Out of This World

Video by Patrick Moes

USACE launches temporary roofing pilot program following Hurricane Ida

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District

Oct. 19, 2021 | 2:08

Time lapse by Patrick Moes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Louisiana, recently launched a pilot program to explore temporary roofing options for homes that may otherwise have been disqualified from the USACE Operation Blue Roof program.

18 homes throughout southern Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ida were selected for the program. These homes were not eligible for the blue roof program due to some types of metal roofs, flat surfaces, tile or slate roofs and if there was more than 50 percent structural damage to the roof.

The pilot program, also known as Roof Wrap, focuses on using shrink wrap materials that are installed under the roof via furring strips. The strips are typically nailed to the fascia or soffit depending upon the architectural elements of the house. Once the material is secured to the home, a contractor then uses heat to shrink the material and create a water-tight seal over the roof. The repairs, while temporary in nature, provide a homeowner more time to find permanent repair solutions that can take time following a large disaster.
USACE and FEMA remain committed to providing temporary roofing solutions following disasters. Any final decision on including this pilot program as an additional option in future disasters would need to be decided by leadership within USACE and FEMA after all the data is gathered.