Roofing
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. Both have their pros and cons. The true measure of quality is how well they are manufactured.
Roof Info
A roof system is designed to shed water, but it takes the right materials and careful workmanship to build a roof that is durable and leak proof. Start with a solid deck made of plywood, OSB sheathing, or 1×6 boards; any wood that is not sound must be removed and replaced before you begin roofing. If you live in a snowy climate, plan for an ice and water barrier, which is an asphalt-backed plastic membrane that stops leaks at the eaves. Next come asphalt paper, the drip edge, the shingles (with flashing and counter-flashing as needed), and the hip and ridge caps. All combine to make your roof impervious to water.
Q: Are asphalt shingles good for the environment?
A: Shingles are good for the environment because they protect your home/building from damage from the elements. They are durable, lightweight, contain recycled post-industrial materials, and are easily maintained.
Q: Can hail affect asphalt roofing shingles?
A: Hail can affect asphalt roofing shingles. The damage caused by hail can be classified into two groups: aesthetic damage and functional damage. Aesthetic damage results in slight granule loss and the life of the shingle is usually not affected. Functional damage is characterized by substantial granule loss or cracking or penetration of the shingle. Functional damage may result in short term leaks or a reduction of the life expectancy of the shingle.
According to CASMA Technical Bulletin No. 14 (1997), there are several factors that impact how roofing shingles perform in hail:
- Size and density of hail stones – Larger heavy stones will cause more severe damage.
- Age of the shingles – Newer shingles are more resistant than older shingles, as the asphalt is less brittle and better able to absorb the impact energy.
- Angle of hail impact – Hail which strikes the roof at a 90° angle is more likely to cause shingle fractures, while hail that strikes the roof obliquely is more likely to result in spots of granule loss.
- Temperature – Colder temperature will be more likely to cause fractures as the asphalt will be more brittle than in warmer weather.
- Roof deck conditions – Solid roof decks on moderately spaced trusses offer better support to the shingle surface in resisting hail damage. Shingles on rotted or flimsy decking can be more easily fractured.
Q: How much ventilation do I need on my roof?
A: The amount of ventilation needed is determined by the size and design of the roof. For roof and attic spaces above an insulated ceiling, the vent ratio is one square foot of net free ventilating area/300 square feet. For low slope roofs or roofs with cathedral ceilings the vent ratio is one square foot/150 square feet
Q: What are ice dams?
A: Ice dam formation is the result of continuous freezing and thawing of snow due to escaping heat from the house or from gutters being backed up with frozen slush. When this occurs, water may be driven under the roof which may cause ceiling, wall, and insulation and gutter damage.
Iko’s History
IKO was founded in 1951 in Alberta, Canada, and began manufacturing and selling asphalt- soaked paper for building construction. In 1954 they began selling roofing shingles, and eventually began operating in Europe. They opened their first US plant in 1979 in Wilmington, Delaware.
Warranty
Shingle warranties depend on the composition and strength of the individual line. Most companies carry several lines with a variety of styles. IKO offers their “Iron Clad” warranty to all shingles. It covers the cost of repair or replacement, including labor charges, for up to five years.
Terms of their standard limited warranty vary from 30, 40, to 50 years and cover wind velocity ranging from 70 mph to 110 mph. All of their shingles are class “A” fire rated, the highest rating in that category.
IKO shingles with algae protection are warranted for 5 to 10 years, depending on the shingle brand and style.
APPEARANCE
- Deep emboss and low-gloss finish recreates the look of rough-sawn wood
- Four distinctive profiles let you add the perfect touch to any home
- Choose from 14 classic colors or make a bold statement with the five rich, dark colors from our Signature Series color collection
PERFORMANCE
- 0.044” Panel thickness adds durability and resists dents
- Napco’s color extrusion technology creates a consistent color throughout the panel to minimize the appearance of scratches and ensures an exterior free from chipping, peeling or flaking
- Signature Series colors are made with ASA resin for superior color hold, this ensures your home will keep its dramatic look for years to come
