Why a FORTIFIED® Roof Matters for Your Home
A FORTIFIED® Roof isn’t just a roof — it’s strength engineered to protect your home against severe weather. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the FORTIFIED™ program sets enhanced construction standards that dramatically increase your roof’s resistance to wind, rain, hurricanes, hail and other storm damage compared to a traditional roof. (FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS)
What Makes a FORTIFIED Roof Better?
Unlike a standard roof, a FORTIFIED Roof includes key upgrades like:
(FORTIFIED – A Program of IBHS)
- Stronger Edges – wider drip edge and a fully adhered starter strip decrease the chances of wind uplift and water intrusion.
- Sealed Roof Deck – if wind manages to take off your roof covering, a sealed roof deck keeps all of the cracks where water could enter covered.
- Enhanced attachment methods using ring-shank nails in specific patterns that significantly improve uplift resistance.
The Real-World Benefits Homeowners Love
Investing in a FORTIFIED Roof delivers value you’ll notice long before the next storm:
✔ Better Protection Against Severe Weather
Homes built to FORTIFIED standards are less likely to suffer major storm damage, protecting your investment and your family.
✔ Potential Insurance Savings
Many insurers reward FORTIFIED roofs with premium discounts because they reduce the risk of costly claims.
✔ Increased Property Value
According to research, FORTIFIED homes can command higher resale value because of their proven resilience and lower future risk.
✔ Peace of Mind
With weather patterns becoming more extreme, building or re-roofing to a higher standard gives homeowners confidence that their home is built smarter and stronger.
Why Choose Gallop Roofing & Remodeling, Inc. for Your FORTIFIED Roof
When it comes to installing a FORTIFIED Roof, experience and certification matter — and Gallop Roofing & Remodeling, Inc. checks all the boxes:
✔ Certified & Award-Winning Installation
Gallop Roofing is an award-winning, certified FORTIFIED Roof professional with deep expertise installing storm-resilient roofing systems that meet IBHS standards. We’re not just roofers — we’re specialized resilience installers trusted by homeowners across Northeastern North Carolina.
✔ Decades of Coastal Roofing Experience
With over 70 years serving the Outer Banks and Eastern NC, Gallop brings unmatched local experience in coastal weather dynamics and building codes — an advantage when it matters most.
✔ Decades of Coastal Roofing Experience
Trained, Certified, and Trusted
We hold top industry certifications and maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, so you know your roof will be installed right the first time. We are a Certified Master Elite Contractor with GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, holding their top ranking in the Three Start President’s Club. This allows us to offer better warranties through GAF’s alliance with IBHS.
✔ Decades of Coastal Roofing Experience
Full Service Support — From Insurance to Installation
Gallop helps with storm damage repair, insurance claim assistance, Fortified upgrades, and certification, giving you full support throughout your project.
✔ Decades of Coastal Roofing Experience
Local Reliability
From Corolla to Ocracoke and beyond, our team is proudly local — not a fly-by-night contractor. We protect homes across coastal communities with solutions built for the conditions you face every day.
FORTIFIED Roof Grant Programs in Eastern North Carolina
Several programs are currently available to help homeowners in North Carolina counties east of I-95 obtain a FORTIFIED Roof designation. These grants can help offset the cost of strengthening homes against hurricanes, high winds, and other natural hazards.
NCIUA/NCJUA Grant Programs Overview
Strengthen Your Roof (SYR) Program
- Up to $10,000 in grant funding
- For homeowners on the Outer Banks and Barrier Islands (Zones 110 & 120)
- Must be insured by NCIUA
- No income restrictions
- Built to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard
Strengthen Your Coastal Roof (SYCR) Program
- Up to $6,000 in grant funding
- Eligible NCIUA policyholders in Zones 130 & 140
- Available in 18 coastal counties
- Built to the FORTIFIED Roof standard
Stronger Roof Grant (SRG) Program
- Expands coverage into Zones 150 & 160
- Up to $6,000 in grant funding
- Available to eligible NCIUA policyholders
- Built to the FORTIFIED Roof standard
NCIUA Stronger Roof Program
Insurance Claim Upgrade
- Available following a covered loss
- Upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof after an insurance claim
- Provides up to $5,000 (subject to policy terms)
Income-Qualified FORTIFIED Roof Grant
Clean Energy Fund of the Carolinas
- Up to $5,000 in additional grant funding
- For homeowners eligible for the SYCR or SRG programs
- Household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Built to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard
Eligible Coastal Counties
Beaufort, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington.
Need Help Determining Your Eligibility?
Gallop Roofing & Remodeling is a certified FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor and can help determine which grant programs you qualify for, assist with documentation, and complete your roof to the FORTIFIED standard.
Schedule a Free ConsultationHow the FORTIFIED Roof Grant Process Works
Make your home stronger and more resilient while getting financial support. Through programs like StrengthenYourRoof.com and StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.com, eligible homeowners can apply for grants of up to $10,000 toward an IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ — helping offset the cost of upgrading to a storm-resilient roof.
Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, homeowners must confirm they qualify for the grant by entering their insurance policy number and mailing ZIP code at either strengthenyourroof.com or strengthenyourcoastalroof.com. Eligibility is based on your location, policy type, and program rules.
Quick links to check eligibility:
– strengthenyourroof.com
– strengthenyourcoastalroof.com
2. Submit the Grant Application
Once eligible, you’ll create an account on the grant portal and complete the online application. The application requires at least four exterior photos of your home — one from each side.
Important: Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s smart to apply early within the open application period.
3. Application Review
After submitting your application:
- The NCIUA Grant Team reviews it for initial eligibility.
- IBHS then verifies that your home can qualify for a FORTIFIED Roof™.
4. Request Bids & Select Your Contractor
Once your application is approved and the grant reserved:
- You’ll request roof replacement bids through the grant dashboard.
- You choose your contractor (such as Gallop Roofing & Remodeling, Inc.) from the list of experienced, certified professionals.
- A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator is assigned to review your project and ensure it meets program criteria.
5. Roof Installation with FORTIFIED Standards
Construction begins once you and the evaluator are connected — but no work should start until everyone has communicated. During roof installation, the evaluator will check that FORTIFIED standards are being followed to ensure your home earns the official designation.
6. Final Approval & FORTIFIED Designation
After the roof is complete:
- The evaluator submits documentation to IBHS to confirm your home meets all FORTIFIED requirements.
- Once approved, the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ designation certificate is issued and uploaded to your grant dashboard.
7. Grant Payment
Grant funds are released only after the following are submitted:
- The certification from IBHS that your roof meets FORTIFIED standards.
- The final contractor invoice.
- Your completed W-9 form with tax information.
Why This Grant Matters for You
This process empowers homeowners to fortify their roofs not just for stronger wind and storm performance but also with helpful financial support available — potentially saving thousands while improving your home’s long-term durability.
