Compare Local Pros
Mel's Roofing vs Astro Roofing Inc
Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Astro Roofing brings 11 years of licensed experience versus Mel's 6, with notably higher owner involvement for smaller repairs and leak diagnostics.
| Mel's Roofing | Astro Roofing Inc | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 6 years | 11 years |
| License # | 1061612 | 1001992 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | Oakland, CA |
| Website | www.melssroofing.com | astroroofinginc.net |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Mel's Roofing
Customers consistently praise Mel's structured approach with detailed written quotes, clear repair-versus-replacement options, and organized project management through completion.
Astro Roofing Inc
Customers emphasize Astro's responsive, hands-on service with quick leak diagnostics, direct owner involvement, and a personal, family-owned feel across repeat visits.
Key Takeaway: Mel's reviews highlight systematic documentation and handling complex roof types, while Astro's feedback centers on owner accessibility and fast response for troubleshooting and smaller jobs.
Customer Reviews
Mel's Roofing
I would highly recommend Mel's Roofing. I was very impressed by the professionalism of Mel and his team. Christian answered all my questions and gave me good suggestion, Adriana is a very nice and h...
After reaching out more than 3 roofing companies, we chose the Mel's Roofing through a neighbor's recommendation and they are really good. The entire project - from estimate, scheduling to the roof an...
They response to emails and calls quickly. They are professional and do clean job.
Astro Roofing Inc
I call these guys in a pinch and they always come through. I have a 105 year old house that was poorly maintained before I took it on. I need them!
10/10 would hire again! Dario and Solomon made time to come check out my roof and gutters immediately after I called. My roof had weather damage that needed replacing and my gutters needed cleaning....
Astro Roofing was incredibly helpful! We had a leak and they came out very quickly and identified what we were suspected -- our tile roof had become cracked and was letting in water. They were able to...
Consider Mel's Roofing if...
- ✓ Your roof involves low-slope sections, flat areas, or a tar-and-gravel system that needs transitioning to modern materials, where Mel's specific experience with these configurations is documented.
- ✓ You value detailed written documentation and structured project management over direct owner involvement, particularly for larger replacement jobs with multiple scope items.
- ✓ Your project includes related exterior work such as replacing damaged sheathing, fascia, or gutters, which Mel's reviews mention coordinating within the roofing scope.
- ✓ You prefer a contractor whose strength is handling multi-faceted projects with clear written options comparing repair versus replacement paths.
Consider Astro Roofing Inc if...
- ✓ You're dealing with an active leak or need fast diagnostic response, where Astro's documented quick scheduling for inspections and troubleshooting fits your timeline.
- ✓ You prefer working directly with the owner throughout the project rather than primarily with crew leads, particularly for smaller repairs or straightforward replacements.
- ✓ Your project is on the smaller side, such as a tile roof repair, garden structure, or targeted leak fix, where Astro's range from minor to major jobs is well-established.
- ✓ The additional five years of licensed experience matters to you for peace of mind, especially if your home is older or the roof has a history of issues requiring seasoned diagnostic skills.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Astro whether the owner will personally handle the inspection and stay involved through completion, or if larger jobs are delegated to crew leads.
- → Ask Mel's about their specific process for diagnosing and addressing unexpected issues on complex roof geometries during tear-off.
- → Request references from both contractors for projects similar to yours in scope and roof type, particularly if you have tile, flat sections, or a leak that's been hard to pinpoint.
- → Confirm how each handles coordination if your project uncovers damaged sheathing or structural issues that weren't visible during the estimate.
The Bottom Line
For straightforward replacements and most standard roofing projects, both contractors are qualified, but Astro Roofing's 11 years licensed and high owner involvement give it an edge for leak diagnostics, smaller repairs, and homeowners who value working directly with the business owner. Choose Mel's Roofing if your project involves flat or low-slope sections, complex roof geometry, or you prefer structured project management with detailed documentation over hands-on owner presence. If you're uncertain about hidden issues or need someone to personally diagnose a tricky problem, Astro's additional experience and hands-on approach provide more confidence. For a complicated tear-off on an unusual roof design, Mel's documented work with these configurations is the deciding factor.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For a straightforward replacement on a simple gable roof with no known issues, both contractors have sufficient experience. The gap becomes more relevant if your roof has a history of leaks, unusual geometry, or if you're concerned about hidden damage that requires seasoned judgment during tear-off. Astro's extra years also mean more exposure to how different roofing systems age in the Bay Area climate.
Astro Roofing's combination of 11 years experience, high owner involvement, and customer feedback specifically mentioning quick leak evaluations and troubleshooting makes them the stronger choice for diagnostic work. Their hands-on approach means the owner will likely personally inspect your attic and roof to track down the source rather than delegating to a crew member.
Mel's Roofing has documented customer feedback specifically describing work on low-slope and flat roofs, tar-and-gravel conversions, and complex multi-plane designs. While Astro handles varied projects, Mel's reviews repeatedly mention these specific configurations, suggesting more frequent exposure to the complications they present.
Higher owner involvement, like Astro's, typically means more direct accountability and consistency in decision-making, especially valued on smaller jobs or diagnostic work. Moderate involvement, like Mel's, often indicates established crew leads and systems that handle larger projects efficiently without requiring the owner on-site daily. Neither approach is inherently better; it depends whether you prioritize direct access to the decision-maker or confidence in a structured crew system.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Alameda.
Other Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparisons
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 08, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.