Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different homeowner insurance discount/incentive programs offered in Louisiana?
1. WIND MITIGATION SURVEY – Current Condition or LSUCCC Permitted Roof discount/incentive program. aka “fortified roof(lowercase)” not trademarked.
2. FORTIFIED Bronze/Silver/Gold – Institute of Business and Home Safety Program.
3. FORTIFY Homes Program – Grant program by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, using FORTIFIED standards.
4. RESTORE LOUISIANA Homeowner Assistance Program, using FORTIFIED standards – Ended Oct. 31, 2023 (No new Applicants).
How a quick and easy home inspection could save you thousands on your homeowners insurance
After Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Department of Insurance launched a Wind Mitigation Discount Program. If your home has a HIP roof or was built after 2007, you have a good chance of receiving extra discounts on your insurance policy. The LDI mandated that any Admitted insurance company must provide discounts for homes with storm resilience features. If you would like to know more just call us.
How much does a Wind Mitigation Survey cost?
An inspection of this type cost $250 – $350
What is inspected with a Wind Mitigation Survey?
The inspection covers 13 categories required by the State.
- Sealed Roof Deck
- Roof Geometry
- Roof Covering – ASTM
- Age of Roof Covering
- Roof Deck Material
- Wind Borne Debris Internal – Windows/Garage Door
- Wind Borne Debris External – Shutter Protection
- Roof to Wall Connections
- Gable Braced Ends
- Building Code for Dwelling
- Wind Design
- Exposure Category
- Wall to Foundation Connections
What is the difference between Wind Mitigation and FORTIFIED Home?
Both are promoted by the State of Louisiana and Admitted Insurance Companies. Both give insurance discounts.
Wind Mitigation is for current condition. (No New Roof)
FORTIFIED is for installation of a new or remodel. (New Roof Construction)
Misconception - FORTIFIED vs. fortified - What is the difference? FORTIFIED vs. Code Compliance
FORTIFIED Roof – is a IBHS program – Institute of Buisness and Home Safety – IS RECOGNIZED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR FORTIFIED DISCOUNTS
fortified roof – is a roof installed using local code compliance – NOT RECOGNIZED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR FORTIFIED DISCOUNTS
The LDI has a grant program called FORTIFY Roof – which is a program under the umbrella of FORTIFIED/IBHS. Meaning using the techinques required by FORTIFIED/IBHS standards. – IS RECOGNIZED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR FORTIFIED DISCOUNTS
Don't all Roofers put on FORTIFIED Roof's?
No, FORTIFIED is different than Fortified. <–(Notice the difference in Uppercase and Lowercase)
With a FORTIFIED you receive a Certificate of Approval from IBHS which provides discounts to homeowners, per Admitted Louisiana Insurance companies.
A Fortified roof does not come with a Certificate.
How much does a FORTIFIED Evaluation cost?
The going rate is between $300 – $500
How long does it take for a FORTIFIED Evaluation vs. a Wind Mitigation Survey?
Since the Wind Mitigation Survey inspects the current condition of the home, it will take about 1 hour. For the FORTIFIED Evaluation, the Evaluator, Contractor and Homeowner must work together through the process of installing the new roof, so that would be about 2 or 3 days.
What is a FORTIFIED Roof?
BRONZE – ROOF DESIGNATION
Enhanced Roof Deck Attachment: Keeping your roof deck attached is key to blocking storm pressure and rain from entering your home. IBHS testing shows that switching from common smooth nails to 8D ring-shank nails and decreasing the space between the nails, can double the uplift your roof can withstand.
Sealed Roof Deck: When your roof covering is compromised by wind, it exposes the wood beneath, allowing water to pass into your home. IBHS testing shows that for every inch of rain to hit an exposed roof deck, the equivalent of nine bathtubs of water can pour in and cause significant damage. By sealing the seams of your roof deck, you can reduce that water-intrusion by up to 95%.
Locked Down Roof Edges: The roof edge is an important aspect of protecting wind uplift. 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 edge system.
Impact-resistant Shingles Rated by IBHS: FORTIFIED requires shingles to withstand 2 inch diameter hail. These shingles outperform typical class 4 shingles when tested.
Wind and Rain-Resistant Attic Vents: FORTIFIED requires attic vents that are wind and rain resistant.
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Stronger Home with Less Expensive Home Insurance.
We provide home inspection services focused on insurance discounts by using approved Louisiana State Legislation to help ease the burden of high cost insurance in the state of Louisiana.