Acker Roofing vs GBR Roofing
Contra Costa Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Acker Roofing brings 12 years of licensed experience while GBR Roofing has been licensed just one year, a meaningful difference in diagnosing hidden problems and handling complications.
| Acker Roofing | GBR Roofing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 1 years |
| License # | 993338 | 1126596 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | Walnut Creek, CA |
| Website | ackerroofing.com | www.gbrroof.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Acker Roofing
Customers consistently highlight Acker's diagnostic thoroughness and ability to explain complex issues clearly, particularly with leak troubleshooting, storm damage assessment, and coordination challenges involving solar panels or weather delays.
GBR Roofing
Customers emphasize GBR's structured communication through dedicated project managers, detailed proposals, and professional execution on planned replacement projects with clear scopes.
Key Takeaway: Acker's reviews frequently mention problem-solving and troubleshooting scenarios while GBR's reviews focus on smooth execution of planned projects, reflecting the difference between established diagnostic experience and newer systematic processes.
Customer Reviews
Acker Roofing
They are quick to respond and have work quality they honor the work warranty no questions asked why rain or shine they come to repair
Acker Roofing did a great job of replacing our roof. They listened to my specific needs, found a good solution, and troubleshooted problem areas. They were able to fit us into their schedule and the j...
Dean and Acker came recommended to us by a State Farm insurance agent, and we can see why. Dean quickly turned around a fair quote for roofing our house. Rodigo and his partner worked diligently on ev...
GBR Roofing
Everything was smooth and easy. Roi and his foreman were easy to work with and pleasant to be around.
I recently had Adi from Green Bay Remodeling come out to inspect a leak in my roof, and I’m extremely satisfied with the experience. He arrived quickly, was very professional, and got straight to th...
We had a great experience working with Roi as our project manager on a metal roof installation. From start to finish, Roi was professional, communicative, and very detail-oriented. He kept us updated ...
Consider Acker Roofing if...
- ✓ Your roof is older than 20 years and may have hidden dry rot, failed flashing, or structural issues that only reveal themselves during tear-off, where Acker's 12 years of diagnostic experience becomes critical.
- ✓ You have solar panels requiring removal and reinstallation, which reviews specifically mention Acker coordinating successfully with solar contractors.
- ✓ Your project involves troubleshooting an elusive leak around chimneys, valleys, or patio tie-ins where pattern recognition from hundreds of prior jobs helps isolate the actual source.
- ✓ You're dealing with storm damage or insurance documentation requirements, situations Acker's reviews indicate they've handled repeatedly.
Consider GBR Roofing if...
- ✓ Your roof is relatively simple with straightforward geometry and you're doing a planned replacement rather than addressing hidden problems, where GBR's structured approach and competitive pricing may offer good value.
- ✓ You value assigned project managers with regular updates and detailed proposals, which GBR's system emphasizes and reviews consistently mention.
- ✓ You need commercial or standing seam metal work, which GBR lists among their specialties and may have invested recent training in.
- ✓ You're comfortable accepting the tradeoff of lower experience in exchange for potentially more competitive pricing from a newer company building their reputation.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask GBR how many tear-offs their lead crew has personally completed and request references from projects with similar roof age and complexity to yours, especially if your home is older than 30 years.
- → Ask both companies what they've found during recent tear-offs that wasn't visible during inspection, and how they handle pricing for hidden conditions discovered mid-project.
- → If you have solar panels, ask GBR specifically about their process and insurance coverage for panel removal and reinstallation, and whether they subcontract that work.
- → Ask GBR how long their current crew has worked together and what their background is prior to the company's licensing one year ago.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Acker Roofing's 12 years of licensed experience provides substantially better protection against the unexpected problems that roofing projects routinely uncover. Reviews demonstrate they've successfully handled the full spectrum from simple repairs to complex troubleshooting, storm damage, and coordination with solar installers. GBR may offer competitive pricing and their project management system earns positive feedback, but one year of licensing means significantly less experience diagnosing hidden conditions or resolving mid-project complications. Choose GBR only if your roof is relatively new with simple geometry and you're prioritizing cost over experience. For older roofs, complex layouts, or any situation requiring troubleshooting, Acker's depth of experience is worth the likely premium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily—the crew may have prior experience working for other companies before GBR obtained their license. However, you should ask directly about the lead installer's personal experience with projects like yours. The one-year licensing does mean GBR as a company has a limited track record handling the full range of complications that emerge during roofing projects, which matters more on older or complex roofs.
It depends on your roof's condition and complexity. For straightforward replacements on newer homes with simple layouts, the experience gap matters less and competitive pricing may be the priority. For older roofs, complex geometries, leak troubleshooting, or projects requiring coordination with solar or other trades, Acker's demonstrated experience diagnosing hidden problems and managing complications provides meaningful risk reduction that often justifies higher cost.
The $25,000 bond is the minimum California requirement and provides identical financial protection from both companies if they abandon your project. The bond amount doesn't reflect experience or quality. What differs is the likelihood you'll need to make a claim, which historically correlates with contractor experience and track record—areas where Acker's 12 years provides more demonstrated reliability.
Commercial experience can indicate capability with larger projects and different roofing systems like standing seam metal, which may be relevant if that matches your needs. However, residential and commercial roofing involve different challenges, and what matters most is demonstrated experience with projects similar to yours specifically. Ask GBR for references matching your project type and roof age, not just their commercial portfolio.
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See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Contra Costa.
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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 08, 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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