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ARS Roofing & Gutters vs Sutter Roofing Systems
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
ARS Roofing brings 22 years of licensed experience compared to Sutter's first year, which matters significantly for diagnosing hidden problems in older roof systems.
| ARS Roofing & Gutters | Sutter Roofing Systems | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 22 years | 1 years |
| License # | 837618 | 1137426 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA | Sebastopol, CA |
| Website | www.arsroofing.com | www.sutterroofingsystems.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
ARS Roofing & Gutters
Customers emphasize ARS's detailed inspections, thorough estimates, and ability to guide decisions around insurance requirements and whether repairs suffice instead of full replacement.
Sutter Roofing Systems
Customers highlight Sutter's speed and efficiency, with multiple mentions of roof replacements completed in one to two days and quick turnaround from estimate to start.
Key Takeaway: ARS is valued for diagnostic thoroughness and patient guidance through complex decisions, while Sutter is praised for operational speed and getting projects done fast.
Customer Reviews
ARS Roofing & Gutters
ARS spoke with me on Christmas morning and had a crew out to us the following morning to inspect a roof leak. They discovered that a recent gutter cleaning we had done by another company did not do a ...
We had such an amazing experience with Letitia and the ARS Roofing & Gutters team! Our roof needed repairs prior to a solar installation-and they made what could be a super stressful situation seem se...
ARS replaced our 30-year-old roof. The quote and estimate process was clear and detailed and thorough. When the start date arrived, the entire team was cheerful and communcative and ernest. The forema...
Sutter Roofing Systems
Sutter Roofing Systems did a nice job on my roof. Their price was right in line with the other estimates I received. Their workers diida great job.
Pat and the team replaced roof in less than two days. Communications were great and the crew showed up on time and kicked but. No more leaks!
Incredibly fast and professional.
Consider ARS Roofing & Gutters if...
- ✓ Your home is older and likely to have hidden issues like dry rot, outdated flashing, or deck damage that require experienced diagnosis during tear-off
- ✓ You're navigating an insurance claim or inspection requirement and need a contractor familiar with documentation and adjuster negotiations
- ✓ You're replacing a complex roof system with multiple valleys, penetrations, or unusual angles where experience prevents expensive mistakes
- ✓ Long-term warranty reliability matters to you, and you want a contractor with a proven track record of being around to honor commitments
Consider Sutter Roofing Systems if...
- ✓ Your roof project is straightforward with no anticipated complications, and speed of completion is a priority
- ✓ You're working within a tight budget and competitive pricing is important, particularly for a newer home or simple roof geometry
- ✓ You're coordinating roofing with other renovation work and need a contractor who can flexibly schedule around construction constraints
- ✓ You value supporting a newer business and are comfortable with the tradeoff of less experience for potentially faster turnaround
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Sutter specifically about their process when unexpected damage is discovered during tear-off and request references from projects where complications arose
- → Ask ARS about their current scheduling timeline and whether their workload affects how quickly they can start your project
- → Ask both contractors how long their current crew has been working together and what happens if warranty issues arise years from now
- → Ask Sutter about their business continuity plan and how they ensure warranty coverage as a newer company
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, ARS Roofing's 22 years of licensed experience provides significantly more protection against the unknowns of opening up a roof—particularly for older homes, complex systems, or insurance-related work. Their proven track record means better odds of accurate diagnosis when hidden damage appears and confidence they'll honor warranties years from now. Sutter completes work efficiently and professionally, but one year of licensing means you're accepting real risk around complication management and long-term accountability. If your roof is straightforward, your home is newer, and speed matters most, Sutter may serve you well at a competitive price. But for older homes, complex projects, or situations where you need a contractor who's seen it all before, ARS's experience gap isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the practical difference between smooth problem-solving and costly surprises.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily—the principals may have roofing experience from working with other companies before obtaining their own license. However, one year as a licensed contractor means limited experience running a business, managing warranty claims over time, and building the financial reserves to handle complications. Ask directly about the owner's total years in roofing and request references from projects similar to yours.
For complex or older roofs, absolutely—experience matters most when diagnosing hidden damage during tear-off or coordinating insurance claims. For a straightforward replacement on a newer home with simple geometry, the experience premium may be less critical. Request detailed quotes from both to see if pricing actually differs significantly for your specific project.
Sutter's reviews specifically highlight one-to-two day completions on some roof replacements, suggesting speed is a operational priority. ARS mentions on-time or early completion but emphasizes thoroughness and inspection detail. If timeline is critical, ask both for estimated start and completion dates based on current workload, not just how fast crews work.
This is a legitimate concern with any newer contractor. Many roofing warranties are backed by manufacturers rather than installers, but workmanship warranties depend on the contractor's longevity. Ask Sutter about their workmanship warranty terms and whether they carry additional business insurance. ARS's 22-year track record provides more confidence they'll be available for future warranty claims.
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 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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