North Carolina Celebrates 15,000 FORTIFIED Homes for Coastal Resilience

Coastal homes in North Carolina with FORTIFIED roofs

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News Summary

On March 21, 2025, Wilmington, NC, celebrated the achievement of over 15,000 homes awarded the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation. The North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association emphasized commitment to storm readiness, investing over $100 million to upgrade homes against severe weather. Homes with FORTIFIED roofs are statistically safer and less likely to file insurance claims, showcasing the initiative’s effectiveness in enhancing coastal resilience.

North Carolina Celebrates 15,000 FORTIFIED Homes: A Leap Towards Coastal Resilience

On March 21, 2025, the coastal city of Wilmington hosted a remarkable event celebrating the milestone of over 15,000 homes across North Carolina that have received the FORTIFIED Roof™ designation. This pivotal achievement was spearheaded by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA), emphasizing the state’s commitment to enhancing storm readiness.

The FORTIFIED program: A Step Beyond Standard Construction

The FORTIFIED program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), goes above and beyond regular construction standards, offering a voluntary initiative aimed at fortifying homes against the impacts of severe weather, particularly high winds and torrential rains. This initiative has gained traction since the NCIUA adopted FORTIFIED as its resilience standard in 2016. To put their commitment into numbers, the NCIUA has invested over $100 million in helping families upgrade their homes to withstand future storms.

What Makes FORTIFIED Successful?

The upgrades partaking in the FORTIFIED program include crucial elements such as:

Stronger roof deck attachment
Sealed roof decks
Locked-down edges

The effectiveness of these upgrades is verified by third-party evaluators, ensuring that all installations align with the stringent FORTIFIED standards. Such rigorous evaluation not only guarantees quality but also fosters trust within the community.

Leading the Nation in Storm Resilience Initiatives

NCIUA stands out as one of the first associations in the nation to offer grants and policy endorsements specifically for the FORTIFIED program. They have launched three targeted initiatives to aid policyholders in upgrading their roofs, leading by example in storm preparedness.

Statistically, homes that adopt FORTIFIED roofs are 34% less likely to file insurance claims, and when they do, the damage claims are 22% less severe than those for homes constructed under standard codes. These significant metrics highlight the program’s efficacy and the crucial role it plays in not only protecting homes but also in reducing the economic burden on homeowners during storm season.

Acknowledging Champions of Coastal Resilience

During the celebration event, awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to enhancing coastal resilience. Attendees included prominent figures such as the NC Insurance Commissioner, local mayors, and heads of various associations dedicated to home resilience.

Resources Available for Homeowners

Homeowners interested in upgrading their roofs can access vital resources through NCIUA’s grant programs at StrengthenYourRoof.com and StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.com. Additional information can be found at the FORTIFIED program website at FORTIFIEDHome.org.

The Mission of NCIUA and IBHS

The NCIUA, a nonprofit association established by law, aims to provide essential property insurance coverage throughout North Carolina. Their Strengthen Your Roof program specifically focuses on improving the resilience of properties insured by NCIUA through grants designated for roofing upgrades, showcasing a proactive approach toward disaster risk reduction.

In conjunction, the IBHS conducts scientific research to promote effective actions for disaster resilience, ensuring that communities are better prepared for emergencies that Mother Nature may throw their way. The FORTIFIED designation process is designed to significantly enhance homes’ structural integrity, making them better equipped to handle severe weather conditions.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for North Carolina’s Coastal Communities

The celebration in Wilmington marks a significant victory for not just the NCIUA and its partners, but for the entire community dedicated to enhancing the safety and durability of North Carolina’s coastal homes. With continued commitment and proactive measures, the state reinforces its stance as a leader in storm resilience, paving the way for a safer future amidst nature’s unpredictability.

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