Family-owned since 1951, the IKO shingle company of 2023 is not your father's IKO. What makes the difference? Besides the company's longevity, IKO's vertical integration ensures product quality. They invest in the research, development, and manufacturing of new products and systems and comply with insurance carriers' demands. Add that they have something for every home and every budget, and you have a company making headway in the industry.
Whether you've hit hard times and need a budget-friendly new roof, or you're shopping for architectural shingles or designer shingles to improve your home's curb appeal, IKO has you covered. Here are five reasons to buy high-quality IKO shingles for your next roof installation.
1. IKO makes all the ingredients for asphalt shingles
Image source: IKO
IKO controls most of the processes and materials for making their asphalt roofing products. From making the glass fibers used to create fiberglass mats to mining its own granules, IKO has practically everything under one roof. This vertical integration gives the company control over the raw materials and ensures their quality meets IKO standards. Vertical integration also means the company doesn't rely on third-party suppliers, which can lead to supply chain disruptions and product shortages during difficult times.
2. IKO delivers the whole package
Image source: IKO
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "studies indicate that extreme weather events … are likely to become more frequent or more intense" as our climate changes. Such events, especially those with high winds and hail, make a roof more vulnerable to damage. Winds lift the perimeter shingles, exposing the roof deck and potentially tearing the shingles off, and hail damages the integrity of the shingles.
Fortunately, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has spent decades researching the damage severe weather conditions cause to homes and the weaknesses in homes built following conventional construction standards. Its research helped scientists develop solutions to defend homes from these catastrophic events. These solutions comprise its FORTIFIED construction method. When roofing contractors follow FORTIFIED procedures, and a roof is adequately inspected and certified, it may qualify for discounted homeowner's insurance.
Considering that, IKO modeled its CodePlus™ roof system after the FORTIFIED roof standard. Installed only by certified IKO ROOFPRO CodePlus contractors, this roofing system includes the following elements that exceed typical building code standards.
- A more secure roof deck with increased nailing patterns
- Triple roof leak prevention method, including synthetic underlayment
- A protected perimeter
- Topping everything with IKO Dynasty® or Nordic™ performance shingles
IKO is so confident in the CodePlus system performance that it's backed with a 25-year Iron Clad Limited Warranty.
3. IKO invests in staying current
Image source: IKO
To better serve homeowners, roofing industry leaders continually look ahead and make innovative moves to stay relevant. What these leaders see is that severe weather events lead to increases in insurance premiums. So, they feel increased pressure to create roofing materials that withstand these weather extremes.
Consequently, IKO has increased its number of manufacturing facilities while decommissioning old plants that no longer serve them. For instance, since 2021, they've opened six new manufacturing plants with upgraded technology in North America alone. They just recently closed their last plant built before 1995.
4. IKO scores high in testing
Third-party scientists test shingles with applications that replicate real-world conditions like excessive wind and hail. These tests then rate a product according to its performance. Homeowners may be eligible for discounts on insurance premiums when using highly-rated products with superior weather resistance.
Impact resistance tests simulate the highest speed achieved by a two-inch hail stone falling from the sky. The results produce a rating that ranges from Class 1 to Class 4. In order to earn the highest Class 4 rating, the shingles must not sustain any cracks or fissures. Insurance companies only offer premium discounts for Class 3 and Class 4 impact-rated shingles, with the most significant discounts for Class 4 shingles. IKO Dynasty and IKO Nordic carry Class 3 and Class 4 ratings, respectively.
During a mechanical uplift test, technicians simulate direct winds up to 150 mph. This test demonstrates a shingle's ability to withstand blow-off during high-speed winds. The IKO Dynasty and Nordic shingles carry a limited high-wind warranty coverage for winds up to 130 mph. This superior wind resistance is made possible by reinforcing the underside of the shingles with a rigid, tear-resistant reinforcing tape IKO calls ArmourZone®.
5. IKO has something for everyone
Image source: IKO
No matter your budget, IKO has a shingle for you. From the economically priced 3-tab shingle to their complete line of performance systems, IKO products fit any home. Let's take a look at a few of the options.
- IKO Cambridge shingles are durable and can withstand the elements for years. They include algae-resistant granules and are available in popular colors to enhance any home’s style.
- The heavy-weight construction of the IKO Dynasty shingle earns it a Class 3 Impact Resistance rating. Available in 13 color options, you’re sure to find one that complements your home's design.
- Ranking "best" in the IKO performance category, Nordic shingles include polymer-modified asphalt for superior wind and impact resistance. With a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating, this shingle is available in nine color blends to bring out the beauty of your home.
Only the best
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Therefore, you want roof shingles that withstands the onslaught of wind, hail, and sun. While it may be tempting, DIYing this project isn't a great idea. The shingle manufacturer doesn't have to honor the roof system warranty when you don't hire a certified roofing company.
So, let us help you find an IKO ROOFPRO roofer in your area. Then, you can have peace of mind knowing that the job is done right and protected by IKO's limited warranty.
Carol J Alexander is a home remodeling industry expert for Fixr.com. For more than 15 years as a journalist and content marketer, her in-depth research, interviewing skills, and technical insight have ensured she provides the most accurate and current information on a given topic. Before joining the Fixr team, her personal clients included leaders in the building materials market like Behr Paint Company, CertainTeed, and Chicago Faucet, and national publications like This Old House and Real Homes.