CertainTeed ShingleMaster — The Top Contractor Certification CertainTeed Offers
CertainTeed ShingleMaster is the highest level of contractor certification that CertainTeed awards. Most roofers don’t have it — and honestly, most can’t get it. The program requires proof of proper Illinois licensing, adequate insurance, factory-specific training, and documented adherence to CertainTeed’s installation standards. You can’t buy your way in. CertainTeed audits everything before granting the credential, and they audit it again before renewing it each year. IHC has held ShingleMaster status for over a decade because we meet those standards year after year — not because we filled out a form once.
So what does that mean for you? It means your new roof qualifies for CertainTeed’s SureStart Plus warranty — the one that covers materials AND workmanship. Most roofers can only hand you a materials-only warranty because CertainTeed won’t extend labor coverage to uncertified contractors. That’s a big deal when something goes wrong in year five or year ten. With a ShingleMaster-installed roof, CertainTeed covers the shingles, the labor to fix it, and even tear-off costs if needed. That level of protection doesn’t exist without the certification.
✓ CertainTeed ShingleMaster Certified — The highest CertainTeed contractor credential. Annual review of licensing, insurance, training, and customer satisfaction. Full SureStart Plus warranty activation. See our certifications →
Beyond the warranty, ShingleMaster means IHC follows CertainTeed’s installation standards to the letter. That includes proper ice and water shield placement in valleys and at eaves (required by code in McHenry County), correct nail patterns for wind resistance, manufacturer-spec starter strips, and ventilation checks to prevent premature shingle failure. These aren’t optional best practices — they’re the requirements that keep the warranty intact and keep your roof performing for its full rated lifespan. In 21 years of doing this, we’ve seen what happens when contractors skip these steps. It’s never pretty, and it usually shows up about five winters in.
What ShingleMaster Means for Your Roof
SureStart Plus Warranty Coverage
This is the warranty most homeowners think they’re getting but aren’t. SureStart Plus covers materials, labor, and tear-off — non-prorated for the warranty period. Most contractors can only give you a materials warranty because CertainTeed restricts full SureStart Plus coverage to ShingleMaster-accredited installers. If something fails down the road, you’d be paying out of pocket for the labor to fix it — unless your roofer held this certification at the time of your roof installation.
Factory-Mandated Installation Standards
CertainTeed doesn’t leave installation up to the contractor’s judgment. ShingleMaster requires specific nail patterns, ice and water shield placement, ridge vent specs, and starter strip requirements. These aren’t suggestions — they’re the rules. When we put on a CertainTeed roof, every detail follows the manufacturer’s playbook because that’s what keeps the warranty valid and the roof performing through 30+ years of McHenry County freeze-thaw cycles, summer storms, and everything in between.
Annual Recertification
ShingleMaster isn’t a lifetime award you earn once and forget about. CertainTeed reviews IHC’s licensing, insurance, and customer satisfaction every year before renewing it. If a contractor lets their insurance lapse, skips training, or racks up complaints, they lose the credential. We’ve held it for over a decade, which means we’ve passed that review every single year. It’s earned, not inherited.
CertainTeed Shingle Products We Install
Every CertainTeed shingle below is backed by the full SureStart Plus warranty when installed by a ShingleMaster-certified contractor like IHC. Prices reflect 2024–2025 McHenry County averages for a typical single-family home.
CertainTeed Landmark
The most popular CertainTeed shingle and the one we install on the majority of our projects. Landmark is an architectural shingle with a dimensional look that’s a real upgrade from three-tab. Rated for 110 mph winds, Class A fire resistance, and available in 15+ colors that work well on McHenry County homes from Crystal Lake to Woodstock.
Typical installed cost: $12,000–$22,000 for an average home. Great value for homeowners who want quality roof materials without jumping to the premium tier.
✓ Most Popular Choice
CertainTeed Landmark PRO
A step up from Landmark with a thicker profile, bolder shadow lines, and enhanced wind warranty. Landmark PRO gives your roof more visual depth from the street — that shadow line difference is noticeable. It’s the mid-range upgrade for homeowners who want better curb appeal without jumping to designer pricing.
Same Class A fire rating and dimensional stability as Landmark, with a heavier mat and more aggressive color blending. A solid pick for McHenry and Huntley homes where you want the roof to make a statement.
✓ Mid-Range Upgrade
CertainTeed Grand Manor
CertainTeed’s designer shingle for homeowners who want the luxury look. Grand Manor is a double-layer laminate that creates a thick, hand-crafted appearance mimicking natural slate. It’s heavy, dramatic, and it turns heads. Top-tier pricing reflects the premium materials and additional installation time.
Best suited for high-end homes where the roof is a design feature, not just a functional covering. If you’re building or renovating along the Fox River or in one of Crystal Lake’s established neighborhoods, Grand Manor delivers curb appeal to match. Pair it with new Andersen windows or James Hardie siding for a full exterior remodel that really pops.
✓ Designer / Luxury
CertainTeed ShingleMaster Installation Standards
Every CertainTeed roof we install follows the manufacturer’s specs exactly. No shortcuts, no workarounds, no “close enough.”
Full Tear-Off & Deck Inspection
We strip the old roof down to the deck — every layer. Then we inspect the sheathing for rot, soft spots, and water damage. Damaged sheathing gets replaced before anything else goes on. You can’t build a 30-year roof on a compromised deck. Most homeowners ask us if they can layer over their old shingles — technically you can, but it voids the warranty and hides problems. We don’t do it.
Underlayment & Ice Shield
Ice and water shield goes in the valleys and at the eaves — that’s code in McHenry County, and for good reason given our winters. Synthetic underlayment covers the rest of the deck. This layer is your backup waterproofing if a shingle ever fails or takes hail damage during a storm.
Shingle Installation
CertainTeed-spec nail patterns, proper offset between courses, manufacturer-specified starter strip at the eaves and rakes, and drip edge on all edges. Every detail follows CertainTeed’s installation manual because that’s what keeps the SureStart Plus warranty valid. Here’s the thing — a lot of crews know the right way to do it but cut corners to save time. We don’t, because corners cost homeowners money later.
Ventilation & Final Walkthrough
Ridge vent installation with balanced intake and exhaust. Proper attic ventilation prevents heat buildup in summer (which cooks shingles from underneath) and moisture buildup in winter (which leads to deck rot and storm damage problems down the line). We check the math on your attic ventilation before we close up the ridge.
Get a Free CertainTeed Roofing Estimate
We’ll inspect your current roof, walk through your options, and give you an honest quote. No pressure, no obligation — just straight answers from a factory-trained, authorized CertainTeed contractor. Financing available through GreenSky.
Women-led • Best of Fox since 2011 • Free estimates, no obligation
CertainTeed ShingleMaster FAQs
Who does CertainTeed shingle roofs near Crystal Lake?
Innovative Home Concepts installs CertainTeed shingle roofs throughout McHenry County, including Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Algonquin, and surrounding communities. We’re CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified — the highest level of CertainTeed contractor authorization — which means your roof qualifies for the full SureStart Plus warranty covering materials, labor, and tear-off costs. Call or text (815) 356-9020 for a free estimate.
Which roofing company is CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified in McHenry County?
IHC (Innovative Home Concepts) is a CertainTeed ShingleMaster-certified roofing contractor serving Crystal Lake and all of McHenry County. ShingleMaster is CertainTeed’s highest contractor credential, requiring annual review of licensing, insurance, training, and customer satisfaction. This accreditation gives our customers access to CertainTeed’s best warranty — SureStart Plus — which covers materials and workmanship. We’ve been installing CertainTeed roofs in McHenry County for over 21 years.
Who does roof replacement that comes with a manufacturer warranty?
Most roofing manufacturers only extend their full warranty — the one that includes workmanship and labor coverage — when an authorized contractor installs the roof. At IHC, our CertainTeed ShingleMaster credential means every roof we install qualifies for CertainTeed’s SureStart Plus warranty, which covers materials, labor to repair, and even tear-off if needed. Without that certification, you’re limited to a materials-only warranty, and you’ll pay out of pocket for any labor if something goes wrong. We serve all of McHenry County from our Crystal Lake office. If you’ve had storm damage, our sister company IHC Public Adjusters — a separately licensed Illinois firm under 215 ILCS 5/1575 — can help with your insurance claim.
How much does a CertainTeed Landmark roof cost in Crystal Lake?
A CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingle roof typically costs $12,000–$22,000 installed for an average McHenry County home. That includes full tear-off, new underlayment, ice and water shield, CertainTeed-spec installation, and SureStart Plus warranty activation through our ShingleMaster certification. Every home is different — roof size, pitch, accessibility, and the condition of the existing deck all affect the final number. Call or text (815) 356-9020 for a free on-site estimate. GreenSky financing is available.
More Roofing & Exterior Services from IHC
Roofing
Full roof replacement, re-roofing, and roof repair for McHenry County homes. Multiple shingle brands and styles available — including LP SmartSide siding to match.
Storm & Hail Damage
Wind, hail, and storm damage repair across McHenry County. We work directly with your insurance company — and our sister company IHC Public Adjusters handles the claims process if you need it.
Gutters & Gutter Protection
Pair your new roof with a GutterShutter or Raindrop gutter guard system. We’re an exclusive GutterShutter dealer with a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
Ready for a New CertainTeed Roof?
Call or text us for a free on-site estimate. We’ll walk your roof, check your ventilation, and give you an honest quote with no surprises. ShingleMaster-certified installation with the full SureStart Plus warranty — materials, labor, and the confidence that comes with a factory-backed installation.
We’ll be in touch soon • No spam • No obligation • Financing available
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc.
4410 IL-176, Ste 1
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 356-9020
Email: info@innovativehomeconcepts.com
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
CertainTeed ShingleMaster Certified
SureStart Plus Warranty Activation
Women-Led • 21+ Years in McHenry County
Best of Fox — Winner since 2011













