The Importance of Renewing Your Gold FORTIFIEd Home Certification
Along the Gulf Coast, more and more homebuyers are searching for homes that are fortified.
Owning a Gold FORTIFIED home offers incredible benefits, including up to 55% in homeowner's insurance savings. However, it’s essential to remember that your certification must be renewed every five years. Home modifications, such as changing windows or installing a doggy door, can invalidate your FORTIFIED certification. These changes can compromise the structural integrity of your home and affect its ability to withstand severe weather events, which could lead to loss of insurance discounts.
Why Choose the FORTIFIED Home Program?
The FORTIFIED program sets the national benchmark for home resilience, offering three levels of certification: FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Silver, and FORTIFIED Gold. Each level builds upon the last, offering comprehensive protection against weather-related vulnerabilities. With features like enhanced roof deck attachments and rain-resistant vents, this tiered approach ensures maximum protection for your home.
Renewing Your Gold FORTIFIED Certificate
When the five-year mark approaches, reach out to a FORTIFIED evaluator. Knockout Home Inspections, a trusted service in Alabama and Florida, will inspect your home for any exterior changes, such as new windows, doors, or other additions, to ensure the structure still meets the program's standards. Any exterior modifications must comply with FORTIFIED regulations, or your home could risk losing its certification. Failure to renew on time can also increase renewal costs, making it crucial to stay proactive.
Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program
The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) Grant Program provides up to $10,000 for wind mitigation, making it easier for Alabama homeowners to upgrade their homes to FORTIFIED standards. This program covers 100% of mitigation costs up to the grant limit and is a great opportunity for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s resilience without a significant financial burden.
Requirements for a Gold FORTIFIED Home in Orange Beach and Ono Island, Alabama
To ensure your home meets the Gold FORTIFIED standards and is protected against severe weather, here’s what you need:
1. **Enhanced Roof System**: Install a sealed roof deck to prevent water intrusion and use wind-rated materials to resist high winds.
2. **Reinforced Openings**: Upgrade windows, doors, and garage doors to impact-rated models or add hurricane shutters.
3. **Strengthened Walls**: Ensure walls can withstand debris and high wind forces.
4. **Venting**: Use wind and rain-resistant attic vents.
5. **Certified Evaluation**: A FORTIFIED evaluator must inspect your home.
Reinforce Your Property Against Hurricanes
Experts recommend reinforcing vulnerable areas of your home, including roofs, garage doors, and windows, to reduce potential damage. A sealed roof deck, impact-rated doors and windows, and wind-rated garage doors offer significant protection.
Upgrading your home to meet FORTIFIED standards can prevent major damage during hurricanes. The FORTIFIED Roof standard helps keep your roof intact in winds up to 130 mph, while impact-rated garage doors and windows protect your home’s structural integrity. Homeowners can also apply for the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) grant, which provides up to $10,000 for wind mitigation.
1. **Roof Upgrade**: Install a FORTIFIED Roof to reduce water intrusion by up to 95%.
2. **Garage Door**: Wind-rated garage doors prevent inward pressure that could compromise your roof and walls.
3. **Windows & Doors**: Use impact-rated materials or hurricane shutters for protection from flying debris.
Stay prepared and reinforce your home now to ensure safety during hurricane season. Contact a FORTIFIED evaluator for guidance on maintaining or upgrading your home.
Essential Recommendations for Preparing Your Gold FORTIFIED Home:
1. Inspect and Repair Your Roof:
- Have a licensed roofer check for loose or damaged shingles, tiles, or metal panels. Also, inspect skylights, chimneys, and vents for leaks.
2. Secure Soffits:
- Use stainless steel screws and apply polyurethane sealant.
3. Clean Gutters:
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are secured, cleaned, and directing water 3 feet away from the foundation.
4. Seal Exterior Gaps:
- Caulk cracks and add weatherstripping to windows and doors.
5. Service Garage Door:
- Maintain annually or replace with a wind-rated option.
6. Trim Trees:
- Keep branches clear of the house and remove dead trees.
7. Service Your Generator:
- Perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Posted by Meredith Amon on
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