Strengthen Alabama Homes & FORTIFIED Roof Certification
Learn how the SAH grant can help with the cost of a new FORTIFIED Roof, how the application process works, and where Golden Rule fits into the certification process.
Already approved and prompted by SAH to select an evaluator? Contact us promptly so we can discuss availability and the next step. Your evaluator selection itself is completed through the SAH program.
What is the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant program, and how can it help pay for a new roof?
Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) is an Alabama Department of Insurance program that provides grants for eligible wind-mitigation work on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. The goal is to bring qualifying homes to the FORTIFIED Roof standard. SAH currently pays 100% of eligible mitigation costs up to $10,000, although the grant may not cover the entire cost of the roofing work.
You begin by applying directly through SAH. After your application and required documents are reviewed, SAH will prompt you to select an approved FORTIFIED Evaluator. The initial evaluation determines whether the home is eligible to proceed and documents what will be required to reach the FORTIFIED Roof standard.
If the home passes the initial evaluation, the SAH process continues to contractor bidding, grant award and construction. Your evaluator then documents the required work during and after installation and submits the project for FORTIFIED review.
Apply or check current requirements on the official Strengthen Alabama Homes website →
Will my home qualify for a FORTIFIED Roof?
Most homes we evaluate can move forward, but the initial evaluation is important because some construction conditions can make a home ineligible or require corrective work. The exact determination is based on the current FORTIFIED standard and the conditions found at your home.
Typical items we look at during the initial qualification review include:
- Roof framing spacing: rafters or trusses are typically spaced no more than 24 inches on center for the common re-roofing conditions we encounter.
- Roof decking: commonly qualifying existing decking includes at least 7/16-inch OSB or approximately 1/2-inch plywood, subject to the current FORTIFIED standard, applicable code and the specific roof assembly.
- Foundation type: slab-on-grade homes are commonly eligible. Crawlspace and other elevated-floor homes can also qualify when the foundation configuration meets FORTIFIED eligibility requirements.
- No disqualifying dry-stack condition: IBHS defines a dry-stack foundation as one constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone. In practical terms, loose or unrestrained stacked blocks, masonry, stone or certain shimming arrangements supporting the house can create an eligibility problem. Some conditions may be correctable with an appropriate permanent-foundation retrofit.
- Overall condition: the home must be in good repair and other property-specific conditions can affect eligibility.
Where does Golden Rule fit into the SAH process?
After your application documents are reviewed and approved, SAH prompts you to select a FORTIFIED Evaluator. The evaluator performs the initial review, documents what is needed to reach the FORTIFIED Roof level, works with the selected contractor during mitigation to document required work, and submits the documentation for FORTIFIED review.
Complete the SAH application and required documentation through the official program portal.
When SAH prompts you, select an approved evaluator. The current program requires this action within 7 days.
The evaluator inspects the home to determine whether it qualifies to proceed and documents the conditions and requirements applicable to the project.
If the home passes the evaluation, the SAH process moves to contractor bids and the approved mitigation work.
Golden Rule documents the required FORTIFIED elements as the work is completed and submits the evaluation documentation for review.
IBHS reviews the submitted documentation and issues the FORTIFIED designation when the applicable requirements have been met.
Golden Rule FORTIFIED Roof certification service
For a standard project that proceeds through completion, Golden Rule charges $500 total for the FORTIFIED Roof certification service. The initial evaluation is the first step and determines whether the home qualifies to continue.
$500 total for a standard completed certification
$250 — Initial qualification evaluation
$250 — Final evaluation, required documentation and certification submission after installation
If the home does not qualify at the initial evaluation and the project cannot proceed, only the $250 initial evaluation fee is due.
The evaluator fee is separate from the SAH grant and is the homeowner's responsibility. If an unusual property condition requires work outside the normal scope, we'll discuss it before any additional charge.
The evaluator and roofing contractor have different roles
Your roofing contractor performs the construction work. Your FORTIFIED Evaluator independently verifies and documents the key elements required by the FORTIFIED standard. IBHS reviews the evaluator's documentation before issuing a designation.
That separation is an important part of the FORTIFIED verification process. Golden Rule can coordinate documentation with your selected contractor while remaining in the evaluator role.
Already approved and ready to choose an evaluator?
Don't wait until the end of your selection window. SAH's current process gives applicants seven days to select a FORTIFIED Evaluator after they are prompted to do so.
Tell us you're participating in Strengthen Alabama Homes and whether you've already been prompted to select an evaluator.
Golden Rule serves Baldwin and Mobile Counties, including Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.
Strengthen Alabama Homes evaluation questions
How much does Golden Rule charge for FORTIFIED Roof certification?
For a standard project that proceeds through certification, the fee is $500 total: $250 for the initial qualification evaluation and $250 for the final evaluation, required documentation and certification submission after installation. If the home does not qualify at the initial evaluation and cannot proceed, only the $250 initial fee is due.
Does the $10,000 SAH grant pay the evaluator fee?
No. SAH states that the homeowner is responsible for the FORTIFIED Evaluator fee. Evaluators are independent and set their own prices.
When do I select my evaluator?
After SAH reviews and approves your application documentation, you will be prompted to select an evaluator. The current SAH process requires you to make that selection within 7 days.
Does every home pass the initial evaluation?
No. Most homes we see can move forward, but SAH states that some homes will not pass because of how they are constructed. Roof framing/decking, foundation conditions and other eligibility items are reviewed during the initial evaluation. Homes that fail the evaluation are not eligible to continue in the grant program unless an applicable condition can be corrected and accepted under the program requirements.
Does Golden Rule choose my roofing contractor?
No. Under the SAH process, qualifying homeowners select contractors through the program's contractor-bidding process. Golden Rule's role is the independent FORTIFIED evaluation and documentation.
Who issues the FORTIFIED certificate?
IBHS reviews the documentation submitted through the FORTIFIED evaluation process and issues the designation certificate when the applicable requirements have been met.
Where should I check current SAH application dates and requirements?
Use the official Strengthen Alabama Homes website. Program schedules and requirements can change, so Golden Rule does not hard-code application dates on this page.
Have a question or want to schedule the initial FORTIFIED evaluation?
Use this form to contact Golden Rule about your property and the FORTIFIED process. If SAH has already prompted you to select an evaluator, tell us below; the actual evaluator selection is completed through your SAH account.