The Real Numbers: A Fortified roof in New Orleans costs $8,800-$13,800 for most homes (2,000 sq ft). Louisiana offers multiple paths to dramatically reduce this cost:
- Path 1 — Grant Route: Louisiana Fortify Homes grant up to $10,000 (lottery-based). Jefferson Parish adds $5,000 more through RELIF.
- Path 2 — Tax Credit Route: Up to $10,000 state tax credit if you don't receive the grant.
- Path 3 — Income-Qualified (Orleans Parish): City CDBG program covers up to $35,000 for households under 80% AMI.
- All paths: 20-52% insurance savings (~$1,000-$1,500/year) that continue for the life of the roof.
If you're a New Orleans homeowner researching Fortified roofs, you're probably trying to figure out one thing: what will this actually cost me after all the grants and programs?
Louisiana has more Fortified roof incentives stacked together than any other state. But the programs have specific rules about what can and can't be combined—and getting it wrong means leaving thousands on the table.
This guide breaks down every program available to New Orleans area homeowners, the real costs involved, and exactly how to maximize your savings.
Which Financial Path Is Right For You?
Before diving into program details, here's the critical thing to understand: the $10,000 state grant and the $10,000 tax credit cannot be combined. You must choose one path or the other.
Your best path depends on your situation:
| Your Situation | Best Path | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Orleans Parish, income under 80% AMI | City CDBG Program | Up to $35,000 |
| Jefferson Parish, can wait for lottery | LFHP Grant + RELIF | Up to $15,000 |
| Any parish, can wait for lottery | LFHP Grant | Up to $10,000 |
| Need roof now, can front costs | State Tax Credit | Up to $10,000 |
What Is a Fortified Roof?
FORTIFIED is a building standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). It's not a brand of shingle or a marketing term—it's a specific set of construction requirements verified by independent third-party evaluators.
A Fortified roof includes:
- Sealed roof deck — Prevents water intrusion from wind-driven rain even if shingles blow off
- Ring-shank nails — Provide double the wind uplift resistance of standard nails
- Enhanced drip edge and flashing — Seals vulnerable transition points
- Specific underlayment requirements — Additional protection layer
- Third-party verification — Independent evaluator confirms all standards are met
There are three FORTIFIED levels: Roof (formerly Bronze), Silver, and Gold. For most New Orleans homeowners, the Roof designation provides the best value—it's what qualifies for Louisiana's grants and delivers the insurance discounts.
Why Fortified Matters in New Orleans
New Orleans sits in one of the most hurricane-exposed regions in the country. After Katrina, Ida, and countless other storms, insurance costs have skyrocketed. A Fortified roof does two things: it dramatically reduces your risk of storm damage, and it qualifies you for significant insurance discounts that continue year after year.
Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) — $10,000 Grant
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program offers up to $10,000 to help homeowners upgrade to a Fortified roof. It's now in its third year and has funded over 10,000 roofs statewide.
How the Lottery Works
Unlike first-come-first-served programs, LFHP uses a lottery system:
- Registration windows open periodically (typically several times per year)
- Eligible homeowners who register are entered into a random drawing
- Selected recipients are notified and have a set timeframe to complete their roof
- If you registered previously (2024 or 2025), you're automatically entered in future rounds
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the LFHP grant, you must:
- Own a primary residence with a homestead exemption
- Be located in Louisiana's Coastal Zone (includes all of New Orleans and surrounding parishes)
- Have active homeowners insurance with wind coverage
- Have flood insurance if your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area
Not eligible: New construction, condominiums, and mobile homes cannot participate.
What the Grant Covers
The grant pays up to $10,000 toward your Fortified roof upgrade, paid directly to your contractor after the work is completed and certified. You're responsible for:
- The evaluation fee ($300-$500, paid to the independent evaluator)
- Any costs exceeding $10,000
Pro tip: Many homeowners don't realize they're automatically re-registered after their first lottery entry. If you registered in 2024 or early 2025, you're already in the pool for future rounds—no need to re-register.
Register at ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes
Louisiana State Tax Credit (Act 404) — $10,000
If you don't want to wait for the lottery—or want to proceed immediately—the state tax credit offers an alternative path.
How It Works
Act 404 provides a nonrefundable income tax credit up to $10,000 for installing a Fortified roof. Key details:
- Effective for expenses incurred after July 1, 2025
- You must pay for the roof yourself upfront
- Claim the credit when you file your Louisiana taxes
- If you don't owe $10,000 in state taxes, the unused portion rolls forward for up to 3 years
The Catch: $10 Million Annual Cap
Unlike the grant program, the tax credit has a statewide cap of $10 million per year. It's distributed on a first-come, first-served basis when people file their taxes. If the cap is reached before you file, you won't receive the credit that year.
Strategic advice: If you're planning to use the tax credit, file your taxes early in the season. Don't use extensions.
The Fallback: $10,000 Deduction
If the tax credit cap is exhausted, Louisiana also offers a $10,000 tax deduction (not credit) for Fortified roof installation. The deduction has no cap, so it's always available—though it's worth less than the credit since it reduces taxable income rather than taxes owed directly.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right For You?
We can walk you through the options based on your specific situation.
Get Free ConsultationParish-Level Programs
Beyond state programs, several parishes offer additional assistance.
Jefferson Parish: RELIF Program (+$5,000)
Jefferson Parish residents can receive an additional $5,000 on top of the state grant through the Roof Enhancement Lottery Incentive Fund (RELIF).
How it works:
- No separate application required—it automatically piggybacks on your LFHP win
- You must win the LFHP lottery AND live in Jefferson Parish AND your roof must cost more than $10,000
- The extra $5,000 covers the "gap" between your grant and actual costs
- $3.5 million has been allocated from council discretionary funds
Total potential in Jefferson Parish: $15,000 ($10,000 LFHP + $5,000 RELIF)
Questions? Contact Councilwoman Van Vrancken's office: (504) 736-6615 or Jennifer@JeffParish.gov
Orleans Parish: CDBG Program (Up to $35,000)
This is the program most New Orleans homeowners don't know about. The City of New Orleans offers up to $35,000 for Fortified roof installation through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Eligibility:
- Primary residence in Orleans Parish
- Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (approximately $65,600 for a family of four)
- Priority given to: seniors 62+, veterans, and homeowners with special needs
This program is administered by Rebuilding Together New Orleans, separate from the state programs.
Apply: Contact Rebuilding Together New Orleans at (504) 264-1815 or visit 2801 Marais St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Other Parishes
St. Tammany, Terrebonne, and other coastal parishes may have local programs as well. Contact your parish council office to ask about available assistance.
What Does a Fortified Roof Actually Cost?
Let's cut through the confusion with real numbers.
In the New Orleans market, asphalt shingle roofs typically cost $4-$6 per square foot installed. Upgrading to Fortified standards adds approximately 10-15% to that cost.
| Roof Size | Standard Asphalt | Fortified (+10-15%) | Upgrade Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,000-$9,000 | $6,600-$10,350 | +$600-$1,350 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $8,000-$12,000 | $8,800-$13,800 | +$800-$1,800 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $10,000-$15,000 | $11,000-$17,250 | +$1,000-$2,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $12,000-$18,000 | $13,200-$20,700 | +$1,200-$2,700 |
The Math That Actually Matters
Here's what a typical New Orleans homeowner might pay:
Average 2,000 sq ft home:
- Fortified roof cost: $11,000
- LFHP Grant: -$10,000
- Out of pocket: $1,000
- Year 1 insurance savings: +$1,250
- Net position after Year 1: $250 ahead
The Fortified upgrade itself only adds 10-15% to a standard roof replacement. For most homes, that's $1,000-$2,500 extra. When you factor in a $10,000 grant or tax credit plus $1,000+/year in insurance savings, you're often paying less than a standard roof while getting more protection.
Materials Matter
Not all shingles perform equally under Fortified standards. The materials your contractor uses affect both performance and warranty coverage.
We exclusively install materials proven in hurricane conditions:
- Owens Corning Duration — Recently ranked #1 in independent shingle testing
- GAF Timberline HDZ — Features an unlimited wind speed warranty
As a GAF Master Elite contractor—a designation held by only 2% of roofers nationwide—we can offer Golden Pledge warranty coverage that most contractors simply cannot provide.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
Understanding the process helps you plan timing and avoid surprises.
Step 1: Initial Evaluation ($300-$500)
Before any work begins, you'll hire a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator. This is an independent third party—not your contractor. They assess your current roof and produce a "pre-construction" report specifying exactly what's needed to meet Fortified standards.
Step 2: Get Your Funding Lined Up
This is where you choose your path:
- Apply for LFHP lottery during open registration windows, OR
- Plan to claim the tax credit (must front the cost yourself)
- Orleans Parish residents: check CDBG eligibility with Rebuilding Together NOLA
Step 3: Choose Your Contractor
Your contractor must be FORTIFIED-certified—but certification alone doesn't guarantee quality. Evaluators see every installation in the area. Ask who they recommend.
When vetting contractors, ask about:
- Certification rate — What percentage of their roofs pass inspection the first time? (100% is the standard to look for)
- Volume — How many Fortified roofs have they installed?
- Materials — What brands and products do they use?
- Warranty — What workmanship warranty do they offer?
Step 4: Installation (1-3 Days)
The actual installation includes:
- Tear-off of existing roof
- Installation of sealed roof deck system
- Ring-shank nails throughout
- Enhanced drip edge and flashing
- Proper underlayment per Fortified specs
- Shingle installation
Step 5: Post-Construction Evaluation
The same evaluator returns to verify all work meets Fortified standards. They document everything with photos and submit to IBHS for your designation.
Step 6: Receive Your FORTIFIED Designation
You'll receive a certificate with a unique ID number, valid for five years. This is what you submit to your insurance company to receive your discount.
Timeline expectation: From first call to FORTIFIED certificate in hand, plan for 4-8 weeks depending on grant timing and weather. The installation itself is typically just 1-3 days.
Insurance Savings: The Gift That Keeps Giving
This is where Fortified roofs really pay off over time.
What to Expect
Louisiana law requires insurers to offer discounts for FORTIFIED designation. Based on Louisiana Department of Insurance data:
- Typical discount range: 20-52% off the wind portion of your premium
- Average discount: approximately 22%
- Average annual savings: approximately $1,250 per year
When to Update Your Policy
Don't wait until your policy renewal. Call your insurance agent the day you receive your FORTIFIED certificate. Most carriers will adjust your premium mid-policy and issue a refund for the remaining period.
Working With the Right Agent
Not all insurance agents understand FORTIFIED discounts or know how to maximize them. Some carriers offer better Fortified rates than others, and the documentation matters.
We've built relationships with insurance agents who specialize in this. They know which carriers offer the best Fortified rates and how to document everything properly. Happy to make an introduction.
The Long-Term Math
| Years | Annual Savings | Cumulative Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Year 5 | $1,250 | $6,250 |
| Year 10 | $1,250 | $12,500 |
| Year 20 | $1,250 | $25,000 |
A Fortified roof doesn't just protect your home—it pays dividends for as long as you own it. Many homeowners recoup their entire out-of-pocket cost within 1-3 years through insurance savings alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Fortified roof in New Orleans typically costs $4.40-$6.90 per square foot, or roughly $8,800-$13,800 for a 2,000 sq ft home. This is only 10-15% more than a standard roof replacement. With Louisiana's $10,000 grant or tax credit, many homeowners pay under $4,000 out of pocket.
In some cases, yes. If your roof costs $10,000 or less and you receive the full LFHP grant, your out-of-pocket cost is zero. Jefferson Parish residents can access an additional $5,000 through RELIF for up to $15,000 total. Orleans Parish homeowners under 80% AMI may qualify for up to $35,000 through the city's CDBG program.
Create a profile at ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes and register during an open enrollment window. Recipients are selected by lottery. If you registered in 2024 or 2025, you're automatically entered in future rounds—no need to re-register.
The $10,000 LFHP grant is lottery-based and paid directly to your contractor after work is completed. The $10,000 tax credit (Act 404) requires you to pay upfront and claim it when filing taxes. Important: You cannot receive both—it's one or the other.
Five years. After that, a re-inspection can renew the designation. Your insurance discount continues as long as your designation is current.
Yes. Your contractor must be FORTIFIED-certified through IBHS. However, certification alone doesn't guarantee quality. Look for contractors with high volume of Fortified installations and a 100% certification rate, meaning every roof they install passes inspection the first time.
Louisiana homeowners typically save 20-52% on the wind portion of their premium. The average is around 22%, or approximately $1,250 per year according to the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
If you're in Louisiana's Coastal Zone, you're eligible. This includes all of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany, and most of South Louisiana. Check the state's online coastal zone map at ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes by entering your address.
