FORTIFIED Roofs in Denham Springs and Livingston Parish
The Roof Shop has earned FORTIFIED roofing certification. That means we can build your new roof to the FORTIFIED Roof standard created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
FORTIFIED is a stronger way to re-roof, designed to help homes better withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy rain. It is also the standard behind Louisiana's Fortify Homes grants, the state FORTIFIED roof tax credit and insurance premium discounts.
What Is FORTIFIED?
FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program from IBHS, a nonprofit research organization supported by property insurers. It has three levels, and each builds on the one before it:
• FORTIFIED Roof: strengthens the roof system itself. This is the level Louisiana's grant and tax credit are built around.
• FORTIFIED Silver: adds protection for other weak spots, such as garage doors, porches, chimneys and gable ends.
• FORTIFIED Gold: adds an engineered connection from the roof to the walls to the foundation.
What Makes a Roof FORTIFIED?
• Sealed roof deck: helps keep water out if shingles blow off. IBHS says sealing the deck seams can cut water intrusion by up to 95%.
• Ring-shank nails: installed in an enhanced pattern. LDI says this nearly doubles the roof's strength against wind.
• Locked-down edges: a wider drip edge and fully adhered starter strip help keep wind from peeling the roof back.
• Wind-rated roof covers: shingles must carry the highest wind ratings, and metal must be tested for your home's location.
• Impact-rated shingles (optional): the Hail Supplement calls for shingles that better protect against hail up to two inches in diameter.
How It Works
• Free inspection and written estimate from The Roof Shop.
• Choose your materials, such as shingles or metal.
• An independent FORTIFIED Evaluator inspects your home before work begins.
• We install your roof to the FORTIFIED standard, with required photo documentation.
• The Evaluator does a final inspection and submits everything to IBHS.
• IBHS issues your FORTIFIED certificate.
Per LDI, the certificate is good for five years. You can share it with your insurer, and it can be passed along to the new owner if you sell.
Your Options
• Shingle or metal: IBHS says FORTIFIED works with just about any roof cover. We'll help you compare cost, durability and lifespan.
• New roof or existing roof: the best time to go FORTIFIED is when you replace your roof. IBHS also offers an "Existing Roof" designation for some roofs with more than five years of life left and no visible damage.
• Roof, Silver or Gold: most homeowners start with FORTIFIED Roof. Silver and Gold go beyond the roof and earn higher insurance discount benchmarks.
Ways to Pay
Fortify Homes grant: the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, run by LDI, awards grants of up to $10,000 by lottery, and Livingston Parish is an eligible parish. The home must be your primary residence with a homestead exemption and wind coverage. Don't start work before you're approved, or you won't be eligible.
State tax credit: Louisiana law (R.S. 47:6044) offers a nonrefundable state income tax credit for qualified FORTIFIED roof expenses, up to $10,000, for work on or after July 1, 2025. Credits are capped statewide each year, and expenses paid with grant funds don't count. Ask your tax professional whether it fits your situation.
Insurance discounts: Louisiana requires insurers to apply FORTIFIED discounts to the hurricane portion of the premium by January 1, 2027. LDI's benchmark for a FORTIFIED Roof is 16%, 27% or 29%, depending on your zone, and Silver and Gold earn more. Ask your insurance agent how it applies to your policy.
Financing: The Roof Shop offers flexible financing options with fast, simple approvals and affordable monthly payments, subject to credit approval.
Grant and tax credit programs have their own contractor requirements. Please confirm them with LDI and the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and we're happy to talk it through with you.
FORTIFIED Roof FAQ
How much more does a FORTIFIED roof cost?
It depends on your home and materials. FORTIFIED adds materials and steps, plus Evaluator fees. Your free written estimate shows the cost.
Can I get a FORTIFIED roof without the grant?
Yes. You can go FORTIFIED any time you replace your roof and still receive an IBHS certificate. Grant funds can't reimburse a roof fortified before a grant was awarded.
How long does the certificate last?
Five years. To renew, an Evaluator reinspects the home.
Does FORTIFIED cover hail?
FORTIFIED Roof focuses on wind and rain. The optional Hail Supplement adds impact-rated roof covers.
What if I already have a newer roof?
You may qualify for the "Existing Roof" designation. An Evaluator can tell you.
Does my house qualify?
Some types of homes can't receive a designation, and the grant excludes new construction, condos and mobile homes. We'll talk through your home during your inspection.
Learn More
Want the details on grant eligibility, the tax credit and insurance discounts? Learn more on our blog.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
Want a stronger roof built to the FORTIFIED standard? Call The Roof Shop at (225) 888-0838 or email info@roofshopla.com to schedule your free roof inspection.
The Roof Shop, 1130 South Range Ave, Ste D, Denham Springs, LA 70726. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Program details are set by LDI, the Louisiana Department of Revenue and IBHS and can change. Last reviewed October 2026.