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 coastal properties located in rating territories 130, 140, 150, and 160.

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 $6,000. If your application is approved, NCIUA will reserve up to $6,000 toward the installation of an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™. However, if the entire cost of installing the roof is less than $6,000, 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 Coastal 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 Homeowners, Homeowners Windstorm or Hail, or Dwelling Windstorm or Hail policy with Coverage A (Building coverage) on property along the coast (rating territories 130, 140, 150, and 160) meet initial eligibility to receive a grant. Policyholders must have a current, eligible policy that was effective on or before June 1, 2025.

Policies written by the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association (NCJUA) / FAIR Plan Dwelling Full Peril policies are not eligible for the Grant Program.

Rating territories are established by the North Carolina Rate Bureau. In general, these territories include the following counties: Beaufort, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington, except that "Coastal Area" does not include the portions of these counties that lie within the Beach Area, all as specified in G.S. 58-45-5(2b).

NCIUA determines initial eligibility for the Strengthen Your Coastal 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 (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 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.

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 no significant structural changes have been made and the roof covering remains within its expected lifespan, the designation may be renewed for an additional five years.

The policyholder can visit StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.com or call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-877-GRANTNC (877-472-6862).

Yes. Call the dedicated NCIUA staff at 1-877-GRANTNC (877-472-6862) for assistance.

Effective November 1, 2025, only Certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractors, recognized by IBHS standards, will be authorized to install FORTIFIED Roofs. To support policyholders, the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof Grant Program offers a directory of Participating Contractors who are fully certified under the FORTIFIED program. If you requested a bid or selected a contractor who is not IBHS Certified before November 1, 2025, you may still proceed with that contractor.

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 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.

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.

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 StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.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. Evaluators are on site for limited periods and will rely on both the homeowner and the contractor to supply certain required documentation to support the application for the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation.

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 policyholder has been accepted into the Grant Program, they will select bid(s) from contractor(s) through the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof dashboard.

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 Coastal 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 Coastal Roof team will have one assigned.

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

The policyholder logs in to the Strengthen Your Coastal 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 as well as provide approval for the FORTIFIED Evaluator.

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

Strengthen Your Coastal 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 Coastal 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 Coastal Roof Grant team acknowledgement of assignment.

Strengthen Your Coastal Roof Grant Team Assigns FORTIFIED Evaluator to Construction Project

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

Application

• Policyholder - The policyholder will submit the grant application through the Strengthen Your Coastal Roof website within the application period.
  • 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 reach out to 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 at NCIUA reviews the application for pre-eligibility.
• IBHS - IBHS reviews the application to verify that the property is eligible for an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™.

Construction

• Policyholder - After the application is approved, the policyholder requests bid(s) from contractor(s) through the Strengthen Your Coastal 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.
• Contractor - The contractor receives notification that the policyholder has requested a bid. The contractor logs in to the Strengthen Your Coastal 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 Coastal 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 Coastal Roof Grant Team will have one assigned.
• 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 Coastal Roof dashboard. The Contractor Final Invoice is needed 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 their Strengthen Your Coastal 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 SYCR 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 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 $6,000 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.

The new IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ must be installed by July 31, 2026. Once the policyholder has submitted all required documentation, the grant funds will be distributed.

If a contractor has not uploaded the bid onto the StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.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 only be disbursed once 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 Coastal 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 applicable.