What Does a “Top Contractor” Roofer Mean?

Have you ever seen a roofing company promote itself as a “Top Contractor” and thought, “Okay, but what does that actually mean?”

Or maybe you’re comparing quotes from several roofers, and one says they’re “Platinum Preferred,” while another makes no mention of any status at all. Should that title matter in your decision?

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re trying to avoid hiring the wrong contractor. The one who overpromises, under-delivers, or disappears when your roof starts leaking six months later.

The truth is that not all contractor certifications are equal. Some titles are just brand affiliations. Others can offer better warranties and quality installations and take responsibility when problems arise.

At Equity Roofing, we are a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning. We’re proud of our elite contractor status and believe in its value. That said, this article isn’t to put down roofing companies that haven’t achieved elite status with their chosen brand. 

Equity Roofing has served thousands of homeowners in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Indiana. Our team has repeatedly heard their concerns about hiring quality and legitimate contractors. Our goal is to help homeowners understand how top contractor status should factor into their decision-making. You'll learn how it affects warranty coverage and installation quality, plus how to spot misleading claims.

This article covers:

• The Definition of “Top Contractor” in the Roofing Industry
• How Do Contractors Qualify for Titles Like Platinum Preferred?
• 3 Key Benefits of Hiring a Top-Tier Roofing Contractor 
• How Can You Verify If a Roofer’s “Top Contractor” Title Is Legit?
• Do These Titles Guarantee Better Quality Work?
• Should You Choose Contractors Based on Top-Tier Status?

The Definition of “Top Contractor” in the Roofing Industry

Various roofing manufacturers offer tiered contractor levels for professionals who use their products. When a roofer refers to themselves as a “top contractor,” they usually mean that they have reached top-tier status with a particular brand. More often than not, this top-tier status means that they qualify to offer their clients exclusive warranties. 

Being a top contractor can also be an indicator of quality, as some top-tier programs have strict standards to gain and maintain their status. 

Top Contractor Comparison Chart for Manufacturers 

How Do Roofers Qualify for Titles Like “Platinum Preferred”?

The road to top-tier contractor status can look different for each brand. As Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors, we’re able to share their specific requirements. 

Manufacturers often require exclusivity with their brands for top-tier status. If you see a contractor who claims to have this status across multiple brands, this can be a red flag. 

How Equity Roofing Became a Platinum Preferred Contractor 

Owens Corning will first look at purchase volume as a baseline for who they’ll consider for their top-tier status. As mentioned above, brands like to see loyalty and a certain level of exclusivity. The more a company invests in its products, the more they are willing to invest in them in return. 

When a contractor catches Owens Corning's attention, they investigate deeper. They check Google reviews, reputation, and work history before conducting a full audit. This includes the company's finances, legal issues, insurance, and business practices.

The approval process varies, but Equity Roofing earned Platinum Preferred status in about two years.

Our criteria to join the Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor Network included: 

✓ Passing an installation workmanship inspection
✓ Carrying at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance
✓ Screened for financial stability and customer service
✓ Operated under the same business name for a minimum of three years

3 Key Benefits of Hiring a Top-Tier Roofing Contractor

Working with a top-tier certified contractor offers key benefits. Most notably, they offer exclusive warranties not available through other contractors. Top contractors also have access to better educational resources.

1. Extended Warranty Protection

One of the most significant values of working with a top-tier contractor is their exclusive warranty protection. The benefits of their warranties go beyond standard protection and are backed by the manufacturer. Top contractors always register these warranties on the homeowner's behalf, while others may only deliver empty promises. 

If the contractor goes out of business, your workmanship warranty doesn’t disappear. The manufacturer will still honor it and find another qualified roofer to complete or service your roof. 

Below is a comparison of contractor warranties for Owens Corning and Atlas Roofing. These are two manufacturers whose quality and warranties we trust. 

Owens Corning
Contractor Certification Warranty Comparison

*Refer to the official Owens Corning Warranty Overview for details and exclusions

Atlas Roofing
Contractor Certification Warranty Comparison

*Refer to the official Atlas Roofing Warranty Overview for details and exclusions

Some contractors may falsely claim to offer warranties that exceed their certification level. We’ll cover how to verify a contractor’s certification later in this article. Always check what certification level is required for your warranty.  

2. Real-Time Updates on the Latest Building Standards

Most top-tier constructors get access to the manufacturer's installation standards. In the case of Owens Corning, these are updated in real-time to reflect changes in the construction industry. This includes: 

• Local building codes

• Weather-specific installation practices

• Best-in-class installation bulletins

No matter what issues might arise, your roofer will be ready to handle it! 

3. Specialized Training and Manufacturer Resources

Most roofing manufacturers give their top-tier contractors exclusive training, tools, and resources. Their resources often include technical guides and product education. This translates to better-educated crews for higher-quality installations. Some examples include: 

Do These Titles Guarantee Better Quality Work?

While a top-tier contractor title can’t guarantee better quality work, it’s a strong indicator that you’re working with a reputable company. Manufacturers such as Owens Corning and GAF perform ongoing performance monitoring through random inspections, annual screenings, and customer satisfaction surveys. 

In addition to failing performance monitoring, top-tier status can be revoked for serious violations, like failing to register warranties or major compliance issues. This provides contractors with a strong incentive to maintain high standards of work. 

Losing their manufacturer's certification means losing access to educational and financial support, including co-op marketing funds, rebates, lead generation, and business development tools. 

How Can You Verify If a Roofer’s “Top Contractor” Title Is Legit?

If a contractor claims to have top-tier status, they should be listed on their brand's website. If they aren’t, this is a major red flag, and it would be reasonable for homeowners to request proof of their certification. Acceptable forms of proof include a manufacturer-issued certificate or welcome letter.

Contractor Status Verification by Manufacturer 

Should You Choose Contractors Based on Top-Tier Status? 

A contractor's certification status is only one of many important factors. While having top-tier status is a great indicator of a quality company, it shouldn’t replace your research. When vetting a contractor, run them through our Golden Standard Checklist (available as a free PDF download): 

Does this contractor have: 

• License and Insurance
• Top Certified Contractor Status
• 5-Star Rating on Google
• Warranties and workmanship guarantees
• Established business location and marked vehicles

We recommend using a contractor that meets at least four out of five of these golden standards. Companies that don’t meet all of these standards, however, should be given additional research to ensure they are reputable.  

Hire the Right Roofer for Your Home

Platinum Preferred Contractor, Master Elite® Contractor—these aren’t labels handed out to the highest bidder. They offer real value for homeowners. Understanding their benefits helps you choose the right contractor.

Choosing the right roofer means balancing credibility, protection, and transparency. You want to verify that they're making accurate claims about their warranties and vet them through personal research.

You can get started with Equity Roofing’s vetted list of the 10 Best Roofing Companies in Central Pennsylvania, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan. We recommend talking with two or three contractors before making your final decision. 

If you're still comparing contractors, remember that certifications aren't everything, but they can tell you a lot. At Equity Roofing, we’ve worked hard to meet these standards and believe they make a difference for our customers. We work hard every day to provide the highest quality customer service, the best roofs, and roof warranties you can count on. 

If you’re ready to start your home project, we’re ready to help! Check out our online estimator (located on the right-hand side of our homepage) and contact us for a free consultation.