Protecting Your Home: How Alabama Homeowners Can Receive a Grant for a New Roof
By Meredith Amon
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A strong, durable roof is one of the most critical components of any home—especially in coastal regions where high winds and severe weather pose a constant threat. Fortunately, Alabama homeowners have access to grant programs that can help cover the cost of upgrading their roofs to more resilient, storm-resistant standards.
Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program
The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) grant program provides eligible homeowners with up to $10,000 to upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED™ standard, a construction method designed to enhance home resilience against hurricanes, strong winds, and severe weather events.
Key Benefits of the SAH Grant:
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Grant Coverage: The program covers 100% of mitigation costs up to $10,000, with homeowners responsible for any additional expenses.
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FORTIFIED™ Standard: All work must meet the FORTIFIED™ Roof or FORTIFIED™ Silver standards, which help prevent water intrusion and uplift damage.
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Eligibility: The grant is open to homeowners across Alabama, though residents of Baldwin and Mobile Counties receive priority consideration.
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Application Process: Homeowners must create a profile on the Strengthen Alabama Homes website, provide required documentation, and select a certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator before obtaining contractor bids for the work.
For more details or to apply, visit the official SAH website: Strengthen Alabama Homes.
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
For homeowners who may not qualify for the SAH grant, another option is the USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program. This federal initiative provides financial assistance to very low-income homeowners who need to repair, improve, or modernize their homes—including replacing a failing roof.
Key Features of the USDA Grant:
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Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 for eligible applicants.
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Eligibility: Homeowners must be 62 years or older, unable to repay a repair loan, and meet very low-income requirements.
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Additional Assistance: The program also offers low-interest loans up to $40,000 for other home repairs.
For more information, visit the USDA Rural Development website.
Why Upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ Roof Matters
A FORTIFIED™ Roof provides multiple benefits beyond storm resistance:
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Reduced Home Insurance Costs: Many insurance providers offer discounts for FORTIFIED™ homes due to their improved durability.
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Increased Property Value: Homes with FORTIFIED™ roofs are often more attractive to buyers, as they offer long-term protection and potential insurance savings.
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Greater Peace of Mind: With a roof designed to withstand high winds and severe weather, homeowners can feel more secure knowing their property is better protected.
SAH Approved Contractors
How to Get Started
If you’re considering replacing your roof, now is the time to explore available grants and funding options. Whether applying through Strengthen Alabama Homes or the USDA Housing Repair Grant, taking proactive steps toward a stronger, more resilient roof is an investment in both your home’s safety and its future value.
For homeowners in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, the SAH grant offers a valuable opportunity to upgrade to a FORTIFIED™ Roof at little to no cost. If you are outside these areas, you may still be eligible for assistance through other grant or loan programs.
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