Star Waterproofing and Roofing vs West Coast Solar
Contra Costa Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing a roofing and waterproofing specialist to a solar energy company—these contractors serve completely different project needs.
| Star Waterproofing and Roofing | West Coast Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.3 |
| Years Licensed | 8 years | 18 years |
| License # | 1036279 | 908549 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Walnut Creek, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | www.starwaterproofingco.com | www.westcoastsolar.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Star Waterproofing and Roofing
Customers consistently praise Star's ability to diagnose difficult leaks and provide detailed project proposals, with strong marks for responsive communication and crew professionalism across waterproofing and flat roof projects.
West Coast Solar
West Coast Solar customers highlight the no-pressure sales process and fast one-day installations, with particular appreciation for how carefully crews protect tile roofs during solar panel mounting.
Key Takeaway: Star's reviews center entirely on roofing and waterproofing expertise, while West Coast Solar's feedback focuses on solar installation efficiency and energy system management—reflecting two companies that rarely compete for the same work.
Customer Reviews
Star Waterproofing and Roofing
Gilber, Linda and the crew are top notch professionals. They waterproofed an outside deck at our building in San Francisco and did an A+ job. They were on time and very responsive to my needs and the ...
I recently hired Star Waterproofing to waterproof my 3 outdoor decks in S.F., they were leaking everywhere . With the amount of rain we have been receiving these past few years , I needed a specialis...
I recently hired Star to replace the flat commercial roof for an apartment building in Oakland (6,500 sq ft). I had an excellent experience from start to finish, and I'm glad to leave a glowing recomm...
West Coast Solar
Craig and the customer service staff were awesome! They listened to my concerns and were open to my service options. Craig was very nice and explained everything for me to understand.
Communication was great from the start, to the time they left. Great job WCS!!
On time and did a great job
Consider Star Waterproofing and Roofing if...
- ✓ You need leak diagnosis and repair, especially for persistent water intrusion issues on decks, balconies, or flat roofs where finding the source requires specialized waterproofing knowledge
- ✓ Your project involves deck or balcony waterproofing systems, torch-down roofing, or flat roof replacement where membrane expertise matters more than general roofing experience
- ✓ You're managing a multi-unit property with ongoing weatherproofing and maintenance needs, where Star's track record with repeat commercial-style projects may provide better continuity
- ✓ You want a contractor whose entire business model centers on roofing and waterproofing, not a company where roofing supports another primary service
Consider West Coast Solar if...
- ✓ You're installing solar panels and want a contractor who can handle both the solar system and any necessary roof work in a coordinated project, avoiding the need to hire separate companies
- ✓ Your home has a tile roof and you want installers experienced in protecting tile during panel mounting, where West Coast Solar's reviews specifically note this care
- ✓ You need battery storage like Powerwall integrated with your solar installation, along with the full permitting and PG&E activation process managed by one company
- ✓ You value West Coast Solar's 18 years of experience in the solar industry and want a veteran contractor for what is primarily an energy project, not a roofing project
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Star Waterproofing: Ask about their warranty on waterproofing membrane work and what their process is for follow-up inspections after the first significant rain following deck or balcony projects
- → For West Coast Solar: If you need roofing work beyond what's required for solar installation, ask whether they provide the same warranty and service on standalone roofing projects as they do for solar-related roof work
- → For either company: Clarify whether the scope you need matches their core expertise—ask Star if they work on tile roofs for non-waterproofing projects, or ask West Coast Solar about their experience with flat roof systems unrelated to solar
The Bottom Line
This comparison only makes sense if you're trying to decide whether your project is roofing or solar. For leak investigation, deck waterproofing, flat roof replacement, or any waterproofing-intensive project, Star Waterproofing and Roofing is the clear choice—their entire 8-year track record centers on exactly these challenges. For solar panel installation, battery storage, or projects where you need tile roof work done simultaneously with solar, West Coast Solar brings 18 years of solar expertise and handles both elements. Don't hire a solar company for a complex leak or a waterproofing specialist for solar panels. Match your actual project need to the company's core specialization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
West Coast Solar's roofing capability appears focused on tile roof installation as part of solar projects, and their reviews center on solar work. While they may take standalone roofing jobs, their 18 years of experience is in solar energy, not general roofing. For non-solar roofing work, especially flat roofs or waterproofing, Star Waterproofing and Roofing is the specialist built for that exact scope.
Star's documented expertise centers on flat and low-slope roofing, torch-down systems, and deck waterproofing—their reviews consistently mention these project types. If you have a tile roof that needs work unrelated to waterproofing, ask Star directly about their experience with that system. Their reputation is built on leak diagnosis and waterproofing membrane work.
Address the leak first with Star Waterproofing and Roofing before any solar installation—solar companies need a sound roof structure to mount panels. Once Star resolves your waterproofing issue and confirms the roof is solid, then engage West Coast Solar for the solar project. Trying to combine these with one contractor may compromise the quality of the leak repair.
West Coast Solar's 18 years reflects their veteran status in the solar industry, which began booming in California in the mid-2000s. Star's 8 years is substantial for a roofing and waterproofing specialist and places them in the experienced tier. The meaningful difference isn't years—it's that they built those years in completely different trades serving different homeowner needs.
Looking for the Best?
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 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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