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A Guide to Stronger, More Resilient Homes in Maine

Helping Maine Homeowners Understand Fortified Construction and the Fortify Maine Program

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Fortify Maine is an informational resource created to help homeowners understand FORTIFIED Home™ construction standards and the Fortify Maine Home Resiliency Program. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate guidance on how stronger building practices—especially roofing—can reduce storm damage, protect homes, and support long-term insurability across Maine.

As severe weather becomes more frequent, proactive home resilience is more important than ever. Fortify Maine exists to help homeowners make informed decisions before damage occurs.

What Is Fortify Maine?

Fortify Maine refers to Maine’s home resiliency initiative designed to encourage upgrades that reduce damage from high winds, heavy rain, and severe storms. The program focuses on strengthening critical parts of the home, beginning with the roof, using nationally recognized standards.

Eligible homeowners may qualify for grant funding to help offset the cost of approved resilience improvements. Projects must follow defined technical requirements and be verified through independent inspections.

Download Your Free Grant GuideCheck Your Eligibility
Maine homeowner reviewing grant program guide
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Why Fortified Roofing Matters in Maine

  • Coastal and inland wind events
  • Heavy rain and ice
  • Rapid freeze thaw cycles
  • Increasing insurance scrutiny related to roof condition

Roof failure is one of the leading causes of major storm damage. FORTIFIED roofing standards focus on strengthening the roof system as a whole, helping to reduce costly interior damage and long-term structural issues.

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What Does “FORTIFIED” Mean?

FORTIFIED Home™ is a voluntary construction and retrofit standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These standards are based on real-world research into how homes fail during storms and how those failures can be prevented.

FORTIFIED standards focus on:

  • Keeping the roof attached during high winds

  • Reducing water intrusion if roof covering is damaged

  • Improving overall structural durability

FORTIFIED is not a product or brand—it is a set of science-based building standards used nationwide.



Understanding the Maine Homeowner Grant Program

The state of Maine has launched a new government grant program to help homeowners improve the safety, durability, and energy efficiency of their homes. Fortify Maine Guide is your trusted resource for clear, up-to-date information on how this grant program works, who qualifies, and the steps you need to take to apply. Whether you’re looking to repair your roof, upgrade insulation, or make your home more resilient to Maine’s harsh weather, our guide breaks down the process and requirements, making it easier for you to secure funding and protect your investment.

How the Fortify Maine Process Works

While each home is different, most Fortify Maine projects follow a similar process:

While each home is different, most Fortify Maine projects follow a similar process:

  1. Homeowners review eligibility and apply for the Fortify Maine program

  2. A certified FORTIFIED evaluator conducts an inspection and defines the project scope

  3. Homeowners obtain bids from qualified roofing contractors

  4. Approved work is completed to FORTIFIED standards

  5. A final inspection verifies compliance

This process ensures upgrades are completed correctly and independently verified.

Who This Site Is For

FortifyMaine.org is designed for:

  • Maine homeowners exploring resiliency upgrades

  • Homeowners interested in Fortify Maine grant funding

  • Residents concerned about storm damage or insurance challenges

  • Anyone seeking reliable information about FORTIFIED construction

This site is informational only and does not administer grants or approvals.

Get Started

If you are a Maine homeowner interested in strengthening your home, Fortify Maine can help you take the next step.

Learn whether you may qualify on the Eligibility page


Understand inspections on the Find an Evaluator page


Explore qualified professionals on the Find a Roofer page


Review official documents in Resources


Building resilience starts with understanding your options.

Download Your Free Maine Homeowner Grant Guide

Discover step-by-step instructions to help you qualify for Maine's new roofing grant program. Fill out the form to receive your comprehensive guide and learn how to maximize your benefits as a homeowner.
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Get Your Free Maine Homeowner Grant Guide

Sign up to receive our comprehensive guide on Maine's new government grant program for homeowners. Learn how to qualify, apply, and maximize your benefits—step by step. This easy-to-follow guide is designed to help you navigate the grant process and secure funding for your home improvement needs.