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Second Generation Roofing vs Sterling Roofing Co
Sonoma Roofing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Second Generation Roofing offers proven performance with extensive customer feedback, while Sterling Roofing Co has limited public review history despite two decades in business.
| Second Generation Roofing | Sterling Roofing Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 26 years | 21 years |
| License # | 768860 | 846392 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sebastopol, CA | Glen Ellen, CA |
| Website | secondgenroofing.com | sterlingroofingco.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Second Generation Roofing
Customers consistently praise Second Generation for transparent communication throughout projects, proactive identification of additional repairs before work begins, and efficient crews that maintain clean job sites.
Key Takeaway: Second Generation has established a documented pattern of customer experiences covering complex roof replacements and problem-solving, while Sterling's performance characteristics remain largely unverified through public feedback.
Customer Reviews
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...
Sterling Roofing Co
Found some leaking into the house . Callled another place , had to leave a message .Everybody was busy as a lot of rain was happening . Decided I couldn't sit and wait . Tried Sterling .He answered . ...
Consider Second Generation Roofing if...
- ✓ Your project involves a full roof replacement or complex repair where you want confidence in how the contractor identifies and communicates additional issues like dry rot or structural problems before they become disputes
- ✓ You value being able to review multiple customers' experiences with communication, scheduling accuracy, and how efficiently crews complete work
- ✓ Thorough job site cleanup and organized project management from estimate through completion are priorities for your property
- ✓ You're replacing an older roof with multiple layers where experience diagnosing hidden damage during tear-off provides meaningful risk reduction
Consider Sterling Roofing Co if...
- ✓ You prefer to evaluate contractors primarily through in-person meetings, detailed proposals, and calling references they provide directly rather than relying on online feedback patterns
- ✓ Your project is a straightforward leak repair or maintenance work where Sterling's documented experience aligns with your needs
- ✓ You're comfortable conducting thorough due diligence by asking detailed questions about their crew stability, project timelines, and requesting contact information for recent similar projects
- ✓ Location proximity to Glen Ellen offers logistical advantages for your property and you value a contractor deeply embedded in the immediate wine country area
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Sterling Roofing Co: Request contact information for three recent roof replacement projects (not just repairs) completed in the past year, and ask those references specifically about communication during the project and how unexpected issues were handled
- → For Sterling Roofing Co: Ask how long their current crew has worked together and what their typical timeline is from project start to completion for a roof replacement similar to yours
- → For both: Confirm their approach to identifying additional repairs during tear-off and how changes to scope and cost are communicated and approved before proceeding
The Bottom Line
If you're hiring a contractor this week, Second Generation Roofing offers a clearer decision path with documented evidence of transparent communication, efficient project execution, and proactive problem identification—qualities particularly valuable for roof replacements where hidden issues commonly emerge. Their 26-year track record combined with consistent customer feedback reduces your decision risk significantly. Sterling Roofing Co may perform equally well given their veteran status and proper credentials, but choosing them requires you to conduct thorough reference checks and trust your assessment from direct interactions since public performance data is limited. For most homeowners facing a roof replacement decision on a compressed timeline, Second Generation's proven track record makes them the lower-risk choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily—some excellent contractors simply don't accumulate online reviews, especially if they work primarily through referrals or with repeat commercial clients. However, it does mean you'll need to do more direct vetting by speaking with references they provide and asking detailed questions about their process. The 21-year license history confirms they've stayed in business, which requires satisfying customers, but you won't have the advantage of reading unprompted feedback about their communication style or problem-solving approach.
At this experience level, the five-year difference is marginal—both have navigated decades of Sonoma County roofing challenges, building code changes, and material evolution. The more significant factor is Second Generation's documented customer feedback showing consistent performance patterns you can evaluate. Both contractors have the technical experience to handle complex residential roofing projects competently.
High owner involvement can be either positive or limiting depending on company size and your needs. It might mean more direct accountability and personalized service, or it could mean limited crew availability if the owner is juggling estimates and job sites. Ask Sterling directly how they structure projects—whether the owner is on-site during your work or managing from behind the scenes—and what that means for your timeline.
Second Generation Roofing has documented experience with complex replacements including multi-story properties, multi-layer tear-offs, and addressing hidden issues like dry rot during demolition. Customer feedback confirms they identify problems proactively and communicate clearly when scope changes. Sterling may handle this equally well given their 21 years in business, but you'll need to verify this directly through their references rather than through pattern recognition in reviews.
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 10, 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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