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Experts tell Minnesota task force Fortified retrofit grants and insurer incentives cut claims and costs
Summary
IBHS and University of Alabama researchers told the task force that Fortified retrofit standards significantly reduce roof and wind/hail losses; witnesses urged Minnesota to fund its Strength in Minnesota Homes grant and encourage insurer Fortified endorsements to expand contractor capacity and lower long‑term costs.
Insurance safety researchers urged Minnesota’s task force to scale voluntary Fortified building standards and to fund grant programs that catalyze private‑market adoption.
Michael Newman, general counsel for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), outlined the Fortified Home program (roof, silver, gold tiers), said IBHS testing and the Ice Chip hail project show improved shingle and roof performance, and called on Minnesota to commit funding to the Strength in Minnesota Homes grant to create supply and demand for resilient roofs.
"We know that Fortified works," Newman said, describing how sealing roof decks, improving nail patterns and securing edges reduces water intrusion and structural damage from wind and hail. He showed IBHS cost estimates that a Fortified roof typically adds about 22–24% over code‑compliant roofing in Minneapolis samples, which the presenters translated into a few thousand dollars of added upfront cost but larger downstream savings.
Dr. Lars Powell, author of a Hurricane Sally study, summarized field evidence that Fortified retrofits reduced claims frequency and severity and estimated millions in avoided deductibles and claim costs on the Alabama coast; he described Alabama’s grant program and a Fortified roof insurer endorsement that guarantees replacement to Fortified standard when a covered roof is damaged.
Task force members asked about multifamily applications. Newman said Fortified multifamily designations exist (notably in Louisiana) and that grant funding, insurer discounts, and contractor training together are necessary to scale adoption. Minnesota Housing staff said their competitive financing process already awards optional points for Fortified certification on multifamily projects.
Presenters urged a policy package combining grant funding to seed contractor capacity, insurer discounts linked to IBHS standards, and public education for homeowners and agents so that consumers can choose resilient options that lower long‑term risk and claims.
