IKO Shingles Review: Cambridge & Dynasty Lines (2026)

If you have been researching roofing shingles for your Pinellas County home, you have probably spent most of your time reading about GAF, Owens Corning, and maybe CertainTeed. Those three manufacturers dominate the conversation in our market, and local contractors tend to lead with those brands. But there is another manufacturer worth your attention: IKO Industries.

Founded in 1951 in Calgary, Canada, IKO has grown into one of the largest roofing manufacturers in North America with production facilities in both the United States and Canada. They produce a full range of asphalt shingles, from basic 3-tab products to premium impact-rated performance lines. Their products are available in all 50 states, though distribution density varies by region.

This review is written specifically for homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and throughout Pinellas County who want an honest assessment of whether IKO shingles belong on their shortlist. We will cover every relevant product line, dig into the technology behind ArmourZone nailing, compare pricing against the big three competitors, and give you our straightforward take on when IKO is a smart choice and when you might want to look elsewhere.

ArmourZone Nailing Technology: Why It Matters

Before we get into individual product lines, we need to discuss ArmourZone, because this technology is central to IKO's pitch and it addresses what is arguably the single most important factor in roof performance: proper nail placement.

Every shingle manufacturer specifies a nailing zone where fasteners must be placed during installation. Hit the right spot, and the nail passes through the overlap of two shingle layers, securing both the installed shingle and the one above it. Miss the zone (either too high or too low), and the shingle loses a significant percentage of its wind resistance. Industry studies have shown that high-nailing (placing the nail above the specified zone) can reduce wind resistance by 50% or more.

The problem is that roofing is fast-paced work. A crew installing shingles on a Pinellas County home in July heat is working quickly, and even experienced installers occasionally miss the nailing zone. When you multiply that across thousands of nails per roof, even a small error rate creates vulnerable spots.

IKO's ArmourZone addresses this by engineering a wide, reinforced fastener area with a contrasting color stripe that is clearly visible to the installer. The zone is wider than what many competitors offer, which creates a larger target and reduces the likelihood of misplacement. The reinforced area also provides better nail pull-through resistance, meaning the nail holds more firmly even under high wind loads.

This is not just marketing. Improper nailing is the number one cause of shingle blow-off during hurricanes, and any technology that reduces nailing errors delivers real-world protection for Florida homeowners. IKO deserves credit for making this a core feature across their product lines rather than reserving it for premium tiers.

For comparison, Owens Corning uses their patented SureNail technology (a woven fabric strip in the nailing zone), while GAF uses LayerLock technology on Timberline HDZ. All three approaches aim to solve the same problem. Each has engineering merit, and we consider the nailing zone design a legitimate differentiator when comparing manufacturers.

IKO Cambridge: The Architectural Best-Seller

The Cambridge line is IKO's flagship architectural shingle and their highest-volume product. It competes directly with GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, and CertainTeed Landmark in the standard architectural category that accounts for the majority of residential roof replacements in Pinellas County.

Design and Appearance

Cambridge delivers a classic dimensional look with moderate shadow lines and a blend of colored granules that creates visual depth. The shingle uses a dual-layer laminated construction that provides the three-dimensional appearance homeowners expect from modern architectural products. If you are replacing an older 3-tab roof, the upgrade to Cambridge is immediately noticeable from the street.

IKO offers Cambridge in a reasonable palette of colors. Dual Black, Dual Grey, Weatherwood, Driftwood, and Charcoal are among the most popular options in the Florida market. The color range covers the basics well, though it is not as extensive as what GAF or Owens Corning provides. For most Pinellas County homes, you will find a suitable color in the Cambridge lineup without difficulty.

Wind and Weather Performance

IKO Cambridge carries a 130 mph wind warranty with standard four-nail installation. This matches the wind rating offered by GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration at the same tier. For Pinellas County, where the Florida Building Code mandates specific wind resistance standards, a 130 mph warranty provides solid baseline protection.

The ArmourZone nailing strip helps ensure that the wind warranty is not just a theoretical number on paper. Because installers are more likely to hit the correct nailing zone, the actual installed wind resistance more consistently matches the tested laboratory performance. This is a meaningful advantage in a market where installation quality varies significantly between contractors.

Cambridge does not carry an impact rating. If you need Class 4 impact resistance (and the potential insurance discounts that come with it), you will need to step up to the Dynasty line. For homeowners whose primary concern is wind rather than impact, Cambridge provides good performance at a competitive price.

Algae Resistance

IKO offers algae-resistant versions of Cambridge in most markets. Their algae resistance technology uses copper-containing granules that inhibit the growth of blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma), the organism responsible for those dark roof streaks that are so common in Pinellas County.

This is a standard copper-leaching approach, similar to what GAF (StainGuard Plus) and CertainTeed (StreakFighter) use. It works, but the copper gradually washes away with rainfall, reducing effectiveness over time. In our high-rainfall climate (52 inches annually in Pinellas County), this washout happens faster than in drier regions.

For Florida homeowners who prioritize algae resistance above all else, Atlas shingles with their Scotchgard Protector technology offer a more durable approach. But IKO's algae-resistant Cambridge still provides meaningful protection, particularly in the first five to eight years.

IKO Dynasty: Performance Shingles With Class 4 Impact

The Dynasty line is where IKO gets serious about storm protection. This is a performance architectural shingle engineered for high-wind, high-impact environments, and it is the IKO product most relevant to Pinellas County homeowners who want maximum weather resistance.

Class 4 Impact Rating

IKO Dynasty carries a Class 4 impact rating under UL 2218 testing, the highest classification available for roofing materials. The test involves dropping a two-inch diameter steel ball from a height of 20 feet onto the shingle surface. To earn Class 4, the shingle must survive two impacts on the same spot without cracking, splitting, or fracturing.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the Class 4 rating provides two distinct benefits. First, it offers genuine protection against windborne debris during tropical storms and hurricanes. While our area receives less hail than the Midwest, the real threat in Florida is flying debris. Tree branches, loose construction materials, patio furniture, and other projectiles are the primary cause of roof penetration during high-wind events. A Class 4 shingle provides measurably better resistance to this type of damage.

Second, and this is where the math gets interesting, many Florida insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with Class 4 impact-rated roofing. These discounts vary by carrier, but homeowners in Pinellas County have reported savings of 5% to 15% on their wind/hail coverage. On a typical Pinellas County homeowner policy where the wind portion might run $3,000 to $6,000 annually, even a 5% discount adds up to significant savings over the 20 to 30 year life of the roof.

Wind Performance

Dynasty carries a 130 mph wind warranty with proper installation. While this matches rather than exceeds what competitors offer, the combination of ArmourZone nailing technology and Class 4 impact resistance creates a compelling overall storm protection package.

IKO achieves the wind rating through a combination of the reinforced ArmourZone nailing area and a factory-applied sealant strip that bonds to the shingle above when activated by sun exposure. This thermal sealing process is standard across the industry, but IKO's sealant formulation is calibrated for warm climates where the sealing happens quickly after installation. In Pinellas County, you can expect full thermal sealing within days of a summer installation, providing rapid wind resistance from the start.

Aesthetic Quality

Dynasty steps up the visual game compared to Cambridge. The shingle features a heavier weight per square, deeper shadow lines, and a more sophisticated granule blend that creates a richer, more textured appearance. It occupies the space between a standard architectural shingle and a true premium designer product.

Color options for Dynasty tend toward deeper, more saturated tones. Glacier, Sedona, Castle Grey, Shadow Brown, and Biscayne are among the available choices. The palette works well with the Mediterranean, coastal modern, and traditional Florida ranch styles found throughout Pinellas County.

IKO Nordic: Luxury Designer Shingles

The Nordic series represents IKO's entry into the luxury designer shingle category. These are premium products designed for homeowners who want their roof to make a visual statement. Nordic shingles are substantially thicker and heavier than standard architectural options, with oversized tabs and dramatic shadow lines that create a bold, high-end appearance.

IKO offers the Nordic line in two primary variants: Nordic and Nordic IR (Impact Resistant). The standard Nordic delivers the luxury aesthetic with solid wind performance, while Nordic IR adds Class 4 impact resistance for homeowners who want both premium looks and maximum storm protection.

In the Pinellas County market, Nordic shingles are relatively uncommon. They carry a premium price tag that puts them in competition with premium products from GAF (Grand Sequoia) and Owens Corning (Berkshire Collection), and contractor familiarity with the line is limited in our area. If you are interested in Nordic, expect to spend more time sourcing both the product and an experienced installer.

That said, the Nordic profile is genuinely distinctive. It mimics the oversized, rustic look of European slate with a bold dimensional profile that is visible from across the street. For custom homes and high-end renovations where the roof is a primary design element, Nordic deserves consideration alongside other luxury options.

IKO Marathon: The 3-Tab Economy Option

At the entry level of the IKO lineup sits the Marathon, a traditional 3-tab strip shingle. Three-tab shingles have been the standard residential roofing product for decades, and while architectural shingles now dominate the market, 3-tab products still serve a purpose for budget-conscious projects.

Marathon delivers a flat, uniform appearance that lacks the dimensional shadow lines of architectural products. Visually, it is a step down from Cambridge or Dynasty, and most homeowners upgrading from an old 3-tab roof prefer to move to an architectural product rather than replace 3-tab with 3-tab.

Where Marathon makes sense is on rental properties, commercial buildings, budget renovations, or situations where the roof is not a primary aesthetic concern. The material cost is significantly lower than architectural options (typically $60 to $80 per square), which can make a meaningful difference on large or multi-structure projects.

Performance-wise, Marathon carries a lower wind warranty than architectural products (typically 60 to 70 mph) and does not carry an impact rating. For Pinellas County, where wind resistance is critical, we generally do not recommend 3-tab shingles for owner-occupied homes unless budget is the overriding constraint. The modest additional cost of Cambridge architectural shingles buys substantially better wind performance and longevity.

For more about the differences between shingle types, see our complete guide to roof shingle types.

IKO Availability and Distribution in Florida

This is the topic that separates IKO from the conversation about GAF and Owens Corning in Pinellas County, and it deserves an honest discussion. IKO manufactures quality products, but their distribution network in Florida is not as dense as their larger competitors.

GAF operates the largest shingle distribution network in the United States, with multiple distribution points serving the Tampa Bay area. Owens Corning and CertainTeed have similarly robust supply chains. When a Pinellas County contractor orders GAF or OC shingles, they can typically get same-day or next-day delivery from a local distributor.

IKO's distribution in the Florida market has improved significantly over the past decade, but it is still thinner in some areas. Most large roofing supply distributors (ABC Supply, Beacon Building Products, SRS Distribution) carry at least some IKO products, but the full color and product selection may not always be in local stock. This can mean longer lead times for less common colors or specialty products.

From a contractor perspective, fewer Pinellas County roofers carry IKO as their primary brand compared to GAF or Owens Corning. This does not mean IKO is unavailable, but it does mean you may need to specifically request it rather than having it offered as a default option. Some contractors will be very familiar with IKO products while others may have limited experience with the brand.

Our recommendation: if you are interested in IKO, start by contacting IKO directly through their website to find certified contractors in the Pinellas County area. Then verify that your preferred colors and products are readily available through local distributors. A little upfront legwork avoids surprises during the project.

IKO Warranty Details: Limited Lifetime Coverage

IKO provides a limited lifetime warranty on their Cambridge and Dynasty architectural shingle lines. Understanding the details of this warranty is important, as the structure differs from what GAF and Owens Corning offer in some meaningful ways. For a comprehensive warranty comparison across all manufacturers, see our roof warranty guide.

Material Defect Coverage

IKO warrants Cambridge and Dynasty shingles against manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the product when owned by the original purchaser. During the initial coverage period (typically the first 10 years after installation), IKO provides full replacement coverage including both materials and reasonable labor costs. After the initial period, coverage transitions to a prorated schedule where IKO's financial responsibility decreases over time.

This structure is standard across the industry. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all use similar stepped warranty models with full coverage early on transitioning to prorated coverage later. The specific dollar amounts and proration schedules vary, so it is worth reading the actual warranty document for any product you are considering.

Wind Warranty

Wind coverage on IKO products is tied to proper installation following IKO specifications. Cambridge carries a 130 mph wind warranty, and Dynasty matches at 130 mph. IKO requires that shingles be installed according to their published application instructions and that the thermal sealant strip fully activates for wind warranty to apply.

One nuance to be aware of: IKO's wind warranty coverage period may differ from the overall material warranty period. Review the specific warranty document for your chosen product to understand exactly how long wind coverage applies and at what level. Some manufacturers offer full wind coverage for the entire warranty period while others step it down after a certain number of years.

Algae Resistance Warranty

For algae-resistant versions of IKO shingles, a separate algae warranty covers visible discoloration from blue-green algae. Coverage periods typically range from 10 to 15 years depending on the specific product. Given the importance of algae resistance in Pinellas County, confirm that your chosen IKO product includes algae-resistant granules and verify the warranty term before purchasing.

Transferability

IKO warranties can be transferred to subsequent homeowners, which is a positive feature if you plan to sell your home during the warranty period. The transferred warranty typically converts to a shorter, prorated coverage schedule. IKO may require notification of the transfer within a specified timeframe, so check the warranty document for transfer requirements.

IKO Pricing in Pinellas County (2026)

One of IKO's strongest selling points is competitive pricing. Across their product lines, IKO typically comes in 10% to 15% below GAF and Owens Corning for comparable products. Here are the current material pricing ranges we see in the Pinellas County market as of early 2026, expressed per roofing square (100 square feet).

Now let us put these numbers in the context of a complete roof replacement. For a typical Pinellas County single-story home with 20 to 25 squares of roofing area, material costs break down as follows:

• Marathon 3-tab: $1,200 to $2,000 in materials
• Cambridge architectural: $1,600 to $2,625 in materials
• Dynasty performance: $2,000 to $3,250 in materials
• Nordic luxury: $2,600 to $4,250 in materials

Total installed costs (including labor, underlayment, flashing, permits, and disposal) typically run $7,000 to $12,000 for Cambridge, $9,000 to $15,000 for Dynasty, and $13,000 to $20,000 for Nordic in the Pinellas County market. Marathon 3-tab installations start lower at $5,500 to $9,000 but are increasingly uncommon for owner-occupied homes.

IKO vs Competitors: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how IKO's main products stack up against the most popular competing shingles in the Pinellas County market. For detailed reviews of each competitor, see our guides on GAF shingles and Owens Corning shingles.

The pricing advantage is clear. IKO Cambridge comes in $15 to $20 per square below the competition, which translates to $300 to $500 in material savings on a typical Pinellas County roof. Dynasty at $100 to $130 competes well against GAF Timberline AS II and OC Duration STORM, which often run $120 to $155 per square for their impact-rated versions.

The tradeoffs are equally clear: smaller contractor network, fewer color choices, and less brand recognition. These are real considerations, not trivial ones, and they factor into the overall value equation.

Florida Performance: How IKO Handles Our Climate

Pinellas County subjects roofing materials to a punishing combination of heat, humidity, UV radiation, salt air, and seasonal hurricanes. Here is how IKO products hold up against each of these challenges.

Heat and UV Exposure

Roof surface temperatures in Pinellas County routinely exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. This extreme heat accelerates the volatilization of asphalt compounds, gradually making shingles more brittle over time. UV radiation compounds this effect by breaking down the organic components of the asphalt matrix.

IKO uses ceramic-coated mineral granules across their product lines, which reflect a portion of solar radiation and protect the underlying asphalt from direct UV exposure. Dynasty and Nordic shingles benefit from a heavier granule application and thicker asphalt coating, which provides more thermal mass and a longer runway before heat damage becomes significant.

In head-to-head comparisons, IKO performs comparably to GAF and CertainTeed in heat resistance. Owens Corning's Duration line has a slight edge thanks to their SureNail technology, which adds a reinforcement layer that helps maintain structural integrity under thermal stress. The differences are modest, however, and all four manufacturers produce shingles that perform acceptably in the Florida heat when properly ventilated.

Humidity and Moisture

Pinellas County averages 75% relative humidity, which creates ideal conditions for biological growth on roofing surfaces. Beyond algae, humidity promotes the growth of moss, lichen, and mold on shaded areas of the roof.

IKO's algae-resistant granules provide reasonable protection against the most common biological growth (blue-green algae), but the copper-leaching approach is a step behind Atlas's Scotchgard Protector technology in terms of longevity. For homes with significant tree shade (common in older Pinellas County neighborhoods), moisture retention on the roof surface can accelerate biological growth regardless of granule technology.

Proper attic ventilation is the most effective countermeasure for humidity-related issues. A well-ventilated attic reduces moisture accumulation on the underside of the roof deck, which helps prevent deck deterioration and extends shingle life. We recommend verifying ventilation adequacy as part of any roof replacement project, regardless of which shingle brand you choose.

Hurricane and Wind Performance

IKO's 130 mph wind warranty on Cambridge and Dynasty provides solid protection for the majority of wind events that affect Pinellas County. This covers all tropical storms and Category 1 through Category 3 hurricanes, which account for the vast majority of tropical cyclones that affect our area.

The ArmourZone nailing technology adds practical wind resistance by reducing installation errors, and the factory-applied thermal sealant bonds shingles together for additional wind-lift resistance. In real-world performance, a properly installed IKO roof with fully activated sealant provides wind protection comparable to similarly rated products from other manufacturers.

For homeowners who want the absolute maximum wind warranty available, Atlas StormMaster products offer 150 mph with enhanced installation. IKO tops out at 130 mph, which is a 20 mph gap. Whether that gap is meaningful depends on your risk tolerance, your home's exposure to open water (homes on the coast face higher wind loads than inland properties), and your insurance considerations.

When IKO Is a Smart Choice for Pinellas County Homeowners

After evaluating every aspect of the IKO lineup against our local conditions and competitive landscape, here are the scenarios where choosing IKO makes the most sense.

You want the lowest cost per square without sacrificing architectural quality: IKO Cambridge is the most affordable name-brand architectural shingle on the market. If budget is a primary concern but you refuse to compromise on the dimensional look and wind performance of an architectural product, Cambridge delivers genuine value. The $15 to $20 per square savings adds up fast on a full roof replacement.

You want Class 4 impact at a competitive price: IKO Dynasty provides Class 4 impact resistance at $100 to $130 per square, which often undercuts competing impact-rated products by 10% to 15%. If the insurance discount math works out (and it frequently does in Florida), Dynasty can actually be the most cost-effective path to an impact-rated roof.

You have found a contractor experienced with IKO: The single most important factor in any roof installation is contractor quality. If you have found a contractor who regularly installs IKO products, is certified by IKO, and has a strong local reputation, the brand familiarity and installation experience matter more than any marginal product differences between manufacturers.

You are roofing a rental property or investment property: For investor-owned properties where long-term curb appeal is secondary to performance and cost, IKO Cambridge provides the best balance of wind resistance, durability, and price. The material savings can be significant across a multi-property portfolio.

When to Consider Other Brands Instead

Honesty matters in product reviews. Here are the situations where IKO may not be your best option in Pinellas County.

Algae resistance is your top priority: If you have had serious problems with roof algae and want the most durable algae-fighting technology available, Atlas shingles with Scotchgard Protector are the stronger choice. IKO's copper-granule approach works but has a shorter effective lifespan in our high-rainfall climate.

You want maximum wind warranty: IKO tops out at 130 mph across all product lines. If you want 150 mph wind warranty coverage, Atlas StormMaster with enhanced installation is the current industry leader. For a complete overview of how wind warranties work across manufacturers, visit our roof warranty guide.

Contractor availability is important to you: GAF and Owens Corning have significantly larger certified contractor networks in Pinellas County. If you want maximum choice when selecting an installer, or if you want the enhanced warranty coverage that comes from using a manufacturer-certified contractor, those brands offer more options in our local market.

Color selection is a deciding factor: GAF and Owens Corning offer the widest color palettes in the industry. If you have a very specific color vision for your home and want maximum options, those manufacturers provide more choices at every product tier.

Brand recognition matters for resale: If you plan to sell your home within a few years and want a brand name that buyers and home inspectors immediately recognize, GAF (the market leader) and Owens Corning carry more weight. In practice, buyers care more about the condition and age of the roof than the brand on the shingles, but perception has value in real estate.

Installation Considerations for IKO in Pinellas County

If you decide that IKO is the right choice for your Pinellas County home, here are specific installation recommendations to maximize performance and warranty coverage.

Find an IKO-experienced contractor: This is the single most important step. While any licensed roofer can technically install IKO shingles, working with a contractor who regularly uses IKO products ensures familiarity with ArmourZone nailing requirements, proper sealant activation expectations, and warranty registration procedures. Ask for references from recent IKO installations specifically.

Specify six-nail installation: While IKO's standard warranty requires four nails per shingle, the Florida Building Code high-wind zone requirements may mandate six nails depending on your location within Pinellas County. Even where four nails meet code, six nails provide meaningfully better wind resistance. The additional cost is modest (typically $100 to $200 for a standard home) and worth every penny in our hurricane-prone market.

Use quality underlayment: IKO sells their own underlayment products, but any high-quality synthetic underlayment that meets Florida Building Code requirements will work. Avoid felt paper (30-lb felt), which degrades faster in Florida heat and provides less reliable water resistance than modern synthetic options.

Ensure proper ventilation: IKO's warranty, like all shingle manufacturers, requires adequate attic ventilation. In Pinellas County, this is critical for both shingle longevity and energy efficiency. Your contractor should verify that ridge vent and soffit intake meet the one-to-one fifty ratio (1 square foot of net free ventilation area per 150 square feet of attic floor) before starting the job.

Permit the job: Pinellas County requires permits for all roof replacements. A permitted installation triggers a county inspection that verifies Florida Building Code compliance. This protects your warranty, your insurance coverage, and the resale value of your home. Never let a contractor skip the permit process.

Our Final Take on IKO Shingles for Pinellas County

IKO manufactures solid, competitive roofing products that deserve consideration from Pinellas County homeowners. They are not the default choice in our market, and they probably should not be. GAF and Owens Corning offer deeper contractor networks, wider color selections, and more recognizable brand names that provide real practical benefits.

But IKO earns its place on the shortlist through competitive pricing, strong nailing technology, and a Class 4 impact-rated option (Dynasty) that can save Florida homeowners real money on insurance premiums. For budget-conscious buyers, investment property owners, and homeowners who find a strong IKO-experienced contractor, the value proposition is genuine.

The Cambridge line offers the most affordable path to a name-brand architectural shingle with a 130 mph wind warranty. Dynasty provides Class 4 impact resistance at prices that often undercut GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed equivalents. And for those who want a luxury statement roof, the Nordic series delivers a distinctive profile that stands apart from the standard offerings.

Our recommendation: include IKO in your comparison when getting quotes. Ask for a Cambridge or Dynasty option alongside GAF and OC products. Compare the total installed cost, warranty specifics, and contractor experience for each brand. If IKO comes in meaningfully cheaper with a contractor you trust, it is a smart choice. If the price difference is small and another brand offers a feature you value more (like Atlas's Scotchgard algae resistance or GAF's contractor network depth), go with the product that best matches your priorities.

The best roof is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one installed correctly by an experienced contractor using quality materials suited to your specific climate and situation. IKO checks those boxes for many Pinellas County homeowners, and that makes them worth your time.

Frequently Asked Questions About IKO Shingles