Thus, the FORTIFIED Roof program of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety suggests extra steps be taken at the three stages of roof construction and repairs: Nail it. Seal it. Lock it.

“If you lose a roof, you are likely to lose the entire home,” explains Gina Hardy of the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA).

NCIUA (often referred to as the “Beach Plan”) and roofing contractors are key state partners with FORTIFIED.

Roof damage and extended impacts are not limited to hurricane season, nor to just the coastal region.

“Code-plus construction is good for our policyholders and good for all residents of North Carolina,” Hardy notes.

NCIUA even offers grants to install stronger roofing systems during construction and repairs. The grants are funded by a bond program considered the first in the world to “invest in resilience,” Hardy adds.

Other homeowners across the state should check with their insurance representatives to see if they offer incentives or endorsements on policies when Fortified roofs are in place.

Visit fortifiedhome.org for more information on strengthening your roof, or check strengthenyourroof.com if you live in a coastal area.