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Able Roofing Company vs Second Generation Roofing
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran Sonoma County roofers with similar credentials but different operational strengths: Able emphasizes speed and responsiveness while Second Generation focuses on thorough pre-work planning and detail.
| Able Roofing Company | Second Generation Roofing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 21 years | 26 years |
| License # | 849192 | 768860 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Petaluma, CA | Sebastopol, CA |
| Website | www.ableroofing.biz | secondgenroofing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Able Roofing Company
Able Roofing customers consistently emphasize exceptional responsiveness with quick call-backs, fast scheduling, and efficient completion within promised timelines.
Second Generation Roofing
Second Generation Roofing customers highlight thorough inspections, transparent identification of additional repairs before work begins, and discovery of hidden issues during demolition.
Key Takeaway: Able is optimized for speed throughout the customer experience while Second Generation prioritizes comprehensive problem identification and detailed planning before execution begins.
Customer Reviews
Able Roofing Company
Best roofing experience I've ever had: Jon and his crew were exceptionally responsive (especially checking my roof for leaks prior to the big wind storm) throughout the entire process. They completed ...
Able Roofing rocks! Hailey and crew saved the day! I called earlier in the week and they said they could come over and take a look on Friday. That's pretty fast turnaround! The storm from the week b...
Jon and his crew are high quality and VERY responsive. Every time I reach out to Jon, he gets back to me immediately - faster than any of my other contractors - and this continues 8 years after he ins...
Second Generation Roofing
Good company to work with and was very quick to completion. They did a complete overhaul of our leaking chimney along with the roof. The repaired chimney looked good as new, and the exterior paint mat...
I am a licensed Realtor in Sonoma / Marin County. I have personally used Second Generation Roofing for my rental property and have referred them to many happy clients and friends. I would highly recom...
Noel and his team were prompt and professional. Great attention to detail and very transparent about anticipated repairs. They went the extra mile to make sure that their work was top quality, definit...
Consider Able Roofing Company if...
- ✓ Your roof emergency requires immediate attention and you need a contractor who will respond and schedule quickly, particularly for storm damage situations
- ✓ Your project is relatively straightforward without suspected hidden complications, and fast turnaround matters more than extensive pre-work investigation
- ✓ You're located in or near Petaluma and prefer working with a contractor based in your immediate area
- ✓ High-touch communication throughout the process is a priority, with owner involvement noted as particularly strong
Consider Second Generation Roofing if...
- ✓ Your home is older and likely harbors hidden issues like dry rot or improper past installations that need identification before quoting final costs
- ✓ You want comprehensive planning upfront with transparent disclosure of anticipated repairs before work begins, avoiding mid-project surprises
- ✓ Your project includes related exterior work such as gutters, downspouts, or other components you'd prefer handled by the same contractor
- ✓ You're in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, or western Sonoma County where Second Generation is based
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Second Generation how they handle pricing when additional issues are discovered during tear-off, and whether their initial estimates typically hold or increase significantly
- → Ask Able how thoroughly they inspect for underlying problems before providing quotes, and what happens if hidden damage is found mid-project
- → For older homes, ask both contractors about their experience with multi-layer removal and addressing structural issues common to your home's era
The Bottom Line
Both companies are solid choices with proper insurance, veteran experience, and positive customer feedback. Choose Able Roofing if rapid response and fast project completion are your primary concerns, especially for storm damage or straightforward replacements where speed matters. Choose Second Generation Roofing if your home is older, you suspect underlying complications, or you value thorough upfront inspections that identify problems before they derail budgets and timelines. Second Generation's methodical approach and explicit handling of related exterior work also makes them the better fit for complex projects requiring comprehensive planning. For a typical replacement on a newer home where both would perform well, let location and schedule availability guide your decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Second Generation Roofing has a stronger track record for identifying hidden issues before work begins. Their reviews consistently mention discovering dry rot and improper installations during inspections and demolition, with transparent communication about needed repairs. This methodical approach is particularly valuable for older homes where problems beneath the surface are common.
Able Roofing Company is explicitly recognized for rapid response and fast turnaround. Customers emphasize quick call-backs, expedited scheduling, and completion within tight timelines, including storm-related situations. Their operational focus prioritizes speed without compromising quality.
Not meaningfully in this case. Both are veteran contractors with over two decades of active licensure. The practical differences lie in their operational approaches rather than experience level—Able emphasizes speed and responsiveness while Second Generation focuses on thorough inspections and problem identification.
Second Generation Roofing explicitly handles gutters, downspouts, and repairs like dry rot as part of their documented scope. While Able may also handle related work, their reviews focus primarily on roofing itself, and one mentions coordinating with a separate solar partner. If you want comprehensive exterior work from one contractor, confirm scope directly with Able or lean toward Second Generation.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top roofing contractors in Sonoma.
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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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