ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Commerce is helping Minnesota homes better withstand severe weather through the first installations of FORTIFIED Roof™ systems under its Strengthen Minnesota Homes pilot program.

The pilot, launched in collaboration with Minnesota's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), will provide FORTIFIED™ roofs for up to 12 Minnesota homes. The first three participating homes are in Cushing, Eagle Bend and Motley.

FORTIFIED roofs use enhanced construction methods and materials designed to help homes better withstand hail, high winds and heavy rain. The standards, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, go beyond typical building code requirements to help reduce weather-related damage.

"We can't prevent severe weather, but we can take steps to help Minnesota homes better withstand it," said Temporary Commissioner Julia Dreier. "This pilot gives us an opportunity to understand how FORTIFIED roofing can work in our state, learn from homeowners and contractors, and evaluate what it could take to make these improvements available to more Minnesotans in the future."

A stronger roof, a more resilient home

For Mary Lehman, who has lived in her Cushing home for 21 years, the new roof offers an opportunity to make her home more resilient against extreme weather in Minnesota.

Lehman's existing roof was aging, and the pilot provided an opportunity to upgrade it to the FORTIFIED Roof standard.

"I was excited about it, and I'm happy that I'm getting it," Lehman said. "It's supposed to be a new type of roof that protects against hail and wind damage. I feel more secure knowing that my shingles won't be blowing away and that I won't have to worry as much about water damage."

The roofing upgrade builds on other weatherization improvements made to her home, including wall insulation and weatherstripping. Those improvements are designed to help make the home more comfortable and energy-efficient, while the FORTIFIED Roof adds another layer of protection against severe weather.

What makes a FORTIFIED roof different?

FORTIFIED roofs incorporate specific installation techniques and materials designed to help protect the home's roof system from weather-related damage. Features include:

• A sealed roof deck and wider drip edge to help keep water out
• Impact resistant shingles
• Reinforced roof deck

The process also includes specialized contractor training and an independent evaluation to verify that the roof meets the FORTIFIED standard.

Jason Foy, weatherization housing director at Tri-County Community Action Partnership, said the pilot allows local contractors and community partners to gain experience with the roofing standard while improving homes in the communities they serve.

"It shows a proof of concept," Foy said. "We've got these resources, and we want to install a FORTIFIED roof and see how that looks."

Foy said the additional installation requirements and independent evaluation help ensure that the work meets the standard.

Connecting home resilience and insurance costs

In addition to helping protect homes from weather-related damage, FORTIFIED roofs may offer financial benefits. Minnesota law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for qualifying homes with FORTIFIED roofs that meet state requirements.

By encouraging stronger roof construction, the pilot will help Commerce learn more about the practical considerations of implementing the standard in Minnesota and its potential role in reducing damage and disruption after severe weather.

Severe-weather losses also affect the broader homeowners insurance market. While a small pilot does not reduce insurance costs statewide, the experience of these homeowners demonstrates how preventive measures can contribute to long-term resilience and cost savings for homeowners and communities.

A first step toward broader implementation

The Minnesota Legislature appropriated $1 million in 2023 to support planning for Strengthen Minnesota Homes.

Commerce continues to advance planning efforts with the expectation that the legislature will continue conversations about expanding the program.

Commerce is using the limited pilot to test program processes, gain experience implementing the FORTIFIED Roof standard and build a network of certified contractors and evaluators in Minnesota.

Commerce will share additional information about the program and future application opportunities as broader implementation plans develop.

Minnesotans can learn more about Strengthen Minnesota Homes, sign up for program updates and find information for contractors and evaluators at the Strengthen Minnesota Homes Grant Program page.

About the Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce protects Minnesotans in their everyday financial transactions by ensuring that Minnesota's markets are fair, transparent and competitive. The department licenses and regulates businesses, investigates complaints, educates consumers and works to promote a safe and reliable energy system.

About the Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible Minnesota households improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and make their homes safer and more comfortable. Through local service providers, the program assesses homes and coordinates improvements such as insulation and air sealing.

Connect with the Minnesota Commerce Department

Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce by following Commerce at mn.gov/commerce or @MNCommerce on social media.

Contact:
Jen Longaecker | Media Relations and Public Affairs Director
651-478-9457

Minnesota Department of Commerce
news.commerce@state.mn.us