Using EagleView and Hover for Roofing Estimates: Aerial Measurement Technology That Closes More Jobs
Climbing every roof to take manual measurements costs time, exposes you to fall risk, and frankly looks less professional than showing a homeowner a satellite-generated measurement report. EagleView and Hover have changed the roofing estimate process — most professional roofing contractors now order aerial measurements as a standard step in their proposal workflow. This guide compares both platforms and shows you how to use them to close estimates faster.
READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Use the free LaunchAdvisor checklist to track every step in this guide.
EagleView: The Insurance Industry Standard
EagleView uses aerial and satellite imagery combined with proprietary algorithms to produce detailed roof measurement reports that include total area, pitch by facet, ridge length, hip length, valley length, eave length, and waste factor calculations. A standard EagleView Premium report costs $15–$30 depending on report type and subscription volume. EagleView is the dominant standard for insurance work — most major property insurers (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers) use EagleView measurements when scoping storm damage claims, which means your EagleView report matches the insurer's data. This alignment eliminates measurement disputes during the claims process. EagleView reports are available within 2–24 hours of order. For contractors doing volume storm restoration work, EagleView subscription plans reduce per-report cost significantly.
Hover: Ground-Level Photos to 3D Model
Hover works differently from EagleView — rather than using aerial imagery, Hover requires the contractor or homeowner to take a set of smartphone photos walking around the house at ground level. Hover's AI processes the photos into a 3D model of the home and calculates roof measurements from that model. The key advantages of Hover: you don't need pre-existing aerial imagery (useful in areas where EagleView coverage is incomplete), the 3D model can be used to show homeowners siding and color options as well as roofing, and the turnaround is typically 1–3 hours. Hover report pricing runs $10–$25 per report. The limitation is accuracy — EagleView is generally considered more precise for steep-slope roofs and complex geometry. For retail residential roofing where you control the measurement process, Hover's 3D visualization is a powerful sales tool.
When to Use Each Tool
Use EagleView for: insurance claims (adjuster matching), complex multi-facet roofs, and high-value proposals where measurement accuracy directly affects profitability. Use Hover for: retail residential jobs where the 3D visualization helps homeowners select colors and commit to the project, and in geographies where EagleView's imagery may be outdated (rural areas). Many high-volume roofing companies use both — EagleView for insurance work and Hover for retail sales presentations. Budget $500–$1,000 per month in aerial measurement costs at a 20-job monthly volume; this is a legitimate job cost that should be included in your per-job overhead calculation and recovered in your pricing.
How Aerial Measurements Close More Jobs
Contractors who show homeowners a professional aerial measurement report during the estimate presentation close at higher rates than those presenting manual measurements alone. The psychology: a satellite report signals professionalism, precision, and that you've invested in their specific property before asking for the sale. Homeowners who see their exact roof dimensions, facet by facet, on a branded report feel more confidence in the accuracy of your proposal. For storm restoration, showing a homeowner an EagleView report alongside photos of their hail damage creates a compelling visual package that supports their decision to file a claim and choose your company. Train your sales team to walk homeowners through the EagleView report page by page — it's a 3-minute conversation that converts skeptical homeowners into confident buyers.
Integrating Aerial Measurements Into Your Workflow
Both EagleView and Hover integrate with major roofing CRM and estimating platforms. EagleView connects directly with AccuLynx, JobNimbus, Xactimate, and several other roofing platforms — your measurements auto-populate into the estimate, eliminating manual data entry. Hover integrates with Salesforce, JobNimbus, and RoofSnap. Build aerial measurement ordering into your standard workflow as soon as a lead converts to an inspection appointment: order the report before you show up, have it on your tablet during the inspection, and present it as part of your proposal. The $20–$30 report cost is recovered many times over in closed jobs and reduced time per estimate.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
EagleView
The insurance industry's standard aerial roof measurement platform. Order reports at $15–$30 each or subscribe for volume discounts.
AccuLynx
Roofing business software with native EagleView integration — measurements auto-populate into estimates and material orders.
JobNimbus
CRM and estimating platform with Hover and EagleView integrations. Build your measurement-to-proposal workflow in one system.
Some links above are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How accurate is EagleView compared to a physical roof measurement?
EagleView reports are accurate to within 1–3% of physical measurement for most residential roofs. Complex geometry, very steep pitches, and roofs with significant obstruction can reduce accuracy. For insurance work, EagleView is accepted as the measurement standard by most major insurers. Always add a 10–15% waste factor to your material orders regardless of measurement method.
Can I use EagleView measurements for the insurance claim?
Yes — and it often simplifies the claims process. When your EagleView report matches or is close to the insurer's own EagleView measurement, disputes over square footage are eliminated. Some contractors include the EagleView report as an attachment to their initial claim documentation to proactively establish measurement agreement.
What if the homeowner won't let me on the roof?
Hover is your solution — take the required ground-level photos without accessing the roof at all. For insurance inspection purposes, most insurers require an adjuster to access the roof directly, but for your initial assessment and proposal, ground-level photography combined with a Hover model gives you enough data to produce an accurate estimate.
Apply This in Your Checklist