manufactured to HUD’s Zone II or Zone III Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards adopted after July 1994. The home must be sited on and properly attached to a permanent foundation (see foundation requirements in Section 1.2.3.3). HUD manufactured homes built before July 1994, and Zone I homes built after July 1994, are NOT eligible.
• Townhouse — a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units in which each unit extends from foundation to roof and has a yard or public way on not less than two sides. Limited to three stories above grade. Mixed use (commercial and residential) buildings are NOT eligible. NOTE: The entire townhouse building, which includes all townhouse units composing the building, must be evaluated under the appropriate FORTIFIED requirements and the entire building must meet all requirements for the designation being considered. Individual townhouse units are NOT eligible for designation unless the entire building is being designated. Example: A four-unit, two-story townhouse with all units attached is eligible for a specific FORTIFIED designation only if the entire building, including each and every townhouse unit, is evaluated and all units meet the requirements for that designation.

For more information on IBHS’ Eligibility requirements, visit the IBHS website (https://FortifiedHome.org/technical-documents/).

Not all mobile or manufactured homes are eligible. To qualify, a home must meet specific criteria, including being constructed after July 1994 and complying with IBHS foundation and building requirements.

An IBHS 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 your roof covering (shingles, metal panels, or tiles) it exposes the wood beneath and allows water to pass through the gaps and enter your home. FORTIFIED requires roof decks to be sealed to prevent this type of water damage.

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.

For more information: Visit the IBHS website https://FortifiedHome.org/Roof/.

• Strength: Superior performance during severe weather
• Savings: Insurance premium discounts
• Value: Research suggests enhanced resale value
• Security: Comfort knowing that your roof is built to higher standards

An IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation is an official certification confirming that a home or business has been constructed, renovated, or re-roofed in accordance with FORTIFIED standards. Issued by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the designation is granted after a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator submits documentation and it undergoes review. This designation is required to receive grant payments, qualify for FORTIFIED insurance discounts, and obtain mitigation credits. Please note that IBHS mitigation credits do not apply to Dwelling Fire Only policies.

An IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation is valid for five calendar years. At the end of this period, a re-designation inspection is required to maintain the current designation level for the home or business. If home still meets the FORTIFIED requirements, no significant structural changes have been made to the home, and the roof covering is in good condition, the designation may be renewed for an additional five years.

The policyholder can visit StrengthenYourRoof.com or call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).

Yes. Call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637) for assistance.

Effective November 1, 2025, only Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors, recognized by IBHS standards, will be authorized to install FORTIFIED Roofs. If you requested a bid or selected a contractor prior to November 1, 2025, who is not IBHS-certified, you may proceed with that contractor as planned; however, construction must be completed by May 31, 2026.

To assist policyholders, the Strengthen Your Roof Grant Program offers a directory of Participating Contractors who are fully certified under the FORTIFIED program. If you would like to work with an IBHS-certified contractor who is not currently listed on our directory, please contact the grant team at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).

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 standards. When the roof is complete, the evaluator will send documentation to IBHS for review. If the standards have been met, IBHS will issue a renewable five-year designation certificate.

Please remind your contractor not to begin work until a FORTIFIED Evaluator has been assigned to your project. Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors are fully responsible for ensuring all roofing work—whether performed directly or by subcontractors—meets FORTIFIED standards and state regulations. They are also required to assist evaluators with documentation on subcontracted work.

In accordance with IBHS standards, only Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors are authorized to install FORTIFIED Roofs. Policyholders may refer to the Participating Contractor List to select from eligible, IBHS-certified contractors. If you would like to work with an IBHS-certified contractor who is not currently listed on our directory, please contact the grant team at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).

Contractors interested in becoming Participating Contractors must first obtain certification as Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors in accordance with IBHS standards. To begin the certification process, please visit the IBHS website at IBHS.org.

When policyholders are ready to finalize their contractor selection, they can log in to StrengthenYourRoof.com to complete the process.

Participating Contractors are insured, IBHS certified, and familiar with NCIUA’s grant program requirements.

Please note: NCIUA does not guarantee the work performed by Participating Contractors or FORTIFIED Evaluators. Additionally, NCIUA does not guarantee the quality or performance of any services rendered or materials used on the roof. No warranties—express or implied—are provided by NCIUA regarding the workmanship of any Participating Contractor or FORTIFIED Evaluator.

Yes. Contractors may use their own bid sheets to provide an initial IBHS 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. It is important to remind the contractor not to begin work until an approved FORTIFIED Evaluator has been assigned.

It will 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 once a FORTIFIED Evaluator has been assigned and has coordinated the installation process with the selected contractor. It is essential for the Evaluator to be involved from the outset to help ensure that all requirements for achieving the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation are properly reviewed and met.

FORTIFIED Evaluators are independent third-party professionals who document key stages of the construction process to verify compliance with FORTIFIED standards for submission to IBHS. Because Evaluators will rely on both the homeowner and the contractor to provide certain required documentation to support the application for the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation, they are on site for limited periods.

The FORTIFIED Evaluator will provide guidance throughout the entire process of replacing the current roof with an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™. The FORTIFIED Evaluator works with the policyholder and contractor to successfully receive the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation.

The FORTIFIED Evaluator is assigned once the policyholder has been accepted into the Grant Program and has selected their contractor. The steps below provide additional information on how the FORTIFIED Evaluator is assigned.

Policyholder Requests Bid(s) from Contractor(s)

Once the NCIUA Grant Team determines that an application meets preliminary eligibility requirements, and IBHS confirms that the property qualifies for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™, the policyholder will have 18 months to replace their existing roof with a FORTIFIED Roof™.

After the policyholder is accepted into the Grant Program, they will use the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to review and select bids from participating contractors.

Contractor Uploads Bid(s) and Provides Preferred Evaluator (If Applicable)

The contractor receives notification that the policyholder has requested a bid. The contractor logs in to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to upload a bid sheet for the policyholder. The contractor may identify if they have a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project. If the contractor does not have a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator, the Strengthen Your Roof team will assign one.

Policyholder Accepts Bid and Provides Preferred Evaluator Approval (If Applicable)

The policyholder logs in to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to review the contractor(s) bid(s) and the preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project. At this time, the policyholder may select their contractor and provide approval for the FORTIFIED Evaluator.

If the policyholder does not wish to use the contractor’s preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator, the Strengthen Your Roof team will contact the policyholder to discuss Evaluator assignment.

Strengthen Your Roof Grant Team Reviews Selected Bid and FORTIFIED Evaluator Approval

Once the policyholder has selected their contractor and provided approval of the FORTIFIED Evaluator, the Strengthen Your Roof Grant Team will notify the FORTIFIED Evaluator that their assistance is requested for a construction project.

FORTIFIED Evaluator Accepts Construction Project

The FORTIFIED Evaluator will review the construction project and will send the Strengthen Your Roof Grant team an acknowledgement of assignment.

Strengthen Your Roof Grant Team Assigns FORTIFIED Evaluator to Construction Project

The Strengthen Your Roof Grant Team will assign the FORTIFIED Evaluator to the policyholder’s dashboard and both the policyholder and contractor will receive email notification of the assignment.

The FORTIFIED Evaluator works with the policyholder and contractor to successfully receive the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation.

Application

• Policyholder - The policyholder will submit the grant application through the Strengthen Your Roof website.
  • The policyholder will be prompted to create a user log in and confirm their account.
  • Once their account is completed, the policyholder can log in to their account to fill out the application.
  • The grant application requires at least four photographs: one of each side of the home. During the application review process, additional photos may be needed to determine eligibility. The Grant Team will notify the policyholder if additional photos are necessary.
  • Grants are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until all available grant funds have been awarded.

Review

• NCIUA Grant Team - The Grant Team reviews the application to determine if preliminary eligibility requirements are met.
• IBHS - IBHS reviews the application to verify that the property is eligible for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™.

Construction

• Policyholder - Once the NCIUA Grant Team determines that the application is preliminarily eligible and IBHS confirms that the property qualifies for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™, the policyholder will have 18 months to replace their existing roof with a FORTIFIED Roof™.
• Policyholder - After the application is approved, the policyholder requests bid(s) from contractor(s) through the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard.
  • The policyholder can decide how many bids to obtain.
  • NCIUA provides an extensive list of contractors who are experienced and knowledgeable about IBHS and the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ Program.
  • If you would like to work with an IBHS-certified contractor who is not currently listed on our directory, please contact the grant team at 1-844-NCROOFS (844-627-6637).
• Contractor - The contractor receives notification that the policyholder has requested a bid. The contractor logs in to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to upload a bid sheet for the policyholder. At this time, the contractor may recommend a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project. The Policyholder will be required to approve the use of the Contractor’s preferred Evaluator.
• Policyholder - The policyholder logs in to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to review the contractor(s) bid(s) and select their desired contractor. If the selected contractor has a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator for the construction project, the policyholder is required to provide approval. If the contractor does not have a preferred FORTIFIED Evaluator, the Strengthen Your Roof Grant Team will assign one.
• NCIUA Grant Team - Once the policyholder has selected their contractor and FORTIFIED Evaluator, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will be notified of the new assignment.
• FORTIFIED Evaluator - Upon receipt of the assignment, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will be required to accept the assignment via email.
  • The FORTIFIED Evaluator will be assigned to inspect the property and collect details before, during, and after the project to verify the roof materials and construction meet FORTIFIED standards so an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation can be awarded.
• NCIUA Grant Team - Once the FORTIFIED Evaluator has acknowledged the new assignment, an email will be sent to the policyholder and contractor providing the evaluator’s contact information.
  • No work should begin until all parties have been in communication.
• Policyholder, FORTIFIED Evaluator & Contractor - The policyholder, evaluator and contractor are in communication throughout the duration of the construction.

Final Approval

• FORTIFIED Evaluator - After the construction is complete, the FORTIFIED Evaluator will confirm the roof has been completed per required IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ standards and submit all required documentation to IBHS.
• IBHS - IBHS reviews the required documentation and provides the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate to the evaluator.
• FORTIFIED Evaluator & NCIUA Grant Team - The evaluator works with NCIUA to have the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate uploaded to the policyholder's dashboard.
• Contractor - Once the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate has been awarded, the contractor will receive notification to upload the final invoice to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard. The final invoice is required before the policyholder may be paid.
• Policyholder - When the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate and final invoice from the contractor have been received, the policyholder may log in to the Strengthen Your Roof dashboard to complete a W-9 to receive grant payment.

Payment

• NCIUA Grant Team - NCIUA will distribute grant funds to the policyholder only after the following have been submitted to the Association: (1) the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate, (2) a final invoice from the contractor, and (3) a completed W-9 which provides the policyholder's taxpayer identification number (or other necessary tax information).

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 based on SYR program rules and IBHS construction requirements. For example, homes with significant damage to roof structural members, un-reinforced foundations, or pest damage are not eligible.

In some cases, a pre-inspection (at no cost to the policyholder) may be required to determine eligibility for the program. Cathedral ceilings, roof decks, solar panels, and modular home foundations are some examples that may require a pre-inspection.

These examples are not exhaustive. IBHS makes final construction eligibility determinations.

Once a policyholder meets the eligibility criteria and the application is approved, NCIUA will reserve up to $10,000 to support the installation of an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™. This amount will be disbursed upon completion of the roof replacement and receipt of the official IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate.

Once the NCIUA Grant Team determines that the application is pre-eligible and IBHS confirms that the property qualifies for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™, the policyholder will have 18 months to replace their existing roof with a FORTIFIED Roof™.

Once the policyholder has submitted all required documentation, the grant funds may 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 may withdraw their grant application at any time. Grant funds will not be disbursed unless the roof has been replaced and the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate has been obtained.

After the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ is successfully installed:

• The evaluator will submit the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate.
• The contractor will submit the final invoice via the website dashboard.
• The policyholder will submit a completed W-9 form on the Strengthen Your Roof website.

The objective of this Grant Program is to support eligible policyholders who voluntarily choose to replace their existing roofs without having incurred an insured loss that necessitates roof replacement. Policyholders cannot receive both a claim payout for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ replacement under their NCIUA policy and funding through the Grant Program.

Therefore, if a policyholder experiences a covered loss related to roof damage under their NCIUA policy, Association staff will contact them to discuss next steps. In such cases, the Grant Program may no longer be an option.