GAF vs IKO: a comparison of asphalt roofing shingles

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GAF and IKO are two leaders in the manufacture and supply of roofing shingles. Comparing GAF and IKO asphalt roofing shingles will give you a number of excellent options when the time comes to repair or replace an existing roof or when selecting the design and materials for a roof on a new home.

Although GAF has a much longer history, IKO is competitive in nature and should be considered. They also both offer factory-certified contractors, who can assist greatly in the design and installation of your new roofing system.

 

GAF Overview

GAF was founded in 1886 and has become America's largest manufacturer of roofing materials. The company's sales approach $3 billion annually, and GAF continues to be a highly recognized and award-winning business. The asphalt roofing shingles that GAF manufacturers are broken down into three general categories, roughly based upon price:

• Three-tab shingles – theseare generally the least expensive and they offer basic protection on a limited budget.
• Timberline® and Designer series -- are both architectural and a bit more expensive, but they have extensive warranties and tend to please the eye.

(To view all of GAF's roofing products, click here.)

 

IKO Overveiw

Founded in the 1950s, IKO initially met with success by incorporating its products into the national building boom of the time. IKO offers an extensive selection of shingle lines, including:

• Armourshake
• Crowne Slate
• Grandeur
• Royal Estate
• Cambridge
• Marathon 25

IKO also has an extensive website featuring many tools and applications that can help you design your new roof, like the RoofViewer™, a shingle selector tool. You can even upload a picture of your home to get a better sense of how a particular style may work. (Click here to visit.)

There are several important ratings to look for on shingles: 

• Wind rating - This is the shingles ability to resist winds. Nearly everywhere in the US should have in excess 130 mph rating.
• Algae resistance - This is a coating or ingredient that fights algae and lichen growth on your roof. Most shingles are rated for 15 years, but some go as long as 25 years.
• Warranty - The warranty on your shingles is important in case they don’t perform as expected. Many shingles have lifetime warranties. If the sun causes buckling or they tear off in light weather, you can often get them replaced free of charge. One common problem is the composite ‘rocks’ on the shingles coming off. The company usually pays for the labor to replace them.

QualitySmith can immediately put you in contact with local roofing professionals who use GAF or IKO asphalt shingle roofing products and systems.