Why Roofing Contractor Certifications Matter

In the roofing industry, certifications show that a contractor has met certain standards or completed specialized training. They serve as a quick way for homeowners to identify trusted professionals. Here are a few reasons why choosing a certified roofer matters for your home:

• Verified Expertise: Certified contractors have proven their knowledge (often through training courses and exams) to ensure they understand the latest best practices in residential roofing installation. This verified expertise means a better quality roof replacement or repair for you.
• Quality Workmanship: Many certification programs require roofers to follow strict installation guidelines and undergo periodic training. This leads to higher-quality workmanship and fewer mistakes. A certified roofer is more likely to install your roof correctly the first time, preventing leaks and extending your roof’s lifespan.
• Extended Warranties: A certified roofing contractor is often able to offer extended manufacturer-backed warranties that standard contractors cannot. For example, top-tier certified contractors can provide special warranties that cover materials and workmanship for many years.
• Insurance and Trust: Most certification programs (and professional associations) require contractors to be properly insured and bonded. In effect, a certified contractor is a licensed and insured roofer who has been vetted for honesty and reliability. This protects you as a homeowner, since you know the company has the necessary insurance if something goes wrong.

In short, certifications help separate true professionals from the rest. Working with a certified contractor means you’re more likely to get quality service and a strong roofing warranty backing up the work.

Kentucky Roofing Contractor Licensing and KRCA Certification

Kentucky is a bit unique: there is no state-level license required specifically for roofing contractors. In other words, unlike many states, Kentucky does not issue or mandate a roofing contractor license. This means technically anyone can market themselves as a roofer without a state license – but it doesn’t mean you should hire just anyone. In the absence of a state licensing system, homeowners should look for other credentials to ensure they’re hiring a qualified professional.

One important credential is offered by the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association (KRCA). KRCA created a voluntary “Certified Roofing Contractor” program to uphold high standards in the industry​. A KRCA-certified roofer must, among other things, carry at least $1 million in liability insurance and have a $10,000 judgment bond​. They also pledge to follow a code of ethics and pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date.

 In short, if you see the KRCA Certified Contractor logo, it indicates the contractor is properly insured, bonded, and committed to professional conduct and ongoing training.

Major National Roofing Contractor Certifications

In addition to state or association credentials, many Northern Kentucky roofers pursue certifications offered by leading roofing material manufacturers. These programs allow a roofing company to become “factory-certified” to install the manufacturer’s products, often granting special status and benefits (like extended warranties for homeowners).

Below are some of the most prestigious national roofing contractor certifications to look for:

GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor

GAF is one of North America’s largest roofing manufacturers, and their Master Elite® certification is a mark of distinction among roofing contractors. Only about 2% of roofing contractors in North America qualify as GAF Master Elite, making it an exclusive club. To earn this title, a company must be properly insured, have an established reputation for quality (such as a strong BBB rating and good customer reviews), and commit to ongoing professional training.

Hiring a GAF Master Elite contractor comes with tangible benefits. Master Elites are the only contractors who can offer GAF’s best warranties, such as the Golden Pledge® Warranty.  The Golden Pledge is an industry-leading roofing warranty that provides up to 50 years of coverage on materials and 25 years on workmanship for your new roof.

In practical terms, this means GAF trusts the Master Elite roofer’s workmanship so much that the manufacturer itself will stand behind the installation. For a homeowner, choosing a Master Elite roofer ensures you get top-quality materials, expert installation, and long-term protection for your investment.

CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ (SELECT ShingleMaster)

CertainTeed, another top shingle manufacturer, offers a multi-level credential program for contractors. The highest level is SELECT ShingleMaster™, which signifies a deep expertise in shingle roofing. Contractors must have a proven track record and pass rigorous exams to achieve this level. In fact, a SELECT ShingleMaster company has demonstrated extensive knowledge of shingle roofing systems through training and testing.

Working with a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster has big advantages for homeowners. These contractors can offer CertainTeed’s SureStart™ PLUS 5-Star extended warranty, the top warranty level for CertainTeed roofs. Contractors who have achieved the SELECT ShingleMaster designation can provide a 5-Star warranty backed by CertainTeed, which means 50-year coverage on materials and a 25-year workmanship guarantee from the manufacturer​.

 In other words, not only is the material guaranteed against factory defects, but CertainTeed will also cover any installation-related issues for 25 years when the roof is installed by a SELECT ShingleMaster contractor. This level of protection is a huge benefit if you ever have an unexpected problem – you’re covered by both the roofer and the shingle maker.

Owens Corning Preferred Contractor

Owens Corning, known for its pink panther mascot and high-quality shingles, also has a contractor network with tiered certifications. The first level is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and above that the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor – the latter being the most exclusive.

The Platinum Preferred level is even more elite – only the top 1% of roofers nationwide qualify as Platinum Preferred​. To achieve this, a contractor must meet strict criteria including maintaining excellent customer satisfaction, undergoing specialized training with Owens Corning, and demonstrating financial stability and proper insurance coverage​.

Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors are the only professionals authorized to provide extended warranties on Owens Corning roofing systems. For example, a Platinum Preferred contractor can offer the Platinum Protection Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes up to 25 years of workmanship coverage on top of the standard material warranty.

That’s comparable to the coverage offered by the other top programs – you get a long-lasting warranty that covers both material defects and the labor to fix any issues

Your Certified Roofing Partner in Elsmere, KY

Ultimately, as a homeowner you want a roofing contractor you can trust with your biggest asset – your home. Checking for the right certifications is one of the best ways to vet a roofer’s professionalism and skill.

For homeowners in Elsmere and the surrounding Northern Kentucky area, working with a local certified expert is easier than ever. Go With Fortress, an Elsmere KY roofing contractor, prides itself on industry-leading certifications and local expertise.

Elsmere-area homeowners, put your roof in the capable hands of a certified roofing partner – and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected by the best in the business.​