Blog

One of the first questions homeowners ask after a severe storm is, "Will my homeowners insurance cover a new roof?" The answer is: it depends on the cause of the damage and the details of your insurance policy.

In many cases, homeowners insurance will cover part or all of a roof replacement if the damage was caused by a covered event, such as high winds, hail, falling trees, or other sudden and accidental incidents. Along the North Carolina coast, strong storms and hurricanes can cause significant roof damage that may qualify for an insurance claim.

However, insurance companies typically do not cover damage resulting from normal aging, lack of maintenance, or general wear and tear. That's why it's important to determine the true cause of the damage before filing a claim.

The first step is to schedule a professional roof inspection. At Willis Roofing, our experienced team thoroughly evaluates your roof, documents any storm-related damage with photos, and provides an honest assessment of its condition. If we find evidence of covered damage, we'll help guide you through the insurance claims process by providing the documentation your insurance company may require.

Every homeowners insurance policy is different. Coverage amounts, deductibles, exclusions, and depreciation can all affect what your insurance provider pays toward a roof replacement. Understanding your policy and having accurate documentation can make the claims process much smoother.

If you've recently experienced a storm in Southport, Oak Island, Wilmington, Leland, or anywhere in Brunswick County, don't wait for a small problem to become a costly repair. A professional inspection can identify hidden damage before leaks develop and help determine whether your roof replacement may be covered by insurance.

At Willis Roofing, we're committed to helping homeowners protect their investment with expert inspections, quality workmanship, and honest guidance every step of the way.

One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is:

“How long will my home be exposed?”

The good news: most residential roof replacements take 1–2 days when handled by a properly staffed crew.

If you've ever received a roofing estimate, you've probably heard a contractor say something like, "Your roof is 60 squares." For many homeowners, that term can be confusing. Does it refer to the shape of the roof? The number of shingles? Or something else entirely?

In the roofing industry, a "square" is a standard unit of measurement used to calculate the size of a roof. One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Rather than discussing thousands of square feet, contractors use squares to simplify estimating materials, labor, and project planning.

For example:

• 30 squares = 3,000 square feet of roofing
• 60 squares = 6,000 square feet of roofing

It's important to remember that a roof's square count isn't always the same as your home's living space. A two-story home may have less roof area than a sprawling one-story home, while roof pitch, dormers, valleys, porches, and other architectural features can all increase the total roofing surface.

Why Roof Size Matters

Knowing the size of your roof helps explain why roofing estimates can vary from one home to another. A larger roof requires more materials, more labor, and more time to complete.

A roof's square count directly impacts several factors, including:

• Material Costs: More squares mean more shingles, underlayment, flashing, ridge cap, nails, ventilation materials, and other roofing components.
• Labor Costs: Larger roofs require additional installation time and often more experienced crew members to complete the project safely and efficiently.
• Project Timeline: While many residential roofs can be completed in a day, larger roofs may require multiple days depending on the complexity and weather conditions.
• Dumpster Size: Bigger roofing projects generate more tear-off debris, requiring larger dumpsters or additional waste removal.
• Crew Size: A 60-square roof often requires a larger crew to maintain efficiency and complete the project on schedule.

More Than Just Square Footage

While square count is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of a roof replacement, it's not the only one. Roof pitch, accessibility, multiple levels, steep slopes, skylights, chimneys, and intricate roof designs all affect the amount of labor and materials required.

For example, two roofs may each measure 60 squares, but the roof with multiple valleys, steep sections, and complex architectural details will typically require more time and specialized workmanship than a simple gable roof.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter

At Willis Roofing, we use professional measurement tools and detailed inspections to ensure every estimate is accurate. This helps us order the correct amount of materials, schedule the appropriate crew size, and provide homeowners with transparent pricing from the beginning.

Understanding what a roofing square means gives homeowners greater confidence when comparing estimates and asking questions about their project. Whether your roof is 20 squares or 60 squares, knowing how roofing measurements work helps you make informed decisions and ensures you're getting the right solution for your home.