#Wilmington #North Carolina #FORTIFIED Homes #NCIUA

North Carolina's FORTIFIED Homes Push

On March 21, 2025, the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) marked a significant achievement by celebrating the completion of 15,000 FORTIFIED Roof™ designs across the state. This milestone not only reflects the effectiveness of the initiative but also highlights the state's commitment to enhancing coastal resilience against severe weather conditions.

The event was held in Wilmington, where key figures celebrated the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organizations that have brought the FORTIFIED program to life in North Carolina's coastal regions. “While it is impossible to control storms, proactive measures are vital in mitigating their impact,” stated Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

FORTIFIED, a voluntary construction program developed by the IBHS, aims to improve the structural integrity of homes against high winds and heavy rainfall. Since its introduction as a resilience standard in 2016, NCIUA has allocated over $100 million in funding to assist homeowners in upgrading their properties to meet these rigorous standards.

The process of upgrading a home under the FORTIFIED program encompasses several improvements to roof structures. These enhancements include robust deck attachment, sealed deck edges, and other critical interventions to ensure comprehensive weather protection. Each installation undergoes a meticulous evaluation by a third-party assessor, guaranteeing that all standards are strictly adhered to.

NCIUA has been at the forefront of this vital initiative and pioneered several support programs for homeowners looking to fortify their residences:

• - Strengthen Your Roof: This program offers financial aid up to $10,000 to eligible policyholders in the Outer Banks and Barrier Islands to help cover the costs associated with installing a FORTIFIED Roof.
• - Strengthen Your Coastal Roof: Through a partnership with the State of North Carolina, this program provides similar support, offering grants up to $6,000 to property owners in 18 coastal counties beyond the Outer Banks.
• - Stronger Roof Endorsements: This feature is included at no extra charge in NCIUA homeowners and dwelling policies, providing an additional $5,000 in coverage for FORTIFIED roof upgrades necessitated by damage from a covered claim.

Gina Hardy, CEO of NCIUA, emphasized the association's ongoing commitment to bolstering North Carolina's coastal infrastructure.