What Top-Tier Contractor Status Means in Commercial Roofing

If you’ve been researching commercial roofing contractors, you’ve probably seen terms like “Platinum Preferred,” “Master Elite,” or “Select ShingleMaster” plastered on every other website. But what do these titles actually mean?

Are they just marketing fluff? Or do they signal better workmanship, warranties, or accountability?

As a property owner or facilities manager, you don’t have time (or budget) to hire a contractor who disappears after the install or dodges your calls when issues pop up down the road.

At Equity Commercial Roofing, we’re an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor—a status that only about 1% of roofers nationwide achieve. But that’s not the headline. What matters is why that status exists, how it affects your long-term protection, and what you should look out for when evaluating “top-tier” claims.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What “Top Contractor” actually means in the commercial roofing world
• How those titles are earned (and when they’re just fluff)
• The real benefits tied to manufacturer certification
• What top-tier status does not guarantee
• How to verify if a contractor is being honest
• Whether you should prioritize top-tier status in your decision-making

What “Top Contractor” Means in Commercial Roofing

When a commercial roofing contractor uses terms like “top-tier” or “elite,” they’re typically referring to their certification level with a specific manufacturer, like Owens Corning, GAF, or Atlas.

These titles usually signal that the contractor is authorized to offer premium warranties, but in some cases, they also imply training, inspection standards, and ongoing performance monitoring.

But not all titles are created equal. Some are easy to get. Others require deep vetting and annual performance reviews.

Let’s look at how the top programs stack up:

How Do Roofers Qualify for “Elite” Status?

Each manufacturer has their own criteria, but generally speaking, to become a top-tier contractor, a company has to:

• Install a significant volume of that brand’s products (brand loyalty matters)
• Pass a workmanship inspection
• Carry robust insurance (often $1M+ in liability coverage)
• Demonstrate financial and legal stability
• Maintain a positive track record with clients (public reviews, complaint history, etc.)

Top-tier status is usually exclusive. If a contractor claims to be “top certified” with multiple brands, that’s worth a second look.

How Equity Commercial Roofing Became Platinum Preferred

For us, the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred designation didn’t come from a single project. It came from years of consistent performance, investment in training, and delivering for our clients.

Our process included:

• Installation inspections by Owens Corning
• Review of our insurance, legal history, and financials
• Vetting of our online reputation and business longevity
• Ongoing compliance with their standards and audits

3 Benefits of Hiring a Top-Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor

Here’s what you actually get by hiring a top-tier contractor (vs. just a “licensed roofer”):

1. Access to Exclusive Warranties

Top contractors unlock premium warranties you can’t get anywhere else, and register the warranties on your behalf. 

For some warranties, like the Platinum warranty with Owens Corning, this comes with a huge security benefit. If your roofer goes out of business and you file a warranty claim, Owens Corning will still honor it and arrange for a qualified contractor to make it right. 

2. Up-to-Date Standards and Best Practices

Manufacturers keep top-tier contractors informed with real-time updates on:

• Local commercial building codes
• Industry installation bulletins
• Manufacturer-specific technical updates

That means your install aligns with today’s standards, not last year’s.

3. Access to Better Training and Crew Education

Certified contractors typically receive tools and training that others don’t, like:

Why does that matter? Because your roof is only as good as the crew that installs it.

Do These Titles Guarantee Better Work?

No, and that’s where many people get misled.

A title like “Platinum Preferred” isn’t a magic badge. It’s a strong indicator, but not a guarantee. That said, most top-tier contractors undergo regular inspections and can lose their status for poor performance, legal issues, or not registering warranties properly.

Losing that certification means losing marketing funds, training access, and even leads, so the incentive to maintain high standards is very real.

How to Verify If a Contractor’s Claim Is Legit

Want to confirm if a contractor is really “Master Elite” or “Platinum Preferred”?

Here’s where to check:

If they’re not listed, ask for their official certification letter. If they can’t produce it, move on.

Should You Prioritize Top-Tier Status?

Yes, but not blindly. Top-tier status matters, but it’s one piece of the vetting puzzle. Use it to shortlist contractors, then dig deeper using our Golden Standard Checklist.

Golden Standard Checklist for Vetting Commercial Roofers:

• Proper license and commercial insurance
• Manufacturer certification
• 5-star Google review average
• Written workmanship and material warranties
• Clear business presence (address, vehicles, team)

If a company doesn’t hit at least 4 of 5 of these criteria, proceed with caution.

Hire the Right Commercial Roofing Partner

You’re not just buying a roof; you’re buying protection for your building, your tenants, and your bottom line. The right certifications can add serious value, but transparency and trust still matter most.

Here’s your next step: Compare two or three top-tier commercial roofers from this list of 10 top roofers for Central PA. Ask questions. Verify claims. Don’t just settle for a label; demand proof.

At Equity Commercial Roofing, we’ve earned our Platinum Preferred status—but more importantly, we’ve earned our clients’ trust. And we work to keep it every day.