Nearly 3,000 Louisiana residents have fortified their homes with new roofs through a state grant program, and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says more funding could be on the way.
In Gretna, homeowner Sandra Irons expressed her excitement about receiving a $10,000 grant to fortify her roof.
“With a previous roof I had, I would get shingles torn off, gutters removed. So it would be a lot of damage because it took between $10,000 and $20,000 to replace the roof,” said Irons.
Irons is not only happy about the added protection, she also is looking forward to savings on her insurance premium.
In Algiers, crews from Mackie One Roofing are installing fortified roofs ahead of storm season.
Earl Mackie explained that about 80% of his current customers are opting for fortified roof replacements.
“With a fortified roof, you have peace of mind when you evacuate,” Mackie said.
Mackie said that even if shingles are blown away, the plywood remains attached to the rafters due to longer and stronger nails, a special layer of sealant, and a special edge protectant nailed in a staggered pattern.
“Water won’t get inside because of that sealed seamed decking,” Mackie said.
Temple said those who participate in the fortified roof program see significant savings.
“The average is about $1,200” He added that every insurance carrier in the state offers some form of discount for the upgraded roofs. “We are going to continue to push this session to create a permanent funding stream so we don’t have to go back to the legislature each year and ask for money,” Temple said.
For Sandra Irons, the fortified roof provides peace of mind during storm season, making her feel like she hit the jackpot.
READ MORE:Nearly 3,000 Louisiana residents now have fortified roofs
