66 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com beautiful homes If you need a new hurricane-proof roof but can’t afford all the costs, one option is to apply for a South Carolina Safe Home Grant. Administered by S.C. Department of Insurance, this program helps singlefamily homeowners with safety upgrades, such as stronger roofs or storm shutters. “This past year alone, we awarded 673 grants to homeowners in our coastal communities,” said program manager Ann Roberson. The home and homeowner together must not have previously received and utilized a SC Safe Home grant, Roberson noted. “But if the project costs more than the grant amount, the homeowner pays the rest,” Roberson explained. “But once the project is completed, we try to get the funding out to the contractor within 20 days or so.” Roberson recommended acting now, as the SC Safe Home Grant Program began accepting new applications Feb. 10 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. “And we have gotten a lot of interest in the program for this year,” she said. Hurricane season for the Lowcountry and all of the Atlantic Coast is only a couple months away, beginning June 1 and running through November. Whether you need new inspections, gutters, upgrades or even a full overhaul, the time to prepare your home’s roof for the next hurricane season is now. “We strongly encourage all South Carolina residents — especially those in hurricane-prone areas — to speak with their insurance agent to ensure they have appropriate protection,” said Michael Wise, director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Wise suggested that consumers start by ensuring their roofs meet current building code standards. For example, homeowners can talk to contractors about wind-resistant shingles, reinforced roof decking, proper fastening techniques to protect homes from wind damage and scheduling a roof inspection in time to make any necessary repairs. “Homeowners should also review the SC Safe Home web pages and speak with their insurance agent to determine whether premium discounts may be available for certain roof types or wind-resistant features,” Wise said. To qualify for a South Carolina Safe Home Grant, homeowners must: • Be located in the coastal region of South Carolina • Be owner-occupied, primary residence, site built or manufactured/modular. No duplexes. No multifamily homes. • Have a current home insurance policy • Not have existing previous damage Program amounts, both matching and non-matching, depend on the type of project: • Resilient mitigation – up to $6,000-$7,500 • Sustainable mitigation – up to $4,000-$5,000 • Hurricane shutters/protective barriers – up to $3,000 To apply, you will need a copy of: • Your most recent IRS Form 1040, or other most recent tax return • Your homeowner’s insurance declaration pages • Your county property tax assessment FOOLPROOF ROOF TIPS If your roof does need more strengthening this year, here are five professional tips to consider: • Install Metal Hurricane Straps or Ties. These small but highly efficient connectors anchor roofs more securely to home walls. Accurate sealing and fastening can ensure stability against wind speeds of 130–140 mph. A Helping Hand Safer, stronger, smarter roofing options for homeowners BY L. C. LEACH III
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1