Channel Comparison · 2026

Direct Mail vs Door-Knocking for Roofing Contractors

The two outbound channels for roofing acquisition — including the storm-response window where D2D shines and the warm-follow play that compounds both.

The quick verdict

Cold D2D in steady-state roofing markets has $600-$1,200 loaded CAC vs $300-$600 for mailed roof quotes. Storm-response D2D in active hail/wind zip codes flips the math — close rates spike to 4-8% and CAC drops to $300-$500. The winning play in both states: mail postcards first, then send D2D reps to the same neighborhood 7-14 days later. Warm-follow D2D converts 2-3× cold D2D.

Side-by-side

MetricMailed Roof QuotesD2D (cold, steady-state)D2D (storm-response)D2D (warm follow-up)
Cost per contact$1$5-$10 (loaded rep cost / door)$5-$10$6-$12
Conversation rate15-20% scan3-7% per door15-25% per door12-20% per door
Close rate to deposit2-4% of mailings1-2% of cold doors4-8% of storm doors3-6% of warm doors
Loaded CAC per closed reroof$300-$600$600-$1,200$300-$500$400-$700
Rep burnout / churnNone40%+ annual churnShort-burst, sustainable20-30% churn (warmer)

Why D2D shines in storm-response

The 14-day storm-response window

After NOAA confirms a hail/wind event, homeowners in the affected zip codes are:

  • Actively shopping (multiple competitors knocking).
  • Already engaging with insurance adjusters.
  • Pressure-tested into a decision window (most carriers want claims filed within 30-60 days).

D2D reps walking these neighborhoods get 3-5× the conversation density vs steady-state cold D2D. Pair with a 1,000-postcard Roof Launch storm-response mailing → conversation density doubles again. Combined CAC during storm windows: $250-$450.

The warm-follow play (steady-state)

  1. Day 0: Mail 500 roof quotes via Roof Launch to a neighborhood with 18+ year-old roofs ($500).
  2. Day 7-14: Postcards land. Homeowners see their house with 3 material tiers + upfront pricing. ~75-100 scans, ~10-15 deposits without any door-knocking.
  3. Day 10-21: Reps walk the SAME blocks. "Hi, we mailed you a roof quote — wanted to follow up." Conversation density doubles vs cold knocks.
  4. Day 21+: Survey + close. Homeowners who saw the postcard close at 60-75% on site visits.

Make your D2D crews walk warm doors.

Free account, free rendering, $1 per mailed roof quote. Money-back guarantee on your first $1,000 campaign.

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