Compare Local Pros
Williams Roofing vs Solarsesame
Alameda Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a 32-year roofing specialist to a 2-year-old solar company that also does roofing—fundamentally different contractors for different project types.
| Williams Roofing | Solarsesame | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 32 years | 2 years |
| License # | 687391 | 1116168 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Fremont, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | williamsroofing.net | solarsesame.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Williams Roofing
Customers consistently praise Williams Roofing for responsive communication, honest diagnostic approach, and successful resolution of leak problems with work that holds up over time.
Solarsesame
Customers highlight Solarsesame's knowledgeable solar consultations, clear financing explanations, and smooth installation process for solar panel and battery storage projects.
Key Takeaway: Williams' feedback centers on core roofing competencies like leak diagnosis and repair durability, while Solarsesame's reviews focus on solar sales consultation and project coordination rather than roofing expertise.
Customer Reviews
Williams Roofing
Met all expectations and finished as promised. Thanks
A very honest company. Have done repairs before and Steve will not sell you anything you don't need. Repairs done before are still good and price was very fair. No one else will touch my roof.
A good friend of our family gave us a referral to contact Williams Roofing. Steve cam out right away, my fathers house had a good size leak in garage area, we were so happy they were able to replace t...
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 Williams Roofing if...
- ✓ You need roof leak diagnosis or repair where the source isn't obvious, as Williams' 32 years of experience means exposure to hidden damage patterns and unusual failure points that newer contractors haven't encountered.
- ✓ Your roof replacement may involve complications like multiple layers to remove, structural concerns, or matching discontinued materials where veteran problem-solving experience becomes essential.
- ✓ You prefer a contractor whose entire business model centers on roofing rather than a company where roofing supports their primary solar installation services.
- ✓ You value the pattern of honest recommendations and straightforward guidance that appears consistently across Williams' customer feedback.
Consider Solarsesame if...
- ✓ You're installing solar panels and need roofing work done simultaneously, as Solarsesame can coordinate both under one contract and ensure roof integrity before panel installation.
- ✓ Your project involves battery storage integration with solar, which aligns with Solarsesame's primary expertise rather than Williams' roofing specialization.
- ✓ You're comfortable working with a newer company (licensed two years) in exchange for their focus on solar technology and financing options if your project has a solar component.
- ✓ You need permitting assistance and HOA coordination for a solar project, which Solarsesame handles as part of their standard service model.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Solarsesame how many standalone roofing projects (without solar installation) they've completed and request references specifically for roof-only work to gauge experience outside their primary focus.
- → Ask Williams Roofing if they have preferred solar installation partners if your project might include solar in the future, to understand coordination options.
- → Ask Solarsesame how they handle roofing complications discovered mid-project given their two-year operating history, and who on their team has veteran roofing experience.
- → Confirm with both companies how warranty coverage works and who services warranty claims for the roofing work specifically.
The Bottom Line
If you're installing solar panels and need roofing work as part of that project, Solarsesame makes sense as a single-source solution. For any other roofing scenario—leak repair, roof replacement, or diagnostic work—Williams Roofing is the clear choice. The 30-year experience gap is substantial and directly relevant to handling the hidden complications and problem-solving that roofing projects routinely require. Williams' customer feedback demonstrates exactly what you need from a roofer: honest diagnostics, reliable leak resolution, and straightforward project completion. Unless solar panels are part of your immediate plan, hire the roofing specialist with three decades of focused experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not when a 32-year roofing specialist is available. Solarsesame's reviews and service model center on solar consultation, financing, and panel installation, with roofing as a supporting service. For standalone roof repair or replacement, Williams Roofing's three decades of focused experience provides substantially more diagnostic capability and problem-solving depth.
Yes, because even straightforward projects regularly reveal hidden issues once work begins—rotted decking, inadequate ventilation, structural concerns, or code compliance gaps. A contractor with 32 years of licensing has encountered these scenarios repeatedly and knows how to address them without delaying your project or inflating costs unexpectedly.
Only if you're installing solar immediately. Hiring a less-experienced roofing contractor now to simplify future solar installation creates unnecessary risk for your current project. If solar is years away, prioritize roofing expertise now and coordinate with a solar company later when they assess your roof's readiness.
For solar projects, newer companies sometimes offer competitive financing or embrace latest technology faster. However, for roofing work specifically, their two-year licensing history is a limitation rather than an advantage. The consultation approach and online tools customers praise relate to solar sales, not roofing expertise.
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 11, 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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