Alpha Roofing vs Solarsesame
Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Alpha Roofing specializes in roofing projects while Solarsesame focuses on solar installation with roofing as a secondary service.
| Alpha Roofing | Solarsesame | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 1 years | 2 years |
| License # | 1129832 | 1116168 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Oakland, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | alpharoofing.com | solarsesame.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Alpha Roofing
Customers consistently emphasize Alpha Roofing's communication strengths, including progress updates, photo and drone documentation, and clear explanations throughout the roofing process.
Solarsesame
Customers focus on Solarsesame's consultation approach for solar projects, highlighting patient representatives, financing clarity, and helpful online tools for system planning.
Key Takeaway: Alpha Roofing's feedback centers entirely on roofing project execution and craftsmanship, while Solarsesame's reviews discuss solar sales consultation and energy solutions with minimal mention of roofing-specific work.
Customer Reviews
Alpha Roofing
Andy and Roman were both amazing to work with on our roof project in Cupertino. Andy and Roman were super helpful from the start. He explained everything clearly and made sure we felt confident with o...
I did my roof in the bay area and had a great experience with this roofing company! The owner, Andy, was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain everything clearly...
We worked with Andy for our roofing project in San Jose and honestly, he made the whole process so much easier than I expected. From the first call, he was super helpful, patient with all my questions...
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 Alpha Roofing if...
- ✓ You need traditional roofing work such as a roof replacement, reroof, or leak repair without a solar component, and want a contractor whose entire business model centers on roofing expertise.
- ✓ Communication and project transparency are high priorities for you, as customers consistently mention detailed updates, photo documentation, and drone video throughout the work.
- ✓ You value organized scheduling and punctual crews, with reviews repeatedly noting that projects stayed on track from start to finish.
- ✓ You want a contractor with demonstrated experience in roofing-specific challenges like leak assessment and jobsite cleanup standards.
Consider Solarsesame if...
- ✓ You're planning a solar installation and need roofing work done in conjunction with your solar project, making it convenient to coordinate both services through one contractor.
- ✓ Understanding financing options for solar is important to you, as Solarsesame offers purchase, lease, and PPA programs with patient consultation and clear explanations.
- ✓ You want to use online tools like solar calculators and roof visualization features to evaluate potential savings before committing.
- ✓ You need a contractor who can handle permitting and HOA coordination as part of a solar project, which Solarsesame includes in their service model.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Alpha Roofing: Ask for references from roofing projects completed in the past year, and inquire about their process for handling unexpected issues like hidden damage discovered during tear-off.
- → For Solarsesame: If you need roofing work, ask specifically about their roofing crew's experience and certifications separate from their solar installation team, and whether roofing is subcontracted.
- → For either company: Ask how long their current crew has been working together and what backup plans exist if complications arise mid-project.
- → Confirm exactly what warranty coverage applies to the roofing work itself, separate from any solar equipment warranties.
The Bottom Line
Unless you're actively planning solar installation alongside roofing work, Alpha Roofing is the clear choice for a traditional roofing project. Their entire business focuses on roofing expertise, and customer feedback consistently emphasizes organized execution, strong communication, and attention to detail throughout roof replacements and repairs. Solarsesame is primarily a solar company with roofing as an ancillary service, and their reviews center on solar consultation and financing rather than roofing craftsmanship. If you need both solar and roofing, Solarsesame offers convenience through coordination, but ask specifically about their roofing crew's credentials and experience separate from solar installation work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While Solarsesame lists roofing as a service, their business model and customer feedback focus heavily on solar installations with roofing as a complementary offering. If you're not planning solar work, you should ask directly about their standalone roofing experience and whether that work is performed by in-house crews or subcontracted. Alpha Roofing specializes exclusively in roofing projects.
The licensing period indicates how long they've operated under their current business license, not necessarily the individual experience of owners or crews. Both are newer businesses, so it's critical to ask for references from recent projects similar to yours and inquire about the background of the actual workers who will be on your roof. Alpha Roofing's reviews suggest established processes despite being newer, while Solarsesame's extra year provides slightly more operational track record.
If solar is in your near-term plans, Solarsesame can coordinate roofing and solar work together, potentially saving you from coordinating multiple contractors later. However, if you need roofing work now and solar is years away, choosing a roofing specialist like Alpha Roofing for current needs makes more sense. Ask Solarsesame about timing—whether they recommend doing roofing and solar simultaneously or if staged work is viable.
The bond provides financial recourse if the contractor fails to complete work as agreed, violates contract terms, or doesn't pay suppliers or subcontractors, which could result in liens on your property. Both companies carry the same bond amount, which is standard for newer contractors. The bond doesn't cover poor workmanship after completion—that's where warranties and insurance matter more. Ask both companies about their workmanship warranties and what happens if issues arise after the job is done.
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 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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