IN THIS ARTICLE
Manufacturer certifications like CertainTeed ShingleMaster and SELECT ShingleMaster tell you a roofer has been vetted by the manufacturer and can offer stronger warranties. They matter, but they are not the whole story. Here is what each tier actually means, and what to check alongside the badge before you sign a contract.
What the certification tiers actually mean
| Tier | What it takes | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Base tier | Licensed, insured, manufacturer-vetted, trained on the manufacturer’s systems | Access to enhanced warranties beyond the standard shingle warranty |
| Top tier | Base tier plus a multi-year track record and continuing education; fewer contractors qualify | Access to the manufacturer’s top warranty tiers, including longer workmanship coverage |
Each shingle manufacturer names its tiers differently. At CertainTeed, the base tier is ShingleMaster and the top tier is SELECT ShingleMaster. The structure is always a vetted base tier and a smaller top tier with richer warranties.
Why certification matters for your warranty
A standard shingle warranty covers the shingles, not the installation. Most roof failures are installation failures: nailing, flashing, ventilation. Certified contractors can register system warranties that cover workmanship too, which is the coverage that actually protects you when something goes wrong. An uncertified installer can put on the same shingles, but you cannot get those warranty tiers with them.
What matters more than the badge
A certification is a floor, not a ceiling. Before hiring any roofer, certified or not, verify four things: an active Washington contractor license with bond and insurance, a local address and a track record you can drive past, recent reviews that mention how problems were handled (not just how nice the crew was), and a written scope that names the exact materials and what happens if the decking is rotten. A certified contractor who fails those checks is a worse bet than a solid local roofer without the logo.
Where Titan Roofing stands
Titan Roofing is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractor, family-owned and based in Kenmore, with a 5.0 rating across more than 150 Google reviews. We install CertainTeed roofing systems, register the CertainTeed warranty on qualifying installs, with 50 years on material, and put our own workmanship warranty in writing on every project: 25 years on roof replacements.
Frequently asked questions
Is a top-tier certified roofer always better than a base-tier one?
No. The tiers reflect a contractor’s tenure and volume with the manufacturer, not the quality of a given crew on a given day. Both tiers are manufacturer-vetted. Judge any contractor on license, insurance, local reviews, and how their written scope reads.
Do manufacturer certifications expire?
They are reviewed continuously. Contractors keep them by staying licensed, insured, and in good standing with the manufacturer, so an active badge means current vetting rather than a one-time award.
Can I get a good warranty without a certified contractor?
You still get the standard material warranty on the shingles themselves. What you lose is access to the system warranties that cover installation workmanship, and installation is where most roofs actually fail.
What should I ask a roofer about certifications?
Ask which manufacturer programs they belong to, which specific warranty they will register for your project, and to see it in writing in the proposal. If the answer stays vague, that tells you what you need to know.
Not sure where your roof stands? Call Titan Roofing at (206) 591-4015 for a free inspection. We serve Kenmore, Kent, Lynnwood, and the surrounding King and Snohomish County communities.
A family-owned CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractor based in Kenmore, WA. We install, repair and clean roofs across the Eastside and North King County, and we write about what we find on them. Book a free inspection →
