Colorado has taken an important step toward helping homeowners protect their properties from hail and wind. Senate Bill 26-155 created the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise and a future grant program intended to help offset part of the cost of installing more resilient roofing systems.
The law was signed by Governor Jared Polis on June 4, 2026, and took effect on August 12, 2026. However, the law taking effect does not mean homeowners can apply for grant money immediately.
What Does Colorado SB26-155 Do?
SB26-155 created the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise within the Colorado Division of Insurance. Its purpose is to support roof upgrades that may reduce losses caused by hail and wind while helping stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market.
Beginning in 2027, certain homeowners insurance companies will pay an annual fee equal to 0.5% of qualifying premiums collected during the previous year. Insurance companies are not allowed to add this fee to a homeowner’s bill as a separate surcharge. At least 85% of the fee revenue must be directed toward grants for Colorado homeowners.
The final fiscal analysis estimates that approximately $29.9 million could be available for grants during fiscal year 2026–27. That figure represents the estimated total program funding—not the amount available to each homeowner. Individual grant amounts, application limits and award timing have not yet been established.
Are Colorado Roof Grants Available Now?
Not yet.
As of this update, Colorado has not published a homeowner application, confirmed individual grant amounts, created a final approved-contractor list or explained whether projects completed before the program opens could qualify for reimbursement.
The Division of Insurance was still recruiting a Strengthen Colorado Homes grants administrator in August 2026. That position will help develop the application, eligibility review, reimbursement and compliance processes, indicating that the program is still being built.
Homeowners should therefore be cautious of anyone advertising a guaranteed grant, a “free roof” or a fixed amount of state funding. The law creates a real program, but receiving a grant will not be automatic.
Will Any Class 4 Shingle Qualify?
A Class 4 impact-resistant shingle may be part of a qualifying roof, but the Class 4 label alone does not guarantee eligibility.
SB26-155 defines a resilient roof system as a roof with verified wind-and-hail certification through the IBHS FORTIFIED program or another comparable, science-based certification approved by the enterprise board.
This distinction is important because Class 4 usually describes the impact-resistance rating of a roofing product. FORTIFIED evaluates a broader roof system, which may include roof-deck attachment, sealed deck seams, roof edges, flashing, vents and the roof covering itself. The work must also be documented by an independent FORTIFIED Evaluator before IBHS issues an official designation.
The Colorado board will establish the final qualifying standards. Until those rules are published, homeowners should not assume that every Class 4 shingle, metal roof or previously completed roof replacement will be eligible.
Who Could Qualify?
The property must be an insurable residential property in Colorado covered by a homeowners insurance policy. The project must meet permit, building-code, inspection and resilient-roof requirements. Homeowners will also need to use a contractor who meets the licensing, professional-association, training and conduct standards adopted for the program.
The law requires the board to prioritize primary residences. It must also consider the homeowner’s income, roof age, home size, local exposure to extreme weather, local hail-resistant building codes, the number of applications and the amount of funding available. Meeting the general requirements will not create a guaranteed right to receive grant money.
Grant money cannot be used for normal maintenance or an unrelated minor repair. It may be used for qualifying proactive roof retrofits or in connection with repairs and reconstruction required after wind or hail damage.
Will a Resilient Roof Reduce Insurance Costs?
Possibly, but SB26-155 does not guarantee a specific insurance discount.
After the Insurance Commissioner adopts the necessary rules, insurers will be required to report how many insured homes have resilient roofs, what discounts are being applied and how wind-and-hail claims compare between homes with and without these systems.
Actual savings will depend on the insurance carrier, policy and roofing system. Before selecting a roof primarily for insurance savings, homeowners should ask their carrier whether it recognizes Class 4 shingles, IBHS FORTIFIED Roof or the FORTIFIED Hail Supplement and what documentation is required.
What Should Homeowners Do Now?
Homeowners should not delay urgent repairs to a leaking or structurally damaged roof while waiting for a future grant. A practical approach is to document the current roof condition, save inspection reports and photographs, speak with the insurance carrier about existing discounts and keep all permits, contracts, invoices and product specifications.
Anyone considering replacement should also confirm whether the future program will require approval before construction begins. FORTIFIED certification involves documentation during installation, including components that may no longer be visible after the roof is completed. Starting work without understanding the final rules could affect future eligibility.
The wildfire section of SB26-155 should also not be confused with the roofing grants. The law calls for a study of insurance risk in high-wildfire areas; it does not currently create a separate homeowner grant for wildfire retrofits.
How American Roofing and Restorations Is Preparing
American Roofing and Restorations is monitoring the development of SB26-155, including the final roofing standards, contractor qualifications, inspection requirements and grant application process.
American Roofing and Restorations is not currently claiming to be approved or certified under the new Colorado grant program because that state-specific approval process has not yet been finalized. Once Colorado publishes its requirements, American Roofing and Restorations intends to review and pursue the applicable training and qualifications.
In the meantime, American Roofing and Restorations can help Northern Colorado homeowners compare Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, stone-coated steel, composite roofing and other long-term options. The company’s approach is centered on education, transparent recommendations and professional workmanship rather than pressure or unsupported promises.
The Bottom Line
Colorado SB26-155 creates a genuine opportunity to help homeowners invest in stronger roofing systems, but the grant program is not open yet.
Funding is expected to begin in 2027, while final application rules, grant amounts, approved systems and contractor requirements are still being developed. Class 4 shingles may play a role, but eligibility will depend on the complete roofing system and the certification standards adopted by the state.
American Roofing and Restorations will continue following the program and updating homeowners as official information becomes available.
Planning a roof replacement in Wellington, Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland or another Northern Colorado community? Talk with a roofing expert about your roof’s current condition and the differences between Class 4 shingles and complete resilient roofing systems.
This article provides general educational information based on the enacted law and implementation details available as of August 28, 2026. It is not legal, insurance or grant-eligibility advice.