Selecting a Shingle

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Types

There are two types of asphalt shingles. Those that are made with a saturated organic felt base and those that are made using a fiberglass mat. As previously mentioned, both have their pros and cons. The true measure of quality is how well they are manufactured. There are some shingle manufacturers who spend a great deal of their efforts marketing their shingles. Consequently, they've become baseline or “minimum specification” producers. We are always focused on the quality of products, putting great effort into using the best shingle possible. We usually exceed the specifications for a particular shingle as a matter of course, because we know what it takes to use a shingle that will perform as intended.

Organic-based and fiberglass-based shingles are made with the highest quality raw materials and each type of shingle will perform well. The primary differences are the convenience in handling, and the Fire Rating that these shingles can achieve as part of a complete roofing system. The organic-based shingle may be easier to install when the temperature is warmer or cooler than normal. It may also hide more errors in application technique and construction flaws. Organic shingles carry a Class “C” Fire Rating.

The fiberglass-based shingle may be very pliable during hot weather, and not pliable enough during cooler weather. Fiberglass shingles require more exacting techniques during application; and carry a Class “A” Fire Rating when installed with an approved underlayment. Each shingle type has unique characteristics. Your decision to use one or the other should be made based upon the type of job and your comfort level using the product. Normally, the heavier the shingle, the more asphalt it has and the longer it will last.

Styles

IKO produces two styles of asphalt shingles. The first is called an Architectural Laminated Style. These include Crowne Slate, RoofShake and the Cambridge series shingles. IKO’s Architectural Style shingles are composed of two pieces of asphalt shingle material laminated together to form one solid piece. The bottom piece, known as the shim, provides the base of the shingle as well as a contrast in color. The top piece of the asphalt shingle, sometimes called the dragon tooth, provides the depth as well as further contrast in color. These shingles typically weigh approximately 240 lb./sq. to over 300 lb./sq. They are usually more aesthetically pleasing than traditional 3-Tab shingles. Their Limited Warranties range from 30 years to Limited Lifetime. If algae discoloration is a concern, consider our Crowne Slate, Cambridge 50 AR or Cambridge 30 AR shingles. These shingles feature an algae resistant system with a Limited Algae Resistant Warranty. The style and appearance of Architectural shingles have gained in popularity and have become the most requested style in many markets.

The second category of asphalt shingles manufactured by IKO is the Traditional Style. The shingles in this category are Aristocrat 25, and Marathon and Gentry series. These are traditional 3-Tab style shingles, hence, the Traditional Style name. This style has been used for over fifty years in the industry with excellent results. The Limited Warranty in the Traditional Style series of asphalt shingles run 25 or 30 years in duration. The approximate weight ranges from a low of 225 lb./sq. to a high of 240 lb./sq.

* Atlas
* CertainTeed
* Decra
* Elk
* Iko
* Malarkey
* Owens Corning
* Tamko

Choosing A Color

Now, it’s time to choose a color. Although it sounds like a simple process, it is usually the step that causes the homeowner the most difficulty. After all, choosing a color is a very personal and subjective process. Since everyone has a unique sense of style and taste, it is impossible to give a hard-and-fast rule on how to choose a shingle color. One of the best ways to pick a color is to drive around your neighborhood. Check out the different color combinations of roof, brick / siding, and trim colors that your neighbors have tried. Make a list of the ones you like, and steer clear of the ones you don’t.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to view several full size shingle samples, or an existing roof completed with the same style and color shingles, before making a final decision. Often overlooked, getting actual shingle samples from your contractor is the best way to see how a shingle color will look in combination with the other color elements (brick / siding, and trim color) of your home. If you are considering new trim paint or siding, grab those samples as well, and take them outside. Hold them out in the natural sunlight, and see how the colors interact together, and how they change under different lighting conditions.

To aid in the selection of a new roof, we have developed the IKO RoofViewer™. This is an interactive tool which allows the customer to easily select a shingle style and color to co-ordinate with brick or siding and trim. This tool is available on-line at: . It’s an easy way of finding out how your house will look with a particular shingle.

Note: To ensure complete satisfaction, please make your final color selection from several full size shingles and view a sample of the product installed on a home.

NOTE: Since each region has a different selection of colors available, please refer to the IKO Premium Roofing Products Catalogue, a product brochure or the IKO web site ( ) to determine what colors are available for each product. But, before making a final decision, it is important to view an actual full-size shingle sample, since printed brochures are not able to fully display dimensional qualities or color accurately. Moreover, the pictures may be from an earlier production run, and the actual color blends may have changed in subtle ways since the printing of the brochure.

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