The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program (SKH) provides grants up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). This program will help Kentucky homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand high wind and hail damage.
Homeowners interested in the Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program should understand the following details and requirements before applying. Please
Contact Us by email at
skh.doi@ky.gov if you have any questions about these items:
- Homeowners applying for a grant should wait to see if they are approved to participate before contacting an Evaluator or Contractor as the process for selecting professionals is managed through the SKH grant program. Homeowners who select a Contractor and begin work on the project before receiving approval from SKH are not eligible for the grant.
- Homeowners selected to receive a grant will be responsible for paying evaluation fees for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator.
- The applicant must be the owner of the property to be mitigated and must also be a resident of Kentucky.
- Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
- Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible to participate in the program.
- Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are not eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.
- The completed project must meet the FORTIFIED Roof Standard for the grant to be issued. Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.
** Please note that Homeowners, Evaluators, and Contractors must first create their profile within the Strengthen Kentucky Homes system (SKH) before logging in. **
I affirm, that all information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and understand that knowing submission of false information may subject me to criminal penalties and civil liability.
STRONGER EDGES
To prevent wind from getting underneath the roof edge and ripping it away, FORTIFIED requires specific materials and installation methods, including a wider drip edge and fully adhered starter strip.
SEALED ROOF DECK
FORTIFIED roof decks must be sealed to prevent water damage that typically comes through exposed wood decking when roof coverings are blown away.
BETTER ATTACHMENT
FORTIFIED requires ring-shank nails instead of common smooth nails, which help keep the roof attached to your home in high winds. This nearly doubles the strength of your roof against wind.
IMPACT-RESISTANT SHINGLES
For the High Wind and Hail FORTIFIED designation, the standard requires stronger shingles that can withstand hail up to two inches in diameter, offering better protection for your home.