Doughty Enterprises vs Metal Roof Systems Inc
Sonoma General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are veteran Santa Rosa roofers with nearly identical credentials, but Doughty handles diverse roofing projects while Metal Roof Systems specializes exclusively in metal installations.
| Doughty Enterprises | Metal Roof Systems Inc | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 37 years | 36 years |
| License # | 554946 | 583412 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Website | doughtyenterprises.com | www.metalroofsystemsinc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Doughty Enterprises
Customers consistently praise Doughty's responsive scheduling, quick project turnaround, and hands-on owner involvement throughout diverse roofing projects from repairs to full replacements.
Metal Roof Systems Inc
Customers emphasize the exceptional longevity of Metal Roof Systems' installations, with decades-old roofs still performing excellently and strong communication throughout the metal roofing process.
Key Takeaway: Doughty's reviews reflect operational speed and project variety including emergency repairs, while Metal Roof Systems' feedback focuses on long-term durability and satisfaction with specialized metal installations.
Customer Reviews
Doughty Enterprises
Buzz and his team went the extra mile and expedited a quick turnaround for my mom's roof. Buzz was extremely helpful along with his office manager, Ashley. They worked closely with my mom along with u...
Over the last few years, I've had several roofs replaced by Dorothy Enterprises. Buzz and his staff are always a pleasure to work with, very accommodating with schedule and very knowledgeable in the t...
Uzz and his team were outstanding to work with throughout the entire process. I would recommend them to anyone
Metal Roof Systems Inc
Metal roofs are more expensive than standard roofs but they last twice as long, are fire resistant, and have a traditional yet modern, innovative look. I chose Metal Roof Systems to install mine becau...
They did my roof back in 2003. Still looks great to this day.
Excellent Work - Great Communication
Consider Doughty Enterprises if...
- ✓ You need traditional composition shingle or tile roofing, which represents the most common and budget-friendly option for residential roofs
- ✓ Your situation involves leak troubleshooting, emergency repairs, or related exterior work like dry rot replacement that requires immediate attention and flexible scheduling
- ✓ You value hands-on owner involvement with direct oversight and on-site inspections throughout your project
- ✓ You want a contractor who can handle related construction tasks beyond just roofing, including carpentry, gutter work, or roof line corrections
Consider Metal Roof Systems Inc if...
- ✓ You're specifically pursuing metal roofing for fire resistance in wildfire-prone Sonoma County or want the 40-50 year lifespan that metal systems provide
- ✓ You're willing to invest in higher upfront costs in exchange for long-term durability, minimal maintenance, and superior fire ratings
- ✓ You want a contractor whose entire 36-year history has been devoted exclusively to perfecting metal roof installations rather than diversifying across materials
- ✓ Your project is a planned, full roof replacement rather than an emergency repair, as metal installations require more extensive preparation and specialized installation techniques
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering Doughty for a full roof replacement, ask what roofing materials they recommend for your specific situation and whether metal roofing is something they install regularly or would subcontract
- → If considering Metal Roof Systems, ask for a detailed cost comparison showing the total cost of ownership over 30-40 years compared to composition roofing, including maintenance and replacement cycles
- → Ask both contractors about lead times for scheduling, as Metal Roof Systems' specialization may mean different availability than Doughty's quick-turnaround approach
- → If your roof has existing damage or dry rot concerns, ask Metal Roof Systems how they handle underlying structural repairs, since reviews don't mention carpentry work
The Bottom Line
This decision is straightforward: if you're committed to metal roofing for fire protection and long-term durability, Metal Roof Systems' 36 years of exclusive specialization makes them the clear choice. If you need traditional roofing materials, emergency repairs, leak troubleshooting, or related carpentry work, Doughty Enterprises offers the versatility and quick turnaround you need. Both are equally credentialed veteran contractors with full insurance and bonding. Don't choose based on reputation; choose based on whether you're installing metal or not. If you're undecided on material, start with Doughty to discuss all options, then get a metal-specific quote from Metal Roof Systems for comparison.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In wildfire-prone areas like Santa Rosa, metal roofing offers Class A fire ratings that can reduce insurance premiums and provide critical protection during ember storms. Metal Roof Systems' customer from 2003 demonstrates the 20+ year durability you're paying for. The upfront premium over composition shingles is substantial, but you eliminate the need for replacement every 15-20 years and gain fire resistance that's increasingly valuable in Northern California.
The data doesn't show metal roofing in Doughty's project list, which focuses on composition roofs, repairs, and related carpentry. While many general roofers can install metal, Metal Roof Systems' 36 years of exclusive focus means specialized expertise in panel types, expansion/contraction details, and fastening systems that affect long-term performance. Ask Doughty directly about their metal roofing experience and how many metal roofs they install annually.
Doughty's reviews specifically mention quick scheduling and fast turnaround, with patterns suggesting they handle time-sensitive work efficiently. Metal roof installations are more complex and typically require longer lead times for material ordering and installation. If you need emergency leak repair or fast completion, Doughty's operational approach appears better suited. For planned metal installations, timeline expectations should be discussed directly with Metal Roof Systems.
Doughty clearly handles related work including dry rot decking replacement, gutter/downspout installation, and roof line corrections, making them a one-stop solution for comprehensive roof system work. Metal Roof Systems' reviews don't mention carpentry or related services, focusing exclusively on metal roofing installations. If your project involves structural repairs or multiple exterior systems, confirm Metal Roof Systems' scope or expect to coordinate separate contractors.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 13, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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