Old Storm Leads: How Roofers Turn Last Season's Leads Into Inspections
Cameron Richards, Founder6 min read
Old storm leads are worth reopening because many homeowners who didn't book an inspection during the rush still have damage and still haven't chosen a roofer. Sort the list, check consent, send a short message about their roof (not their insurance claim) and offer a free inspection. Then follow up the quiet ones.
Why do storm leads go cold?
After hail or high wind, phones ring for weeks. Crews are stretched, callbacks slip, and canvassing teams collect more names than anyone can follow up. When the rush ends, the list sits. Meanwhile, homeowners were waiting on adjusters, getting multiple quotes or simply putting it off.
How should you sort old storm leads?
| Group | Angle |
|---|---|
| Requested an inspection, never booked | Book the inspection |
| Inspected, no claim filed or no decision | Offer to revisit findings |
| Claim filed, no contract | Ask if they've chosen a roofer (no claim promises) |
| Canvassing list | Only with consent to follow up |
What should you say?
Keep it about the roof and the appointment:
Hi [First name], it's [Name] from [Business]. We spoke after the storm in [month] about your roof. Is it still something you want looked at, or is it sorted? Reply STOP to opt out.
Don't promise anything about insurance outcomes, and don't offer to waive deductibles. Several states restrict what contractors can say about claims; keep claim conversations with the homeowner and their insurer.
What about consent and quiet hours?
Only text people who gave consent to be contacted, and send inside federal and state quiet hours: 8am to 9pm federal, stricter in storm-prone states including Florida, Oklahoma and Texas (ActiveProspect). Florida also limits messages to three in 24 hours on the same subject (Postscript). See our texting compliance guide.
When should you reopen storm leads?
Ahead of the next storm season, and after any new event in the same area. Homeowners who put off repairs are reminded why they called. Off-season is also when your crews have capacity to inspect.
Can you do this without pulling your sales team off live jobs?
Yes. Setterly reopens old storm and inspection leads by two-way AI text, answers homeowners' questions and books inspections into your calendar with notes. You pay per booked appointment. There is no setup fee and no retainer. CRM integration is optional for a one-off fee. See AI appointment setter for roofing companies.
Our published results are UK campaigns, for example Cloudy2Clear, a UK misted double glazing repair franchise: 673 appointments from 6,769 old leads. Past results, not a forecast.
What's the takeaway?
Last season's storm leads are paid-for demand with real, unrepaired damage behind many of them. Sort, check consent, keep messages about the roof and book inspections. For the follow-up rhythm, read how many times to follow up on an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Are old storm leads worth following up?
Often. Many homeowners still have damage and haven't chosen a roofer. Check consent first.
Can I text canvassing leads?
Only where the homeowner gave consent to be contacted. Leave out names collected without it.
Should I mention insurance claims?
Keep messages about the roof and the inspection. Don't promise claim outcomes; several states restrict what contractors can say.
When is the best time to reopen storm leads?
Before the next storm season and after new events in the same area.
Sources
Works for: Roofing, Siding and exteriors
