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Advanced Roofing Services Inc vs Solarsesame
Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
This comparison only makes sense if you need roofing work related to solar installation, as these contractors serve different markets entirely.
| Advanced Roofing Services Inc | Solarsesame | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 28 years | 2 years |
| License # | 748858 | 1116168 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Alameda, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | www.advancedroofingsvcs.com | solarsesame.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Advanced Roofing Services Inc
Customers emphasize Advanced Roofing's responsive communication, experienced crews, and straightforward approach to roofing installations, though some note repair-related customer service concerns.
Solarsesame
Customers highlight Solarsesame's patient sales consultations, clear financing explanations, and efficient solar installations with helpful online planning tools.
Key Takeaway: Advanced Roofing feedback centers on roofing crew expertise and project execution, while Solarsesame reviews focus heavily on the sales consultation process and solar financing education rather than roofing-specific skills.
Customer Reviews
Advanced Roofing Services Inc
Great communication. April is incredibly responsive and helpful during and after roofing install and inspections. Dave's team is highly skilled with decades of experience. It definitely shows in quali...
Dave and team did an exceptional job on my roof. I'd highly recommend them if you live in alameda. They were not the cheapest bid I received, but their pricing is competitive for the area. I decided t...
The kids had a great time and it was well worth it. Staff were very friendly.
Solarsesame
Yay! I got my roof and solar done just in time for rainy season. Super easy. Thank you Kerrie! Happy customer here. :)
Thank you so much you guys are amazing!I refer you guys 100%
I had excellent experience working with Kevin Feltis, sales rep from SolarSesame. Kevin was professional, knowledgeable, and patient in answering all my questions about going solar. He explained the s...
Consider Advanced Roofing Services Inc if...
- ✓ Your project is traditional roofing work without solar installation, such as roof replacement, leak repair, or storm damage assessment where deep roofing expertise matters most
- ✓ Your roof is older or has potential hidden damage that requires a veteran contractor's diagnostic skills to identify structural issues, water intrusion patterns, or code compliance needs
- ✓ You want a company whose core business and 28-year reputation centers entirely on roofing rather than as an ancillary service to solar projects
- ✓ You prefer working with established local contractors who've demonstrated long-term stability and warranty reliability in Alameda County
Consider Solarsesame if...
- ✓ You're specifically installing solar panels and need the roofing work done as part of that comprehensive solar project, handled by a single contractor
- ✓ You value the integrated approach of having one company manage both solar installation and related roof modifications, including permitting and HOA coordination
- ✓ You want access to solar financing options (purchase, lease, PPA) and prefer the consultation-driven sales process that Solarsesame customers describe positively
- ✓ Your roof is relatively new and straightforward, requiring only modifications to accommodate solar panels rather than complex roofing diagnostics or repairs
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Solarsesame for references from roofing projects completed at least 12-18 months ago to verify warranty follow-through and long-term performance, given their limited 2-year licensing history
- → Ask Advanced Roofing whether they partner with solar installers if you're considering solar in the future, to understand if choosing them now complicates later solar work
- → Ask Solarsesame who specifically handles their roofing work and how many years of roofing experience that crew or subcontractor brings, separate from their solar expertise
- → Ask both companies for detailed written scope of work, especially regarding who's responsible for roof inspections, structural assessments, and leak warranty if solar is involved
The Bottom Line
Choose Advanced Roofing Services for any traditional roofing project or if your roof requires veteran-level diagnostic expertise—their 28-year track record provides substantially more experience identifying hidden damage and handling complications. Choose Solarsesame only if you're committed to a solar installation and want integrated project management for both solar and roof modifications, while understanding you're working with a much newer contractor with limited roofing track record. If you're considering solar but your roof is older than 10 years, get Advanced Roofing to assess remaining roof lifespan first before locking into any solar contract. These companies serve different needs and shouldn't be directly compared unless you specifically need roofing work tied to solar installation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Their licensing covers roofing work, but their 2-year history and solar-focused business model suggest limited experience with standalone roofing diagnostics or complex repairs. If your roof needs significant work beyond what's required for solar panel mounting, a veteran roofing specialist like Advanced Roofing brings substantially more diagnostic experience. Ask Solarsesame directly about their crew's roofing background separate from solar projects.
Customer feedback indicates Advanced Roofing's pricing can be competitive for Alameda even if not always the lowest bid. The 28-year experience premium buys you a contractor who's more likely to identify hidden problems before they become expensive surprises and has proven long-term warranty reliability. For straightforward projects, newer contractors may offer lower bids, but veteran expertise often pays off on older or complicated roofs.
Absolutely, especially if your roof is over 10 years old. Solar panels last 25+ years, so you don't want to install them on a roof that will need replacement in 5-7 years. Having a veteran roofing contractor like Advanced Roofing inspect your roof's remaining lifespan before committing to solar can prevent the costly scenario of removing and reinstalling panels for roof work later.
It means they have a limited track record for honoring warranties and addressing issues that emerge years after installation. Solar projects involve 25-year equipment warranties and typically 10-year workmanship warranties, but a company licensed for only 2 years hasn't proven they'll be around or responsive for the long term. Ask for references from their earliest projects and understand what warranty protections exist if the company doesn't maintain long-term operations.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Alameda.
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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 12, 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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