Step 1: Which storm and which area?
Open a hail map for the storm day and look at the size bands, not just the outline. The core of the swath (largest bands) is where damage is most likely. Remember that radar estimates are estimates: confirm with ground reports or soft-metal dents in a few spots before committing a crew. See what MESH hail size means.
Step 2: Which homes inside the swath are real opportunities?
| Filter | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hail size at or above the local roofing threshold | 1 inch for 3-tab, 1.25 inches for laminated shingles, more for tile; see what size hail damages a roof |
| No roofing permit in the last 10 to 15 years | A recently replaced roof is not a lead for this storm; see roof permits |
| Year built | The fallback where permit data is thin: an older home with no permit on record likely has an aging roof |
| Owner-occupied | Only the owner can sign; rentals need a letter to the owner's mailing address |
| Prior storms | Homes hit by an earlier storm and not re-roofed since may have compounding damage |
In Hail Pro these are filters on the same map: select the swath or ZIP codes, set the minimum hail size, and add permit, year-built and occupancy filters. See storm roofing leads.
Step 3: How should you reach homeowners?
- Door to door. Assign territories and canvass with a mobile app that works offline; storm areas often have weak cell coverage.
- Direct mail. Postcards reach absentee owners and people who were not home; naming the storm date makes them relevant.
- Follow-up. Owner contact details turn a "not home" into a call back; see property owner data. Respect Do Not Call and local solicitation rules.
Step 4: How should you inspect and document?
Check soft metals first, then test squares on each slope, and photograph everything with scale. Organized photo evidence helps homeowners, adjusters and later supplements. See how to identify hail damage on a roof and photo reports.
Step 5: Which contractor rules apply in hail states?
Several hail-prone states regulate storm contractors directly. Examples (general information, not legal advice):
- Texas: contractors may not act as or advertise as public adjusters, and may not pay, waive or rebate an insurance deductible; contracts of $1,000 or more need a deductible notice.
- Colorado: no paying, waiving or rebating deductibles and no acting as a public adjuster; residential roofing contracts must give the homeowner a 72-hour right to cancel.
- Minnesota: no paying deductibles or offering other inducements, and no interpreting policies or adjusting claims without a public adjuster license.
- Florida: similar bans on deductible inducements and unlicensed adjusting, plus required advertising disclaimers.
- Oklahoma: no promises to pay or rebate deductibles (2022 law).
Check city solicitation permits and registration requirements before canvassing, and confirm whether a roof permit is needed for the work.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a hail storm should roofers canvass?
As soon as the swath is confirmed and it is safe. Hail Pro shows swaths while a storm is still moving and finalizes them after the storm day. Homeowners are most receptive in the days after a storm, and many states set claim deadlines that start on the date of loss.
What hail size should roofers target?
Start at the threshold for the dominant local roofing: about 1 inch for 3-tab asphalt and 1.25 inches for laminated shingles, and prioritize larger bands.