FORTIFIED Roofs In Ascension: Grants For Gonzales Owners

Hurricane season can turn a small roof issue into a big problem fast. If you own a home in Gonzales, you want a roof that keeps wind and water out and a plan to help pay for it. The good news is Louisiana offers grants and incentives to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof that can also lower your insurance costs. Here is how the program works for Ascension Parish, what to expect, and the steps to take now. Let’s dive in.

What is a FORTIFIED Roof?

A FORTIFIED Roof follows the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s standard to reduce wind and water damage in severe weather. It includes practices like a sealed roof deck, reinforced edges, and stronger fasteners. You receive a third-party certificate after evaluation that you can share with your insurer. Learn more about the standard on the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof overview.

How the Louisiana grant works

Louisiana’s Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) offers grants of up to $10,000 per qualifying primary residence to upgrade to a FORTIFIED Roof. The state pays approved construction costs directly to your contractor after the project earns the IBHS FORTIFIED certificate. You are responsible for evaluator fees, permits, and any costs above the grant amount. Get program rules and the portal on the LDI Fortify Homes page.

LFHP opens in rounds that can be statewide or limited by insurer or region. Registration windows fill quickly, and some past rounds used lotteries. Watch for round announcements and windows like those noted in this LDI registration notice.

Eligibility in Gonzales: what to check

• Primary residence with a homestead exemption.
• Active homeowners insurance with wind coverage. Flood insurance is required if your home is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Not new construction, most condos, or mobile homes. The home must be in good repair per a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
• Gonzales addresses may apply when a round includes Ascension Parish. Create an LFHP profile and subscribe for updates on the LDI Fortify Homes page.

Step-by-step: how to apply from Gonzales

Step 1: Create your LFHP profile

Set up your profile in the state portal and opt in to email alerts so you can register when a round opens. Start on the LDI Fortify Homes page.

Step 2: Confirm your pre-checks

Verify your homestead exemption, wind coverage, and flood insurance if required. Make sure your home type is eligible and in good repair.

Step 3: Line up an Evaluator and bids

A third-party FORTIFIED Evaluator must document the project before, during, and after construction. You pay the evaluator fee. Do not begin work until LFHP approves your contractor and budget.

Step 4: Register when a round opens

Registration can be first-come or lottery-based. Follow the instructions for your round and submit on time.

Step 5: Build to the standard and certify

Your contractor completes the roof to FORTIFIED specs, your evaluator submits documentation, and IBHS issues the certificate. After certification, LFHP pays your contractor up to $10,000 for approved construction costs.

Costs, savings, and timing

Expect some out-of-pocket costs. While the grant helps, many full roof replacements cost more than $10,000. IBHS guidance notes that upgrading to FORTIFIED at re-roof time often adds about $1,000 to $3,000 for an average home, depending on size and scope. See budget tips in this IBHS resilience budgeting guide.

Plan for evaluator fees, commonly reported around $300 to $500, plus any local permit costs. Insurance savings are meaningful for many homeowners. A recent review found a median premium reduction around 22% among grant participants, with final discounts varying by carrier and location. See results summarized in this program audit coverage.

Not selected? Other paths to funding

Use the state tax credit if you self-fund

If you pay for a FORTIFIED Roof out of pocket, you may be eligible for Louisiana’s Fortified Roof income tax credit. You cannot claim the credit for expenses covered by an LFHP grant. Review the law summary for timing and limits on LegiScan’s SB28 page.

Ask your insurer about two tools

• Present your IBHS FORTIFIED certificate to request any available premium discount. See state guidance on wind mitigation discounts.
• Make sure your policy includes a FORTIFIED endorsement at renewal. This helps cover the extra cost to rebuild to FORTIFIED after a covered loss. Ask your agent how your carrier applies it.

Check for parish-led mitigation grants

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance funds flow through states and parishes, not directly to homeowners. Ask Ascension Parish whether any subgrants include wind retrofits for owner-occupied homes. Learn how the process works on FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance overview and connect with parish staff via Ascension Parish Homeland Security.

Local checklist and contacts

• Create an LFHP profile and turn on email alerts on the LDI Fortify Homes page.
• Confirm your homestead exemption, wind coverage, and flood insurance if required.
• Budget for evaluator fees and any cost beyond the grant.
• Before hiring, confirm permits and inspections with the Ascension Parish Building Department.
• Ask your insurer about FORTIFIED discounts and endorsements using the LDI wind mitigation guidance.
• If you self-fund, review the state tax credit and keep receipts.
• For parish-led mitigation opportunities, contact Ascension Parish Homeland Security.

Ready to plan your upgrade or time a roof project with a future sale? Reach out to The Natasha Engle Team for local guidance on value, timing, and vendor coordination that fits your goals.

FAQs

What is a FORTIFIED Roof and why does it matter in Gonzales, LA?

• It is an IBHS standard that strengthens your roof against wind and water, which is critical in Ascension’s hurricane risk area. See the IBHS overview to understand the requirements.

How much does the Louisiana Fortify Homes grant cover for Ascension homeowners?

• LFHP pays approved construction costs up to $10,000 after your project earns the FORTIFIED certificate, while you cover evaluator fees, permits, and any amount above the grant. Details are on the LDI Fortify Homes page.

How do I know if my Gonzales address is eligible in the next LFHP round?

• Round rules can vary by region or insurer and open for limited windows. Create your profile and watch the LDI Fortify Homes page for new round announcements.

What documents or conditions should I prepare before applying?

• Have proof of homestead exemption, active wind coverage, and flood insurance if required. Your home must be in good repair and eligible by type. See program rules on LDI’s site.

How much could my insurance premium drop after certification?

• Results vary, but a recent review found a median reduction around 22% among participants. See the analysis summarized in this coverage of the state audit.

Can I combine the state Fortified Roof tax credit with the LFHP grant?

• No. The tax credit is for eligible self-funded expenses and cannot be used on costs paid by the grant. Review SB28 on LegiScan.

Who handles building permits for roof work in Gonzales and Ascension Parish?

• The parish Building Department issues permits and confirms inspection requirements. Contact the Ascension Parish Building Department before hiring a contractor.