The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program (SKH) is a state program designed to help qualified Kentucky homeowners upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program offers grants of up to $10,000 toward qualifying construction costs for approved projects. Its goal is to help homes better resist high wind and hail damage.
If you are a homeowner in Kentucky and you are considering a roof replacement in the near future, this may be one of the most valuable roofing opportunities available. This page is designed to be your go-to resource for understanding how the program works, who may qualify, what a FORTIFIED Roof includes, and how Big League Roofers can help you prepare.
The SKH program is administered through Kentucky and is focused on helping eligible homeowners improve roof resilience through a roof system that meets the FORTIFIED Roof standard. The official SKH website is now open as of March 1st 2026. Visit the Strengthening Kentucky Homes Program Website to apply today. (https://skh.ky.gov/)
The grant can provide:
That means homeowners are still responsible for:
A FORTIFIED Roof is a roofing upgrade standard created by IBHS to help homes stand up better to severe weather, including high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes. IBHS describes FORTIFIED as a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes against specific severe weather threats.
For roofing, the program focuses on a stronger system, not just shingles. Depending on the designation path, a FORTIFIED Roof can involve upgraded installation methods and components designed to reduce common failure points. In short, a FORTIFIED Roof is about building a tougher roof system that is less likely to fail at the exact points where traditional roofs commonly fail.
FORTIFIED requires reinforced edge details to reduce the risk of wind getting under the roof edge and peeling materials away. The SKH materials specifically reference wider drip edge and fully adhered starter strips.
A sealed roof deck helps reduce water intrusion if roof coverings are damaged or blown off during a storm. This can be one of the most important upgrades in preventing secondary interior damage.
The SKH FAQ explains that FORTIFIED calls for ring-shank nails instead of common smooth nails, which significantly improves roof attachment in high winds.
For the High Wind and Hail FORTIFIED designation, the program materials say the standard requires stronger shingles that can withstand hail up to two inches in diameter.
The official SKH guidance outlines several important eligibility rules.
That last point is critical: do not start the job early and expect the grant to apply later.
While the state manages the official application and approval workflow, the general process looks like this:
The SKH site says all users, including homeowners, evaluators, and contractors, must log in or create a profile to access the system. Consumer grant applications are expected to open in Spring 2026.
The state explicitly says homeowners should wait to see if they are approved before contacting an evaluator or contractor for project startup, and definitely before beginning construction. Starting early can make you ineligible for grant funding.
The FORTIFIED evaluation is a required part of the process. Evaluators are independent, third-party professionals trained and certified in FORTIFIED requirements. They verify what is needed, document the construction process, and help obtain the final designation certificate. Homeowners pay the evaluator’s fees.
During the application process, homeowners choose a contractor from the approved SKH contractor list. The state maintains this list.
To receive grant funding, the completed project must meet the required FORTIFIED Roof standard.
After completion, the evaluator submits the required documentation to IBHS, and a FORTIFIED designation certificate is issued. The grant is then paid directly to the contractor after required paperwork is complete.
The Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program (SKH) is a Kentucky program that offers grants of up to $10,000 to help qualified homeowners upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED Roof standard set by IBHS. Its purpose is to help homes better withstand high wind and hail damage.
The grant covers up to $10,000 in qualifying construction costs for the roof upgrade. It is paid directly to the contractor after project completion and required documentation. Homeowners remain responsible for costs above the grant amount.
The official SKH website is now open as of March 1st 2026. Visit the Strengthening Kentucky Homes Program Website to apply today. (https://skh.ky.gov/)
No. The state says homeowners must apply for and be awarded a grant before selecting a contractor and beginning construction. Starting work before approval makes the project ineligible for the grant.
A FORTIFIED Roof is a roofing standard developed by IBHS that strengthens roof systems against severe weather using improved edge details, sealed roof decks, stronger attachment methods, and, for certain designations, impact-resistant shingles.
Eligible homes generally include owner-occupied primary residences that are single-family homes, certain modular homes, and some multifamily residences with four units or fewer if all owners participate. Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible.
Yes. The SKH states homeowners are only eligible for their primary residence.
No. The roof must be in good repair and not have an existing insurance claim. This is a resilience program, not a claim-repair reimbursement program.
Yes, potentially. Homeowners are responsible for:
A FORTIFIED Evaluator is an independent, third-party professional trained and certified in FORTIFIED requirements. They verify eligibility, document the construction process, and help obtain the final designation certificate.
You select a contractor during the grant process from the approved contractor list. The state says you should confirm that an approved contractor can serve your area before spending money on an evaluation.
Yes. The official SKH contractor directory currently lists Big League Roofers among the approved Kentucky contractors.
Once the evaluator’s documentation is accepted by IBHS, a FORTIFIED designation certificate is issued. That certificate is required for grant funding and may also be shared with your insurer for possible premium discounts.
The FORTIFIED designation lasts five years. After that, it can typically be renewed through a reinspection if the home still meets the requirements and the roof is within its life expectancy.
Yes. The FAQ states that FORTIFIED designation certificates are transferable upon sale of the home.
Yes. The two main paths are:
Have a question or need help with your roof? Fill out the attached form and let us know how we can assist—whether it’s scheduling a free inspection, addressing a leak, or getting expert advice. A member of the Big League Roofers team will reach out promptly to help you take the next step with confidence.
