IKO shingles with ArmourZone: Why you need them

Torrential rain. High winds. Brutal cold, ice and snow. According to Richard Tremblay, General Manager of Construction at the National Research Council of Canada, “With climate change, the total annual precipitation is increasing, as well as the frequency and severity of extreme events, such as heat waves, high winds, floods, and droughts, all of which is resulting in increased stress on built structures.”

This severe weather and wind activity has prompted the development of products that meet the new performance thresholds of rapidly changing climate demands. And, IKO has innovated their performance products—Dynasty^TM and Cambridge IR^TM shingles—with ArmourZone® and Fastlock^TM sealant to specifically meet those needs. In addition, Cambridge IR offers a Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating*, among the highest in the industry.

What is an ArmourZone?

ArmourZone is a special 1-1/4” wide, reinforced nailing surface for correct nail placement reinforced by a tear-resistant band that provides even more fastening strength over a wider surface area of the shingle. Nails applied in this area are optimally positioned to help resist nail pull-through and shingle blow-off, even in high winds. In fact, shingles with the ArmourZone have been designed to resist winds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h).

The ArmourZone reinforced nailing strip provides extra protection against shingles ripping off under extreme weather conditions

 So, let it snow. Rain. Or blow. Shingles with ArmourZone will stand guard as your home’s first line of defense against the elements.

 Dynasty and Cambridge IR—both with ArmourZone—are feature products of IKO’s Performance category, one of three product categories for residential roofing that also includes the company’s Premium and Architectural laminate shingles.

 What is Fastlock^TM sealant?

A sealant along the bottom edge of the shingle—which is formulated to be thick and aggressive—that helps prevent wind-driven rain from getting underneath them. When activated by the sun’s heat, it gets extra-tacky and creates a strong bond to help ensure maximum protection against wind uplift, blow-off and water penetration.    

 Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating*

Cambridge IR shingles offer a Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating—among the highest in the industry—which enables homeowners to obtain a discount on their home insurance premiums, if available in their area. Cambridge IR achieved this rating through independent testing in accordance with the FM 4473 standards during which man-made ice balls were propelled at the Cambridge IR shingles with an air cannon. * (This rating is not to be construed as any type of express of implied warranty or guarantee of the impact performance of this shingle by the manufacturer, supplier or installers.)

* For further detail concerning the test and the FM 4473 standards, see https://www.iko.com/na/publication/specification-test-standard-impact-resistance/wppa_open/ (current as of 6.22.16).