IKO Shingles: A Roofing Contractor's Perspective

Name: Custom Exteriors, LLC
Address: 404 Broadway, Eagle, CO, 81631, US
Telephone: 970-460-8714

At Custom Exteriors, we’ve been in the roofing business for over a decade, and during that time, we’ve seen every shingle brand out there in action. From installation to real-world performance, some brands have impressed us, while others haven’t lived up to their claims. Through countless roof replacements, repairs, and storm recoveries, we’ve learned which products stand up to Colorado’s harsh weather conditions and which fall short.

Frankly, there are some shingles we won’t even use because of their lack of reliability or subpar warranties. When it comes to protecting our clients’ homes, we only recommend products that we’ve seen perform well in the field—and IKO shingles are among them. Their combination of durability, aesthetics, and warranty options make them a go-to choice for many of the homes we service.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what sets IKO shingles apart and why they might be a good choice for your next roof replacement.

Curb Appeal And Color Choices

Roof replacement by Custom Exteriors in IKO Nordic Driftwood

One of the things we love about IKO is that they offer an impressive variety of color options, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their home’s exterior. So, whether you’re looking for traditional earth tones, bold statement colors, or something that blends seamlessly with your surroundings, IKO’s selection provides plenty of choices. Their website allows you to filter shingles by color, showing each style available in the desired color. Their shingle color palette includes shades ranging from deep charcoals and rich browns to lighter hues like weathered grays and soft beiges, ensuring there’s something for every style and taste.

Choosing the right color for your shingles is one of the most exciting parts of a roof replacement. With IKO, homeowners have a wide variety of colors to select from, ensuring an option complements any home style. The granule technology IKO uses ensures that colors stay vibrant for longer, adding both value and curb appeal.

Key Considerations When Choosing A Shingle Color:

Architectural Style of Your Home: Different styles may lend themselves to certain colors. Traditional homes often pair well with neutral or earth tones, while modern or contemporary homes can handle more striking color contrasts. We recently completed an exterior remodeling project that paired black siding, trim, and roofing with accents of stained cedar siding. It was gorgeous!!
Neighborhood Trends: While you want your home to stand out, consider the general color palette of the homes around you. This can impact resale value and the overall harmony of your home’s appearance in its setting. We once lived next door to a bright fuchsia house. You may not want your home to stand out quite that much.
Climate: In regions with intense sunlight, such as Northern Colorado, lighter shingles can help reflect heat, keeping your home cooler, whereas darker shingles can absorb heat, which might be desirable in colder climates.
Home’s Exterior Elements: Consider how the shingle color will blend or contrast with your siding, brick, stonework, or trim. A well-coordinated color palette can tie your exterior together beautifully, and a poorly designed one can have just as big of a negative effect.
Personal Taste: Ultimately, your shingles’ color should reflect your style. Do you want a bold, modern look with darker shingles or a more classic, understated approach with lighter tones?

Tips For Choosing The Right Color:

IKO offers a roof visualizer tool on their website that lets you see how different colors and styles will look on your home. This is a great way to get a sense of what works best without making a commitment. Other tips to ensure the best color choice for your roof include:

Singles Designed For protection and durability

Roofing in Colorado can be challenging because the weather conditions can be unpredictable and severe. Homeowners need shingles built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at them. Across Colorado, most roof damage comes from high winds to heavy hailstorms, which can take a serious toll on a roof. So, choosing the right shingle is crucial. In my experience as a roofing contractor in Colorado, I’ve seen the damage that subpar shingles can cause, and I know firsthand that not all shingles are created equal. Our two favorite shingles made by IKO are:

IKO Cambridge Shingles:

IKO Cambridge shingles are one of the most popular options for homeowners due to their high performance and aesthetic appeal. As an architectural laminate shingle, Cambridge offers a dimensional look that mimics the appearance of wood shake but with far less maintenance and at a more affordable price. Here are some key features:

Durability: Engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, IKO Cambridge shingles have a wind resistance of up to 130 mph and can handle the varying climates of regions like Colorado.
Aesthetic Appeal: Cambridge shingles offer a larger profile, creating a dimensional appearance that adds depth and curb appeal to any roof.
Color Options: Available in a wide range of colors, including natural earth tones and bold shades, homeowners can choose a style that complements their home’s exterior.
Performance: Cambridge shingles are known for their “heavyweight” design, meaning they are thicker than many other shingles, which adds to their durability and overall roof protection.
Why Choose Cambridge: Cambridge shingles provide a cost-effective yet durable roofing option, perfect for homeowners who want a balance of visual appeal and long-term protection.

IKO Nordic Shingles:

IKO Nordic shingles are designed with enhanced durability, making them an ideal choice for homeowners in regions prone to severe weather, like Colorado. These shingles combine beauty and strength, making them a top-tier option for both protection and aesthetics. Key features include:

Class 4 Impact Resistance: Nordic shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, which is the highest available. This means they are extremely durable and can withstand hailstorms and other debris, offering added protection to your home.
ArmourZone Technology: Like Cambridge, the Nordic shingles also feature ArmourZone, reinforcing the nailing strip for superior wind protection. With wind resistance of up to 130 mph, they are well-suited for homes in areas prone to strong winds.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Nordic shingles feature a high-definition profile with larger, more pronounced shadow lines, which give your roof a striking, dimensional appearance that enhances curb appeal.
Granule Technology: IKO Nordic shingles use special granule technology to resist UV rays, reducing the fading and discoloration often seen with lesser shingles.
Why Choose Nordic: If you’re looking for maximum protection with a high-end aesthetic, Nordic shingles provide superior impact resistance and are ideal for areas where hail and severe weather are frequent concerns.

IKO Shingle Warranty and Long-Term Investment

When investing in a new roof, homeowners often focus on appearance and durability, but one crucial factor that should never be overlooked is the warranty. The roof is one of the largest investments you’ll make for your home, and choosing a product backed by a strong warranty provides peace of mind and financial protection. IKO shingles offer some of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking for long-term value.

IKO Warranties: What You Need To Know

Limited Lifetime Warranty: IKO Cambridge and Nordic shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and ensures that your roof will be protected for the life of the product. This warranty offers homeowners confidence in the longevity and performance of their roofing materials.
Iron Clad Protection Period: In addition to the lifetime warranty, IKO offers an Iron Clad Protection period, typically lasting the first 15 years after installation. During this period, homeowners are fully protected against material and manufacturing defects, with coverage for the full cost of both shingles and installation labor if any issues arise.
Wind and Algae Resistance Warranties: Depending on the specific product, IKO shingles also come with wind warranties of up to 130 mph and algae resistance warranties. The algae warranty helps protect against unsightly streaking caused by blue-green algae, keeping your roof looking its best for years to come.

Why the warranty matter's for Long-term investment

A roof is a long-term investment that should increase your home’s value and provide protection for decades. A strong warranty, like those offered by IKO, ensures that you’re protected in case of any unexpected issues. If your shingles fail prematurely due to manufacturing defects, you won’t have to bear the financial burden of repairs or replacement out of pocket.

Additionally, a solid warranty can increase your home’s resale value. Prospective buyers are more likely to trust a roof that is still under warranty, and this can become a key selling point. When homeowners know their roof is backed by a reliable warranty, they have more confidence in the longevity of their investment.

Things you should consider when looking for a replacement shingle:

Why Custom Exteriors uses IKO Shingles

At Custom Exteriors, we’ve spent years working with a variety of roofing materials, and we can confidently say that IKO shingles are a reliable option for our customers. Their combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and comprehensive warranty makes them a top choice for homeowners looking to invest in a long-lasting roof.

But our support for IKO goes beyond just their product quality. Recently, we had the opportunity to install a new roof for Habitat for Humanity, a project that holds a special place in our hearts. IKO generously donated all the shingles for the project, allowing us to meaningfully give back to the community. They understand the importance of helping local families in need, and their involvement showed that they share our commitment to making a difference.

In addition to offering an outstanding product, IKO stands out as a company that values community involvement. This aligns with our own mission at Custom Exteriors, where we strive to build relationships and strengthen our community. When you choose IKO shingles, you’re not only getting a reliable, high-performing roofing product; you’re also becoming part of a community that believes in giving back.

Whether replacing your roof or building new, we highly recommend IKO shingles for their performance, reliability, and community-minded values. Contact Custom Exteriors today to learn more about how IKO shingles can be the right choice for your home. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way.