For roofers, door-knocking can be a quick way to generate new business, especially after a storm or in areas where homes show visible signs of wear. But while it can be effective, the door-knocking approach has its challenges. This guide covers expert tips from roofing pros on Facebook, with insights on where to knock, how to maximize your chances, and why door-knocking can be a useful strategy—but maybe not the only one you need.
Target Storm-Impacted Areas First
One of the best places to start door-knocking is in areas recently hit by a storm. Weather events like hail and high winds are known to cause significant damage to roofs, and homeowners are often already aware of this. Zach Carter recommends using storm-tracking software like HailTrace or Stormersite.com to pinpoint neighborhoods with recent storm activity. “If you’re in a storm market, use storm data like HailTrace or Hail Recon. Make sure you have a Date of Loss within the year,” says Carter. He stresses that recent damage makes the pitch feel relevant and urgent for homeowners.
Additionally, Andrew Tan notes that interactive storm maps are useful in convincing skeptical homeowners who might not realize the extent of the damage. By showing visual evidence, you build trust at the door, making them more likely to listen to your proposal.
Look for Homes with Older Roofs
Older roofs are easier to spot and often have visible signs of wear and tear, which makes them prime targets for door-knocking. Erich Moore suggests starting in neighborhoods with homes over 25 years old. “Look for 3-tab shingles and worn roofs. Just pop off the highway somewhere and look for tight neighborhoods that are at least 25 years old,” he explains. These roofs often have the type of weathering that can help you build a quick case for replacement, without needing to prove recent storm damage.
David Wells adds to this strategy by saying that “shiny roofs mean old,” suggesting that reflective roofs, which lose granules over time, are ready for replacement. Door-knocking in neighborhoods where homeowners already know their roof is due for an upgrade can lead to faster conversations and potentially quicker closes.
Know Your Area and Use Zillow to Check Home Value
Knowing a neighborhood’s demographic, including average home values, can also boost your chances of finding leads that are worth the time. Simo Azizi recommends checking Zillow for home values and other neighborhood details, as well as tracking which areas have been hit by hail or other storm damage. “If you’re in the DMV area, I can point out some areas for you,” Azizi offers, pointing out the importance of location-specific knowledge when choosing neighborhoods.
Similarly, Eric Flynn advises focusing on homes worth over $300,000 and built 15 to 25 years ago, which can indicate both a higher likelihood of a sale and an easier pitch based on home value. “Any place that fits two or three of these criteria is good to go,” he says. This ensures that you’re door-knocking in areas where people are more likely to afford roof replacements and may already be considering updates.
Shadow an Experienced Roofer to Perfect Your Pitch
For roofers new to door-knocking, learning the ropes from someone experienced can make a huge difference. Mike Heiderscheid recommends shadowing an experienced salesperson for a few days to learn effective door-knocking techniques. “If you can shadow someone for a day or two, it would help,” he explains. This allows you to see proven methods in action, and to ask questions as situations come up.
For those without access to a mentor, Santiago Sintillo suggests researching recent storm reports for an area and mentioning the latest weather event when speaking to homeowners. Referencing a recent storm can make your pitch feel relevant and help homeowners remember the incident, creating a natural opening for discussing roof repair.
Verify Owner Information with the County Tax Assessor
Another unique approach involves using the local county tax assessor’s website to check who owns a property. Andrë Hayes recommends using property tax records to verify homeowner information. “I put in addresses that I find on maps in my iPhone. It literally tells you who the owner is,” Hayes explains. Knowing you’re speaking to the property owner gives you confidence and allows you to approach each conversation more directly.
Knock on Every Door with Confidence
In many cases, the most successful door-knocking strategies are the simplest. John Tucker sums it up with “knock anywhere with a door under a rooftop,” which speaks to the value of maximizing opportunities by knocking as many doors as possible. Josh Van Horn echoes this approach, advising, “Drive around, find one house with damage, and GO!” This method relies on high volume and rapid adjustments based on homeowner responses to find leads quickly.
Jason Simmons adds that new roofers should start close to home, working with referrals, and then using those referrals to build momentum. His advice? “Within two years, stop knocking.” By building up enough referral business, door-knocking can eventually be minimized as your reputation grows.
Trust Your Gut and Don’t Overthink It
Overthinking where to knock can paralyze new roofers. Patrick Ryan advises trusting your gut and going to the first place that comes to mind. “Go to the first place that pops into your mind,” he says, pointing out that having a process is more important than perfect planning. As long as you have a clear, effective pitch, the right neighborhoods will come along in time.
Bellemare Solar Cleaning similarly points out that trusting your intuition can lead to successful outcomes: “It might take driving a few neighborhoods, but your gut will tell you.” If a neighborhood feels promising based on roof conditions and overall appearance, there’s often a good reason for it.
Use Google Earth to Plan Routes and Find Potential
Mapping technology is a powerful tool for roofers who want to be more strategic with door-knocking. Tony Berstler recommends using Google Maps in satellite view to locate shingle-heavy neighborhoods from an aerial perspective. By seeing these neighborhoods in advance, roofers can maximize their time by hitting the highest concentration of potential leads.
Tommy Kittle also uses Google Earth, focusing on old architectural or 3-tab roofs. Mapping out neighborhoods this way before hitting the road can save time and ensure that you’re only knocking on the most promising doors.
Building a More Sustainable Approach with Warm Leads
While door-knocking can be effective, especially after storms, it isn’t the only option. For roofers looking to grow more sustainably, consider building a marketing system that generates warm leads. Instead of spending hours knocking on doors, roofing businesses can attract qualified leads through digital marketing, focusing on high-intent homeowners who are already seeking roof repairs.
Hook Agency specializes in helping roofing companies transition from door-knocking to a more efficient lead generation system. By building a solid online presence, leveraging SEO, Google Ads, and social media strategies, Hook Agency enables roofers to gain consistent leads without constantly searching for new neighborhoods. This method allows roofers to capture homeowners at the moment they’re ready for a quote, making each lead more valuable and less reliant on timing and luck.
Warm leads generated online are often ready to buy, giving your roofing business a chance to work more efficiently. Unlike the unpredictability of door-knocking, which relies on weather and property age, online lead generation attracts homeowners actively looking for roof replacement, repair, or inspection.
Grow Beyond Door-Knocking with Hook Agency
Door-knocking is a traditional approach with proven results, especially in storm-affected areas. However, it’s time-intensive and can feel like starting over every day. By investing in digital marketing with a partner like Hook Agency, your roofing business can build a pipeline of warm leads who come to you ready to talk, creating a sustainable growth strategy that outlasts storm seasons and door-to-door limitations.
Consider freeing up time and resources by making the shift from traditional door-knocking to a consistent, inbound lead-generation approach that grows with your business. Reach out to Hook Agency today and explore how to create a system that brings homeowners to your door—ready to discuss roofing solutions.
