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Mel's Roofing vs Solarsesame
Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a roofing specialist with 6 years experience to a 2-year-old solar company that also does roofing work.
| Mel's Roofing | Solarsesame | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 6 years | 2 years |
| License # | 1061612 | 1116168 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | www.melssroofing.com | solarsesame.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Mel's Roofing
Customers consistently praise Mel's detailed documentation, clear repair-versus-replace guidance, responsive communication throughout projects, and professional handling of complex roofing scenarios including flat roofs and hidden damage.
Solarsesame
Customers emphasize Solarsesame's patient sales consultation, clear financing explanations, efficient solar installation process, and helpful online tools for understanding solar benefits rather than roofing-specific expertise.
Key Takeaway: Mel's feedback centers entirely on roofing project execution and problem-solving, while Solarsesame's reviews focus on solar consultation and installation efficiency with minimal mention of standalone roofing capabilities.
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.
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 Mel's Roofing if...
- ✓ Your roof needs standalone repair or replacement with no solar component, especially if you have leak issues requiring diagnosis or expect hidden damage like rotted sheathing.
- ✓ You have a complex roof design including low-slope areas, flat sections, or are converting from older systems like tar-and-gravel or cedar shake.
- ✓ You want a contractor whose entire 6-year track record centers on roofing complications and who can provide detailed documentation comparing repair versus full replacement options.
- ✓ Project references and customer feedback specific to roofing-only work matter to you, as Mel's reviews consistently focus on roof project execution rather than solar consultation.
Consider Solarsesame if...
- ✓ You're planning a solar installation and want roofing work completed as part of that project, where Solarsesame's coordination between solar and roof makes sense.
- ✓ You're comparing financing options for a solar-plus-roof package and value their consultation approach explaining lease, purchase, and PPA programs.
- ✓ You're willing to accept a contractor with only 2 years licensed experience in exchange for bundled solar-roofing service under one contract.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Solarsesame how many standalone roofing projects they've completed without solar installation, and request references specifically for roofing-only work to assess their depth beyond solar-related roof repairs.
- → Ask Solarsesame how they handle unexpected conditions during tear-off, such as extensive sheathing damage or hidden structural issues, and who makes decisions about scope changes.
- → Ask both companies for recent references from projects similar to yours in roof type and complexity, and confirm how long their current roofing crews have worked together.
The Bottom Line
Unless you're bundling solar panel installation with your roofing work, Mel's Roofing is the clearer choice for standalone roof projects. Their 6 years of focused roofing experience, proven track record handling complex roof types and hidden damage, and customer feedback centered on roofing problem-solving give you substantially more depth than Solarsesame's 2-year tenure as a solar-focused company. Solarsesame makes sense only if you're installing solar panels and want integrated service, but for repair, replacement, or leak diagnosis alone, Mel's brings three times the licensed experience and demonstrated expertise in the complications that matter most to homeowners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters significantly for standalone roofing projects. A contractor license permits roofing work, but experience depth comes from volume and focus. Mel's 6 years of roofing-specific work means more pattern recognition for diagnosing leaks, handling rot, and managing complications. Solarsesame's feedback centers on solar consultation rather than roofing problem-solving, suggesting roofing is secondary to their core business.
Two years is relatively new for complex roofing work. Straightforward replacements on simple roof designs may go fine, but complications like hidden damage, unusual flashing needs, or low-slope transitions benefit from the pattern recognition that comes with more years. If your roof is older, has existing leak issues, or has a complex design, the 6-year versus 2-year gap becomes more meaningful.
Not necessarily for your current roof work. Having your roof properly repaired or replaced now by an experienced roofing contractor ensures a solid foundation for future solar. You can hire a solar specialist later when you're ready, and most solar companies work with existing roofs regularly. Don't compromise on roofing expertise today for hypothetical solar work later unless you're committed to installing panels within the next year.
Insurance and bonding provide baseline protection, but they don't equate to equal capability. The $25,000 bond covers you if work isn't completed as agreed, and workers comp protects you from liability if workers are injured. However, neither addresses the risk of improper diagnosis, missed structural issues, or inadequate repairs that show up months later. Experience depth reduces those risks through better problem identification upfront.
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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