FORTIFIED™ in Louisiana vs. Mississippi (2025): Grants, Insurance Discounts & How to Upgrade Your Roof
Homeowners across Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are looking for proven ways to beat wind-driven rain, uplift, and rising insurance premiums. FORTIFIED™ Roof — centered on a sealed roof deck, enhanced fastening, and locked-down roof edges — consistently cuts losses during hurricanes. In 2025, interest surged thanks to state grants like the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) and Mississippi’s Strengthen Mississippi Homes initiative, alongside insurer discounts for properly documented mitigation. This guide compares the programs, clarifies eligibility and documents, and shows how Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) installs and documents FORTIFIED-ready roofs across New Orleans, the Northshore, Baton Rouge, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
What Is a FORTIFIED™ Roof — and Why It Matters on the Gulf Coast?
FORTIFIED™ Roof is a resilience standard that upgrades the most failure-prone parts of a roof system. It adds a continuous water barrier and stronger edges so even if some shingles are lost, wind-driven rain is kept out. The core elements include a sealed deck (self-adhered membranes at panel seams or full coverage), enhanced fastening (correct shank/spacing for uplift resistance), edge securement (starter with continuous adhesion and properly sized drip edge), robust underlayments and flashings, plus balanced ventilation. In hurricane-exposed ZIP codes like New Orleans, the Northshore, Baton Rouge, and the MS Gulf Coast, these measures reduce losses and support insurer credits. For pitfalls to avoid during reroofing, review our Gulf Coast anti-checklist.
Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) — 2025 Overview
The Louisiana Fortify Homes Program offers grants up to $10,000 to upgrade to a FORTIFIED® Roof. Funding opens in application windows that can fill quickly; grants are paid directly to the contractor after certification. Create your profile and gather documents in advance to act fast when the next window goes live. Learn more on the regulator’s site and recent LFHP updates and changes for 2025 in our explainer for Louisiana homeowners.
- Owner-occupied single-family home in Louisiana; taxes/insurance current.
- Work performed by a qualified contractor with third-party FORTIFIED verification.
- Grant typically covers the incremental cost from standard reroof to FORTIFIED (sealed deck, fasteners, edges, verification).
Start with the official program page, then see our step-by-step for 2025 and a St. Rose case study showing sealed deck + Class 3 shingles in practice. Official LFHP page, 2025 Louisiana changes, St. Rose case study.
Mississippi’s Strengthen Mississippi Homes — How It Differs
Mississippi’s mitigation program supports owner-occupants in upgrading to the FORTIFIED™ Roof level first, and in some cycles to Silver (openings) where funding allows. Enrollments run in cycles; coastal counties such as Hancock, Harrison, Jackson are high-demand. We build to FORTIFIED requirements now and package documentation so you are ready when the next window opens.
Program highlights: FORTIFIED-aligned scope, qualified contractor and verification, caps that vary by cycle, and funds awarded until exhausted. Check the Mississippi Insurance Department pages and program portal for current status, eligibility, and documents.
Louisiana vs. Mississippi — Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)
| Topic | Louisiana — LFHP | Mississippi — Strengthen MS Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Grant to upgrade to FORTIFIED® Roof standard (sealed deck, fasteners, edge securement). | Wind-mitigation grants; prioritize Roof level; select cycles may include Silver upgrades. |
| Typical amount | Up to $10,000 toward the FORTIFIED upgrade; paid to contractor after certification. | Varies by cycle; limited funds and periodic windows; coastal counties prioritized. |
| Eligibility snapshot | Owner-occupied LA home, compliant status, qualified contractor + independent verification. | Owner-occupied MS home; contractor/verification similar; county/zone priorities may apply. |
| Application timing | Short-lived windows; prepare profile and docs in advance. | Periodic enrollments; monitor agency channels for opening dates. |
| Covered scope | Incremental FORTIFIED upgrade + verification; patchwork does not qualify. | FORTIFIED-aligned reroof; documentation required; patchwork does not qualify. |
Documentation matters: Both programs expect clear photo sets of sealed seams, fastener patterns, and edge details, plus evaluator sign-offs. SHIC builds and documents to that bar.
Eligibility & Documentation — What Agencies and Insurers Expect
Typical eligibility checklist
- Primary residence within Louisiana or Mississippi; property taxes and insurance current.
- Full roof replacement to FORTIFIED requirements (not patchwork).
- Qualified contractor and independent FORTIFIED evaluator.
Document package we deliver
- Pre-work assessment: sheathing condition, re-nailing plan, ventilation plan, edge profile.
- Progress photos: sealed deck seams or full coverage, fastener schedule, drip edge & starter details.
- Material data sheets: synthetic underlayment, membranes, shingle/metal system, flashings, ridge/soffit ventilation.
- Final affidavit + coordination with evaluator for FORTIFIED designation where applicable.
If you’re starting from an insurance claim, review how discounts are applied and what line of premium is typically reduced — we break down LA/MS mechanics and talking points for agents in our explainer. How discounts are applied.
Insurance Discounts in Louisiana — Filed Credits (Act 533, 2025)
Louisiana carriers file FORTIFIED® Roof discounts with the Department of Insurance. Credits are generally applied to the wind/hail portion of the premium and vary by territory/zone and company rules. Below is a condensed snapshot from the 2025 Act 533 report (not exhaustive). Documentation that typically unlocks credits: IBHS FORTIFIED® Roof designation, photo set of sealed deck seams, fastener schedule, and edge securement details.
| Insurer / Program | Filed Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Trust — Homeowners / Dwelling | 20% / 25% | Program-specific |
| Allstate Group — Homeowners (incl. Encompass) | 26%–30% | Entity varies |
| Amica — Homeowners | 7%–19% | Territory-based |
| American National — Homeowners | 7%–19% | Territory-based |
| American Modern — Mobile Home / Dwelling | 7.2%–24.3% / 14.1%–31.1% | By territories |
| Armed Forces Insurance Exchange — Homeowners | 7.2%–24.3% | By territory |
| Auros Reciprocal Exchange — Homeowners | 30% | Preferred |
| Centauri National — Preferred/Elite HO | 15% (frame), 20% (masonry) | By construction |
| Elevate Reciprocal Exchange — Preferred HO | 30% | Preferred |
| Foremost / Farmers — HO-3, programs | 8% / 20% | Program-specific |
| FCCI / Monroe / National Trust — Comm./Dwelling | 23% / 16% / 38% / 47% / 54% | Zones 1–5 |
| Hanover — Homeowners | 15% | Mitigation credit |
| HDI Global — Commercial | 23% / 16% / 38% / 47% / 54% | Zones 1–5 |
| Imperial Fire & Casualty — Homeowners | 1%–14% | Varies statewide |
| Liberty Mutual / Safeco — Homeowners | up to 40% (IBHS Home) | See policy line |
| Lilypad — Homeowners | 15% (frame), 20% (masonry) | By construction |
| Louisiana Citizens (LCPIC) — Personal/Dwelling | 24.3% (Zone 1) · 17.1% (Zone 2) · 7.2% (Zone 3) | By ISO zones |
| National Union Fire — Commercial Property | 10% / 6% / 21% / 33% / 43% | Zones 1–5 |
| Occidental — Homeowners | 30% | Filed statewide |
| Praetorian — Homeowners | 20% | Filed % |
| PURE — Homeowners | 5% (Zones 1–2), 11% (Zone 3) | By zone |
| Progressive Property — HO-3 / HO-5 | 6%–10% | Form-specific |
| Safepoint / CAJUN — HO (various) | 5% · 7.2%–24.3% | By program/territory |
| SafePort — Preferred Homeowners | 30% | Preferred |
| Shelter Mutual — Homeowners | 1%–20% by zone | Coastal/Central/Northern |
| State Farm — Homeowners | 19%–35% | Filed range |
| Travelers — Homeowners | 8%–24% | Filed range |
| USAA — Homeowners | 19%–37% | Filed range |
| Vault Reciprocal — Homeowners | 5%–10% | Filed range |
| Zurich American — Elite HO-3 | 15% (frame), 20% (masonry) | By construction |
How we help: SHIC installs to FORTIFIED requirements (sealed deck, enhanced fastening, edge securement), coordinates with a third-party evaluator, and prepares a clean insurer packet so credits are easier to apply.
Insurance Discounts in Mississippi — Coastal Realities
Mississippi carriers also recognize FORTIFIED® Roof mitigation. Credits commonly apply to the wind/wind-hail portion of the premium and vary by carrier and exposure. Public guidance notes that discounts in Louisiana often exceed 50% of the wind/hail portion for properly designated FORTIFIED homes, and Mississippi coastal carriers follow similar mitigation logic — always ask your agent exactly which line item is being discounted and for how long credits remain in force.
- Documentation: IBHS FORTIFIED® Roof designation/certificate plus install photos (sealed deck, fasteners, edge metal).
- Scope matters: full replacement to FORTIFIED standard; patchwork does not qualify.
- Program cycles: the Strengthen Mississippi Homes grant operates in cycles and has focused on coastal counties; we can build to spec now and package your documents for the next opening.
Agent questions that lock in your credit
- Is the discount applied to the wind/wind-hail portion or the overall premium?
- Any forms beyond the FORTIFIED certificate required by the carrier?
- Duration of the credit and whether periodic re-verification is needed?
Costs, Payback & Why a Sealed Deck Often “Pays for Itself”
A FORTIFIED-level roof adds cost for membranes, fasteners, edge metal, and verification — but avoided loss during a wind-driven rain event can dwarf that premium. The math is simple: direct credits on the wind or dwelling portion, loss avoidance (no wet insulation or drywall tear-outs), better insurability at renewal, and potential resale benefits in hurricane-exposed markets. Balanced ventilation prolongs shingle life and reduces attic heat load.
We price a standard reroof and a FORTIFIED upgrade path side-by-side so you can see marginal cost and likely payback horizon.
Step-by-Step Plan: From First Call to Verified FORTIFIED™ Roof
- Free assessment & estimate. We examine deck, ventilation, penetrations, and edges. You get two scopes: standard code-compliant reroof and FORTIFIED-level upgrade.
- Grant readiness. We outline requirements for LFHP (LA) or Strengthen MS Homes and help pre-assemble your documentation.
- Scheduling & protection. On install day, we protect landscaping/siding and complete a full tear-off down to the sheathing.
- Sheathing & fasteners. Re-nail to spec for proper embedment; replace compromised panels; document patterns.
- Seal the deck. Apply self-adhered membrane at all panel seams (or full-coverage where required); photograph before covering.
- Underlayments & edges. Install synthetic underlayment; set drip edge and starter with continuous adhesion; lock rakes/eaves for uplift resistance.
- Shingles or metal. Install architectural or Class 3/4 shingles per manufacturer spec, or standing-seam metal with correct clip/fastener strategy.
- Flashings & ventilation. Replace step/apron flashings; add boots/counter-flashing where needed; install ridge + soffit intake for balanced airflow.
- Cleanup & documentation. Magnetic sweep, debris removal, labeled photo set, material lists, and signed affidavits.
- Verification & insurance packet. Coordinate FORTIFIED evaluator; deliver final package for your grant file and insurer.
Deeper dive into field methods: our Gulf Coast anti-checklist.
Choosing a Contractor for FORTIFIED™ — What to Ask in LA & MS
- Documentation discipline: “Show a full photo set of sealed deck seams, fastener schedule, and edge details from a recent job.”
- Evaluator relationships: “Who performs your FORTIFIED verifications? How do you coordinate sign-offs?”
- Material system knowledge: Membrane specs, starter adhesives, drip-edge sizing, Class 3/4 shingles or standing-seam metal options.
- Local code experience: Familiarity with Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, EBR, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson requirements.
- Warranty & service: Workmanship warranty, storm response, and support with insurer documentation.
FAQs
Do I have to wait for a grant window to start?
No. We can install to FORTIFIED standards now and assemble the verification packet so you are ready the moment the next Louisiana or Mississippi window opens.
Is FORTIFIED only for shingles?
No. The sealed deck and edge/fastener requirements also apply to many metal roofing configurations. Ask about standing-seam systems for coastal exposure.
Will my premium definitely go down?
Carriers set their own credit structures. Many recognize FORTIFIED measures; the percentage and duration vary. We provide the verification documents your agent needs to apply available credits.
What if my roof deck needs repairs?
We replace compromised sheathing, re-nail to the specified schedule, and seal all panel seams or provide full-coverage membranes before installing the roof covering.
Get a FORTIFIED™-Ready Roof — Free, No-Pressure Estimate
Whether you’re in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, the Northshore (Slidell, Mandeville, Covington), Baton Rouge, or along the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula), our team can price a standard reroof and a FORTIFIED upgrade side-by-side and prepare your grant/insurer documentation.
Southern Home Improvement Center (SHIC) — call your nearest office or request a free estimate online:
(985) 643-6611 · Slidell/Lacombe & Northshore | (504) 833-1835 · New Orleans/Jefferson | (985) 626-3755 · Mandeville/Covington | (225) 766-4244 · Baton Rouge | (228) 467-7484 · Mississippi Gulf Coast
