Strengthening Coastal Resilience Through FORTIFIED Homes
The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) has recently celebrated a remarkable achievement: over 15,000 homes have received FORTIFIED Roof™ designations. This initiative reflects NCIUA's unwavering commitment to enhancing the resilience of coastal communities against severe weather events. During a special event, they recognized the dedicated individuals and organizations that have played a crucial role in implementing the FORTIFIED program throughout the region.
Recognizing Leadership and Community Support
At the event, IBHS CEO Roy Wright emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of storms. He stated, "While we can't control storms, leaders and homeowners are working to lessen their impact." This underscores the collaborative spirit between NCIUA and community leaders, ensuring that residents are better prepared for future weather events.
The Importance of FORTIFIED Roofing
FORTIFIED is a robust program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It is designed to strengthen homes against the intense winds and heavy rains that often accompany storms. Since adopting FORTIFIED as its resilience standard in 2016, NCIUA has invested significant resources—over $100 million—into helping homeowners enhance their properties to meet these rigorous standards.
Components of FORTIFIED Roofing
Upgrades associated with the FORTIFIED program include enhanced roof deck attachment, sealed roof decks, and secure edges to withstand harsh weather. A third-party evaluator is responsible for verifying that each installation adheres to the stringent standards, ensuring quality and reliability for homeowners.
NCIUA's Financial Investment in Home Resilience
NCIUA stands as one of the pioneers in launching FORTIFIED grants and policy endorsements, currently offering three distinct initiatives to assist policyholders in upgrading their roofs. These initiatives include:
- Strengthen Your Roof - This program offers eligible policyholders in specific regions grants of up to $10,000 to undertake FORTIFIED Roof installations.
- Strengthen Your Coastal Roof - In collaboration with the state, this initiative provides grants of up to $6,000 for eligible policyholders in other coastal counties.
- Stronger Roof Endorsements - These endorsements are included at no extra cost in NCIUA Homeowners and Dwelling policies, granting up to $5,000 in additional coverage for FORTIFIED upgrades when replacing roofs due to covered damage.
CEO Gina Hardy expressed the association's dedication to protecting North Carolina's coastal areas, stating, "The NCIUA’s investment enables families to recover faster after storms, minimizing the economic impact on their communities." With 15,000 FORTIFIED homes now established, the association is fostering a more resilient future for all involved.
Research and Impact Validation
Ongoing research reinforces the benefits of the FORTIFIED program. A study by North Carolina State University examined damage claims from past hurricanes and found that homes with FORTIFIED roofs were 34% less likely to file claims, with damages reported being 22% less severe than those for homes constructed to standard codes.
Acknowledging Contributions to Coastal Resilience
During the milestone event at the Cape Fear Country Club, NCIUA took time to honor key contributors who have significantly impacted the advancement of coastal resilience. Various awards were presented, emphasizing the crucial role community leaders and organizations play in this ongoing journey.
- The Resilient Community Impact Award: Representative John Bell for his unwavering support of NCIUA’s resilience initiatives.
- Resilient Trailblazer Award: Dennis Duffy, the first certified FORTIFIED evaluator in the state.
- First FORTIFIED Roof Recognition: American Values Contracting for their pioneering installation.
- Pinnacle Volume Awards for Roofers: Coastal Roofing & Siding and Gallop Roofing & Remodeling.
- Pinnacle Volume Awards for Evaluators: Pilot Catastrophe Services, NC Fortified LLC, and Projust, LTD.
NCIUA also recognized distinguished guests for their support, including NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, IBHS CEO Roy Wright, and other leaders committed to creating a storm-ready North Carolina.
Learn More About NCIUA and Its Programs
To explore NCIUA's various programs and find out how to apply for grants, you can visit local resources or community-oriented websites related to home resilience and storm preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FORTIFIED program?
The FORTIFIED program is an initiative designed to enhance the resilience of homes against severe weather by implementing strict construction standards to create safe and secure living environments.
How much has NCIUA invested in FORTIFIED upgrades?
NCIUA has invested over $100 million to help homeowners upgrade their homes to meet the FORTIFIED standards.
Who can apply for FORTIFIED grants?
Eligible policyholders in specified regions can apply for grants to support the cost of installing a FORTIFIED Roof.
What are the main benefits of FORTIFIED roofing?
FORTIFIED roofing significantly enhances a home's durability against storms, reduces the likelihood of filing claims, and lessens overall storm damage.
Where can I find more information about NCIUA's programs?
Residents can visit community-based sites or directly inquire with NCIUA to get detailed information about their initiatives and the FORTIFIED program.
