IKO Nordic^TM Performance Shingles Celebrate High IBHS Marks and Unparalleled Nail-Holding Power

Tuesday, February 4 2020

Combination of Resistance Against Tears, Granule Loss and Impact of IKO’s ArmourZone^® Nailing Strip Equals Top Performance

KANKAKEE, Ill. (February. 4, 2020) – The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) recently awarded IKO’s Nordic^TM shingles a cumulative “good” rating in its Roof Shingle Hail Impact Ratings report. The overall rating included an “excellent” score for resistance to granule loss and a “good” score for resistance to tears. Together with IKO’s innovative ArmourZone nailing strip technology—a critical performance aspect for nail-holding power—these elements make Nordic shingles one of the top-performing shingles on the market. IKO launched its Nordic line earlier this year, answering an increased demand for performance products.

“We’re pleased that the IBHS rating reflects IKO’s Nordic performance laminate shingles’ impressive utility when it comes to resisting tears and granule loss,” said Mark Okland, product development manager, North America. “But that only tells part of the story. Nail-holding power is critical to the success of any performance shingle, and just happens to be an area that the current IBHS test method does not assess. IKO’s new Nordic shingles are constructed with our innovative ArmourZone nailing strip technology, which, combined with their powerful impact resistance*, makes the Nordic Shingle one of the strongest all-around performing shingles on the market.”

ArmourZone is a special 1-1/4”-wide nailing surface for correct nail placement that is reinforced by a tear-resistant band that provides additional fastening strength. 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 technology have been designed to resist winds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h).

Nordic’s coating of polymer-modified asphalt acts as a shock absorber to cushion the roof from impacts caused by hail*. Nordic shingles also ensure maximum protection against wind uplift, blow-off, and water penetration through the innovative Fastlock^® sealant strip. Fastlock is a thick and aggressive sealant that creates a strong bond to the shingles below. Combined, these performance-focused features create the Nordic shingles’ unique and trusted staying power during bad weather.

According to IBHS, testing for its hail impact rating was conducted by comparing commonly used impact-resistance shingles from standard distribution channels that are available to consumers. The shingles were tested under scientifically replicated real-world conditions in a lab environment. Representative shingle samples were fastened to test decks, where their endurance was challenged using a propulsion system, which aimed ice spheres at the shingles from a distance of three feet. Laminate shingles, such as IKO’s Nordic line, were tested with 40 impacts. Scores were then assigned based on the evaluation of breach, deformation and granule loss at each impact location. The average of those scores determined the performance evaluation rating for the product, ranging from excellent to poor. Click here to learn more about the test results and standards.

In addition to these high marks from IBHS, Nordic shingles feature a coating of IKO’s proprietary polymer modified asphalt, which means they can act as a shock absorber. To that end, Nordic shingles have earned a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating*. (*This impact rating is solely for the purpose of enabling residential property owners to obtain a reduction in their residential insurance premium, if available. It is not to be construed as any type of express or implied warranty or guarantee of the impact performance against hail, of this shingle by the manufacturer, supplier or installer. Damage from hail is not covered under the limited warranty. For further details concerning the FM 4473 standards, visit the FM Approvals website.)

Available in nine high-definition colors, Nordic shingles combine advanced color-blending technology with deep shadow bands for added dimension and the high-end look and visual texture of genuine wood shakes or slate tiles.

*This impact rating is solely for the purpose of enabling residential property owners to obtain a reduction in their residential insurance premium, if available. It is not to be construed as any type of express or implied warranty or guarantee of the impact performance against hail, of this shingle by the manufacturer, supplier or installer. Damage from hail is not covered under the limited warranty. For further details concerning the FM 4473 standards, visit the FM Approvals website.

About IKO

IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A family-owned business established in 1951, IKO remains firmly rooted in its founding values of craftsmanship and innovation to provide best-in-class products, services and value. Committed to a high level of vertical integration, the company also maintains its founder’s belief of the importance of controlling the raw materials used in its manufacturing process. IKO operates more than 25 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. For more information on IKO and its full line of roofing product solutions, visit www.iko.com.