Why certification is worth asking about
Most roofing contractors near you can buy the same shingles. What differs is how those shingles go on. Manufacturer certification programs exist because shingle makers know that installation errors — nails in the wrong place, missing starter strip, poor ventilation — cause most premature failures. Certification is how a manufacturer signals that a contractor has been trained on its system and meets its standards. It is not a guarantee of perfect work, but it narrows the field.
What certification typically requires
- Training on the manufacturer’s products and installation methods
- Proof of general liability insurance and, where required, workers’ compensation
- Appropriate state or local licensing
- A track record of business and customer satisfaction
- Ongoing standards to keep the credential, not just a one-time sign-up
The exact requirements differ by manufacturer and tier, and top tiers are limited to a small share of contractors.
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor
Owens Corning’s contractor network has tiers, and Platinum Preferred is its top level. Platinum contractors can offer Owens Corning’s system warranties, which cover the full roofing system — shingles plus the matching underlayment, starter, hip and ridge and ventilation components — rather than the shingle alone. John Beal Roofing is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. You can explore every Owens Corning color on our Owens Corning color selector.
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster program trains installers on its products, and SELECT ShingleMaster is its highest credential for residential roofers. It lets a contractor offer CertainTeed’s extended system warranties. John Beal Roofing holds the CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster credential. See CertainTeed colors on our CertainTeed color page.
Shingle warranty vs. system warranty vs. workmanship warranty
- Standard shingle warranty: covers manufacturing defects in the shingle itself. Every roof gets one.
- System warranty: offered through certified contractors, covers the matched components of the roofing system and often improves coverage terms.
- Workmanship warranty: the contractor’s own promise about the installation. It is only as good as the company behind it. Ours is a limited lifetime workmanship warranty.
Ask every contractor which of these you are getting, in writing.
How to verify a contractor’s certification
Logos on a website or truck are easy to add. Go to the manufacturer’s own “find a contractor” tool, search your ZIP code, and check that the company appears with the credential it claims. Ask for the system warranty name and confirm the contractor can register it.
Certification is not the only test
A certified contractor still needs to pass the basics: a real local office, insurance certificates sent from the agent, permits pulled in the company’s name, a detailed written estimate and a crew you can talk to. Our guide on how to choose a roofing contractor walks through the full checklist, and our article on the types of roofing companies explains who you might be talking to.
Do certified contractors cost more?
Sometimes slightly, because they use matched components and follow full installation specifications rather than cutting corners. But the bid that skips starter strip, reuses old flashing or ignores ventilation is not really cheaper if the roof fails early. Compare estimates line by line, not just by the total.
Questions to ask a certified contractor before you sign
- Which certification do you hold, and with which manufacturer?
- Which system warranty will my roof qualify for, and how long is the coverage?
- Will you register the warranty, and when will I receive the paperwork?
- Which matching components (starter, underlayment, hip and ridge, ventilation) are included in the estimate?
- Are the installers on my roof trained under the program, and are they your employees?
- What does your own workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
Why matched components matter
A roof is a system, not a pile of shingles. The starter strip seals the first course against wind. The underlayment and ice and water shield are the backup when water gets past the shingles. Hip and ridge caps are made to flex over the peak without cracking. Ventilation keeps the deck and shingles from overheating in summer and frosting in winter. Manufacturers test their shingles with their own accessories, which is why system warranties require them. When a bid substitutes generic parts to save money, it can lose system warranty eligibility without the homeowner ever knowing.
Certifications and insurance claims
Manufacturer credentials do not change what your insurance policy covers, but they help in two practical ways. A certified contractor knows exactly which components the manufacturer requires, so the claim estimate reflects a roof installed to specification. And documentation from an established, certified company carries weight when discussing scope with an adjuster. We photograph damage, write a detailed report and can meet your adjuster on the roof.
Certified roofing contractors near you
John Beal Roofing installs Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, TAMKO, Atlas, Malarkey and other major brands from local offices across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and western Kentucky. We offer manufacturer system warranties, run our own crews and back every roof with a limited lifetime workmanship warranty. Call 1-800-564-6232 any hour for a free inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What does Owens Corning Platinum Preferred mean?
It is the top tier of Owens Corning’s contractor network. Platinum contractors can offer Owens Corning system warranties covering the matched roofing components.
What is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster?
It is CertainTeed’s highest residential installer credential, which allows the contractor to offer CertainTeed extended system warranties.
How do I verify a roofing contractor’s certification?
Search your ZIP code on the manufacturer’s own contractor locator and confirm the company appears with the credential it claims.
Is a certified roofer always better?
Certification is a strong signal of training and standards, but you should still check the local office, insurance, permits, estimate detail and warranty.
Does John Beal Roofing offer system warranties?
Yes. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, we offer manufacturer system warranties plus our own limited lifetime workmanship warranty.