Choosing a roofing contractor in Florida can feel like a gamble — anyone with a truck and a ladder can call themselves a roofer, but not every company can back up that claim with manufacturer-verified training and warranty authority. We’re proud to share that Gold Key Roofing has officially been credentialed as a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER contractor, the highest level CertainTeed offers.
What Is CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER?
CertainTeed is one of the largest roofing shingle manufacturers in North America, and its ShingleMaster™ program is how the company identifies contractors it trusts enough to extend its strongest warranties. There are tiers within the program, and PREMIER sits at the top. To reach it, a roofing company has to demonstrate consistent performance across three categories: Business, Education, and Partnership.
In plain terms, that means CertainTeed looked at how we run our company, how well-trained our crews are on proper installation techniques, and how closely we work with CertainTeed as a manufacturer partner — not just how many bundles of shingles we buy.
It’s a credential that has to be earned, and it’s reviewed on an ongoing basis rather than handed out permanently.
How Gold Key Earned the Credential
Gold Key Roofing has been installing roofs across Orlando, Ocala, The Villages, and the surrounding cities and counties since 1975. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from doing the work correctly the first time, following Florida Building Code requirements, and staying current as materials and installation standards evolve.
Earning CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER status meant our team completed CertainTeed’s installation and product training, met the manufacturer’s business standards, and maintained an active partnership with CertainTeed as a supplier. It’s the kind of credential that reflects what our crews are doing on your roof deck, not just what’s printed on a certificate.
What This Means for Your Roof
If you’re a homeowner comparing roofing contractors, a manufacturer credential like this one is a useful shortcut. It tells you a few things without having to take anyone’s word for it:
- Our installers have been trained directly by CertainTeed on proper application methods for asphalt shingle roofing systems.
- We meet CertainTeed’s business standards, which include things like proper licensing and insurance.
- We’re authorized to offer enhanced warranty coverage that isn’t available through every contractor who installs CertainTeed products.
- CertainTeed reviews this status periodically, so it isn’t a credential we earned once and can coast on indefinitely.
For a state where roofs take a beating from sun, humidity, and hurricane-season winds, that combination of training and accountability matters more than it might in a milder climate.
The CertainTeed SureStart™ PLUS Warranty, Explained
The most practical benefit of PREMIER status for homeowners is warranty coverage. As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER, Gold Key Roofing is authorized to offer CertainTeed’s SureStart™ PLUS warranty extension on qualifying roof systems.
Standard shingle warranties typically cover material defects, but they can be thin on labor coverage once the first year or two has passed. SureStart™ PLUS extends both material and workmanship protection well beyond that standard window, and because it’s tied to our PREMIER credential, it doesn’t require homeowners to purchase a separate third-party warranty product to get that added protection.
Warranty terms and eligibility depend on the specific CertainTeed shingle system installed and the scope of the project. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s covered before any work begins.
This is also a good reminder that not every roofer who sells CertainTeed shingles can offer this level of coverage. Warranty tier is tied directly to the contractor’s credential level with the manufacturer, not just the product itself.
Why Contractor Credentials Matter in Florida
Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the country when it comes to roofing, largely because of hurricane risk. A licensed contractor is required for any roof replacement in the state — homeowners cannot legally do this work themselves. Beyond licensing, manufacturer credentials like ShingleMaster™ PREMIER give you a second layer of verification that goes beyond the state minimum.
It’s also worth checking any contractor’s license status directly. Florida homeowners can verify a roofing license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at myfloridalicense.com. Between a verified state license and a manufacturer-backed credential, you have a much clearer picture of who you’re hiring before a single shingle goes down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER status?
It’s the highest credential level in CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster™ contractor program. Contractors earn it by meeting standards across business practices, product installation education, and manufacturer partnership.
Does this credential affect my roof warranty?
Yes. PREMIER status authorizes Gold Key Roofing to offer the CertainTeed SureStart™ PLUS warranty extension, which provides stronger material and workmanship coverage than what’s available through non-credentialed contractors.
Do I have to choose CertainTeed shingles to work with Gold Key?
No. We install a range of asphalt shingle, metal, and tile roofing systems. This credential simply means that when CertainTeed products are the right fit for your home, we can offer the strongest warranty options available for them.
Is this a one-time certification?
No. CertainTeed reviews ShingleMaster™ credentials on an ongoing basis, so maintaining PREMIER status requires us to keep our training and business practices current, not just qualify once.
How can I verify Gold Key’s license and credentials myself?
You can look up our Florida contractor license directly at myfloridalicense.com. We’re also happy to walk you through our CertainTeed credentials and products and what it means for your specific project during an estimate.
Fifty years in Central Florida has taught us that homeowners deserve more than a sales pitch when it comes to their roof, they deserve a contractor who can back up the work with real training and real warranty protection. Our new CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER status is one more way we can do that.
