$20 million in roofing grants announced for coastal homeowners

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced a $20 million grant program Thursday morning to help coastal homeowners strengthen their roofs during storm season.

The initiative is part of the 2025 “Strengthen Your Coastal Roof” program. It is funded by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association.

Homeowners who qualify can receive up to $6,000 to upgrade to a fortified roof. These roofs include sealed roof decks and locked-down edges designed to withstand high winds, hail, and hurricanes.

Gina Hardy, CEO of the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, said the program’s goal is “to lead—not just in claims handling but in building long-term resilience.”

Causey said the fortified roofs have shown clear results during past storms.

“We’ve proven—we’ve seen it in hurricanes and just regular storms—where the homes with a fortified roof many times are virtually untouched,” he said.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunset Beach resident Murray MacDonald said he first heard about the program from his neighbors.

“And to make sure it wasn’t a scam… I hate to say this but I called my insurance agent that has the insurance on my wind and hail and asked him about it and he said it was a very good program,” MacDonald said.

He said the application process was easy to follow.

“They pointed you in the right directions, they had you fill out the questionnaire, you got to pick your own contractor, which I thought was excellent,” he said.

MacDonald also said he’s already seeing savings.

“I’ve gotten money back already because the insurance company is giving me a discount, and since it’s a new year I got another discount, so I think it’s fantastic,” he said.

Counties in WWAY’s viewing area that are eligible for the program include New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender.

More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at StrengthenYourCoastalRoof.com