ABC Maine Blog

In 2026, the Maine Bureau of Insurance will launch the Fortify Maine Home Resiliency program, which will provide grants of up to $15,000 to eligible Maine residents to upgrade their roofs to a nationally recognized benchmark for storm-resistant roof construction. This $15 million program was introduced by Governor Mills and enacted by the Maine Legislature in April 2025.

The program will begin as a pilot in York, Cumberland, Kennebec, and Penobscot counties, regions that have experienced the greatest weather-related damage in recent years. After the pilot, the program will expand to homeowners across Maine.

Roofing issues are the leading cause of home insurance non-renewals in Maine, and replacing or upgrading a roof is no small expense. The Fortify Maine Home Resiliency program will help ease that financial burden while improving long-term resilience and reducing homeowners’ insurance costs.

For the program to succeed, a network of certified professionals is needed -- home inspectors and contractors trained to evaluate and build to the FORTIFIED standard. The Bureau of Insurance is hosting two online information sessions for contractors and evaluators:

• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

These sessions will introduce the program and the certification process.

Why Contractors and Evaluators Should Participate

Participating in the Fortify Maine Home Resiliency program is not just about helping homeowners — it is a smart investment for professionals across the building and inspection community. Maine is the first state in the northeast to offer grants to homeowners, but other New England states are on their way to replicating the Maine program.

Contractors and certified evaluators who become qualified will benefit from:

• Expanded Business Opportunities: Certified professionals may be eligible to participate in grant-funded roofing projects across Maine.
• Higher-Value Projects: With grants of up to $15,000, evaluators and contractors can engage in well-funded projects with clear scopes and reliable payment structures.
• Professional Recognition: Certification demonstrates a commitment to resilience and quality, helping inspectors and builders stand out in a competitive market.
• Training and Support: HBRAME and the Maine Bureau of Insurance will offer resources and guidance to help professionals complete the certification process and stay up to date on best practices.
• Leadership in Resilience: Evaluators play a critical role in verifying roofing conditions and guiding homeowners through the retrofit process.

Whether inspecting homes or building them, this is a chance to grow your business, deepen expertise, and contribute to a statewide effort to protect Maine families and properties.

If you would like to learn more or register for a session, please contact Charles Mercer at (207) 240-0584 or [email protected].

We hope that you will join us in building a more resilient Maine—one roof at a time.