Gettin a new roof.

[neiljrosen]

Need some opinions on IKO Cambridge vs. GAF Timberline shingles.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance;

 

[cal50]

I went with the GAF / Timberline and they look great. Its a quality shingle. Heavy weight and lay nice and offer higher wind protection.
I am in Ohio and had some 4-tab **** shingles replaced from hail damage.
GAF is used in about 80% of the area jobs and no complaints from the past and current install jobs.

 

[blujax01]

If it matters to you, ask where the shingles were made and if they carry the UL fire rating.

Then buy the USA-made UL Fire-rated shingles.

(Hint: You can't get them from IKO.)

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Our first shingle replacement was with IKO. Not satisfied, cheaper in cost but the primary cost is installation. Lasted about 12 years but started to curl before then. 10 years ago we replaced these shingles with GAF Slateline. Our contractor told us they were top quality. We paid over 2X the price per square but they look today like they did the day they were installed. And we live in Northern Vermont. I've also seen this pattern (with IKO shingles) on other homes. I've got to leave now but when I return, later this AM, I'll check Consumer Reports and get back to you by early afternoon.

 

[novalty]

I know it isn't on the list, but I would suggest a metal roof. I am sure you get snow in Ohio too, and it is nice knowing I don't have to roof rake or worry about ice dams.

 

[neiljrosen]

Our first shingle replacement was with IKO. Not satisfied, cheaper in cost but the primary cost is installation. Lasted about 12 years but started to curl before then. 10 years ago we replaced these shingles with GAF Slateline. Our contractor told us they were top quality. We paid over 2X the price per square but they look today like they did the day they were installed. And we live in Northern Vermont. I've also seen this pattern (with IKO shingles) on other homes. I've got to leave now but when I return, later this AM, I'll check Consumer Reports and get back to you by early afternoon.

Consumer's rating say that both brands are equal but based on S/W Forum member feedback and a few other sources it sounds like the GAF product is clearly better.

 

[snowman]

I worked for a lumberyard/general housing contractor for over 30 years. Most of that time our stock shingle was IKO; for some years we carried their "Total" line(a flat, no-cut-out shingle), then went to the Cambridge line(a 'shake' shingle). We ordered GAFs for anyone who wanted them.

The results were somewhat mixed. First, very few folks ordered the GAFs, but I'm guessing it was just because of the significantly higher price. The IKO "Total" line generally held up OK, but there were complaints. Some shingles were defective, others wore out early, and many didn't hold when we got heavy winds. I don't think the Total line is even made anymore.

The Cambridge line was a heavier shingle than the Total and has held up considerably better. We got far fewer complaints with them(but they haven't been installed long enough for an accurate assessment as a rule)Yet, heavy winds can still lift them.

Generally the heavier the shingle the better/longer it will hold up, and the GAFs are heavier. If the price isn't beyond your budget, I believe that is the way I would go.

Best wishes,
Andy

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Back again. Our local dealer also carries IKO, primarily because they are cheaper. We had to special order GAF. I checked CR and their recommendations are not as complete as years ago but they did have 3 top choices, Owens Corning Oakridge, and Certain Teed Landmark/Landmark Premium. I hope all this helps.

 

[Rugskipper]

We went with the Owens Corning Weatherguard shingles. Looked like the best bang for the buck. Been up for four years. Three hailstorms and two 80+ mph windstorms later, they still look like new.

 

[arjay]

Go with the heaviest and longest rated shingle that fits your budget.Over the long term it is cheaper (30 yrs as a contractor).

 

[Maximumbob54]

When I worked in the summers with a roofer all he would buy was GAF so he didn't have to go back and repair shingles. Then I worked Home Depot for a year and at the Pro Desk the overwhelming amount of orders were for GAF shingles, not for price but for keeping the contractor's name good. The only thing I would throw in that hasn't already been said above is try real hard to go with a lighter color like golden cedar or lighter. The charcoal black is a sun soaker upper like you wouldn't believe. And yes, metal roofing is superior to pretty much everything. You can order it painted in custom colors and in many different profiles. It isn't cheap but it's just about as weather proof as you can get. I'm at the point that I may get the roof redone in darn near white, maybe a light cream color.

Oh, and the year ratings on all of them... If it says 30 then expect 20 something. If it says 25 then 15...

 

[neiljrosen]

Great info, thanks. How do I tell that the contractor is putting up the shingles specified in the contract? I looked up the specs. and found the GAF's are 1/4" shorter in length @ maximum tolerance than the IKO's. Are they marked or identified in any other way?

 

[amazingflapjack]

I ended up with GAF after the H-canes of several years ago here in Fla. Check to see if GAF still offers the deal where if you use several of their products in combination, they extend their waranty. I would deffinitely suggest the rolled, rubberized product that they have for valleys and the roof edge, and the "cobra II" ridge vent. I have the archetectual shimgles and the other 2 products. Best roof I ever had, by far. Flapjack.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I ended up with GAF after the H-canes of several years ago here in Fla. Check to see if GAF still offers the deal where if you use several of their products in combination, they extend their waranty. I would deffinitely suggest the rolled, rubberized product that they have for valleys and the roof edge, and the "cobra II" ridge vent. I have the archetectual shimgles and the other 2 products. Best roof I ever had, by far. Flapjack.

We also went with the ridge vent and the rubberized material, up 6 feet on all sides and around the chimney. Especially important if you deal with snow on the roof and have any ice buildup (but then preventing ice buildup is another topic). And as someone mentioned earlier, go with the lightest possible color. The attic will stay cooler in summer and the shingles won't get as hot, hence lasting longer.

 

[neiljrosen]

I got the GAF's and specified it in the contract. Thanks for the helpful info guys.
njr