A state senator is looking to make fortified roofs mandatory for new construction homes in the coastal parishes. River Ridge Republican Kirk Talbot’s bill would update the building code along the coastal parishes to make fortified roofs mandatory on all new residential builds. He says current code is almost there.
“Right now, the building code is about 95% of the fortified roof level. So we’re not there yet. It’s just a few things we’ve got to do to get to that level,” Talbot said.
Talbot says on new builds, fortified roofs would practically pay for themselves.
“A fortified roof is about 8 to 12% more expensive than a regular roof, but when you see the premium discounts, which are averaging around 20 to 22%, I think it’s well worth it to get it,” Talbot explained.
As filed, Senate Bill 147 would update the building code statewide. However, Talbot says he rushed the drafting of his bill to file it before the pre-filing deadline, and he will offer an amendment to narrow it down to the parts of the state where fortified roofs are needed the most.
“I think the sensible thing to do is probably just start off with the 22 coastal parishes for new construction,” Talbot said.