Enhancing Home Safety and Value in Orange Beach, AL: The Benefits of Fortified Roofs and Gold Fortified Homes

In the vibrant coastal city of Orange Beach, Alabama, homeowners are increasingly recognizing the benefits of investing in fortified roofs and specifically, Gold Fortified homes, to protect against severe weather. This blog explains the various levels of fortified standards, the specific advantages of Gold Fortified homes, and how residents can access financial incentives to make their homes safer and more resilient.

Understanding FORTIFIED Standards

FORTIFIED is a certification designed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) to enforce building standards that provide increased protection against severe weather. There are three levels of FORTIFIED certification: Roof, Silver, and Gold—each offering progressively more robust protection and insurance benefits.

 **FORTIFIED Roof:** This entry-level tier focuses on strengthening the roof to prevent water damage during storms, potentially reducing wind insurance premiums by 25-35%.
 **FORTIFIED Silver:** This mid-level certification includes all the protections of the Roof level, plus enhancements to windows, doors, and other vulnerable spots. It can result in 35-45% discounts on wind insurance.
**FORTIFIED Gold:** The highest level of FORTIFIED certification, Gold includes the combined benefits of Roof and Silver and adds crucial elements such as a continuous load path. This path ensures that the roof, walls, and foundation are securely interconnected, providing maximum resistance to wind forces. Homeowners can enjoy insurance savings of up to 55%.

The Distinct Benefits of Gold Fortified

Gold Fortified homes offer the ultimate protection in storm-prone areas. Here’s why they stand out:

- **Ultimate Protection:** Gold Fortified homes include all the protections of the lower tiers but with enhanced structural integrity from roof to foundation.
- **Significant Insurance Discounts:** Alongside increased safety, homeowners can achieve the highest possible insurance discounts.
- **Property Value Increase:** Research indicates that properties with FORTIFIED certifications, particularly Gold, sell for nearly 7% more compared to non-fortified homes.

Financial Incentives Through the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program

The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program offers grants up to $10,000 for Alabama residents to upgrade existing homes to FORTIFIED standards. This state-supported initiative aims to make homes safer without placing a financial burden on homeowners.

Key Details About SAH:
- **Open to All:** There are no income limits; any homeowner with a primary residence in Alabama can apply.
- **Additional Costs:** While the grant covers up to $10,000, homeowners should be prepared for potential costs beyond this if extensive upgrades are required.
- **Contractor Selection:** Homeowners choose from a list of SAH qualified contractors to get the necessary work done.

Steps to Upgrade:
1. **Evaluation:** A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator assesses the home and outlines the required upgrades.
2. **Bidding:** Homeowners receive bids from qualified contractors and select the best offer.
3. **Grant Award:** Once all bids are gathered, SAH issues a grant award letter to commence work.
4. **Completion and Payment:** Upon successful upgrading and inspection, SAH pays the contractor directly up to the grant amount.

Take Action

For homeowners in Orange Beach, investing in a FORTIFIED roof or upgrading to a Gold Fortified home not only promises significant insurance savings but also provides peace of mind during severe weather events. We recommend contacting a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator to start the process and consulting a tax advisor to maximize deductions related to wind or flood resistance improvements.

Enhance your home's resilience, increase its market value, and potentially save on insurance by upgrading to Gold Fortified standards. It's a prudent step towards ensuring your safety and financial well-being in Orange Beach

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