BAY MINETTE, Alabama —The Baldwin County Commission on Tuesday approved building codes based on studies in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina which will strengthen residential roofs and help reduce insurance costs for Baldwin County homeowners, officials said.

The International Code Council guidelines supplement county codes and will add about $50 to building permits, according to county building inspector Mike Howell.

Howell said the permitting fee pays for inspection and will have “a major effect on insurance costs and insurance acquisition.

“Seventy percent of claims are about roofs, according to insurance companies,” Howell told Commissioners. “When roofing goes, that’s where the damage is — from water. The new code will not add much at the time of construction, but retro-construction will be 10 times more expensive.”

Howell said insurance companies now have their own inspectors, and that the permit will indicate improved construction and facilitate insurance availability.

The code requires special nails and excludes roofing staples. Asphalt shingle roof covering underlayment will be of a synthetic, tear resistant polypropylene, polyester or fiberglass fabric certified by an approved testing agency.

The code is endorsed by the Baldwin County Homebuilders Association and mayors throughout the county, according to county documents.

Bay Minette Mayor Jamie Tillery told Commissioners the code approval was a “bold move” and that she will encourage other municipalities to adopt the measure.

Commissioner Frank Burt said the code assures homeowners that their residence is build to standard.

“This is not about fees, but to guarantee quality,” Burt said. “The purpose is to protect the homeowner and roof upgrades make a big difference for safety and insurance costs.”