Roofing 101

Roofing 101

Ridge Vents or Box Vents: Which Should You Use?

Proper roof ventilation is critical to keep your roof and home healthy. While all homes should have soffit vents on the bottom of the roof, they also need to have another kind of vent near the ridge.

What is Class 4 Impact Resistance and Why is It Important?

In many parts of North America, the frequency of hailstorms is increasing. Hail, especially large hail, can cause significant property damage, including to our roofs.

A Review of IKO Shingle Products

So it’s time to replace your roof and you’ve done your homework. You’ve researched various types of roofing materials, from genuine stone tiles and natural cedar shakes to the latest in rolled metal roofing.

Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles

There are so many different names for types of shingles that it can be a challenge for homeowners to get them all straight. Each shingle type has its unique features and benefits.

Hip Roof vs. Gable Roof

What is the difference between a hip roof and a gable roof? You may want to know as you consider what type of roof you should put on your home extension, gazebo or detached garage.

What is Roof Flashing, Why is it Important, and How Can I Install It?

Roof flashing is a thin material, usually galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of the roof, wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a wall or a dormer.

An Introduction to Roofing Skylights

A skylight can do wonders for essentially any room in a home, but you need to choose the right kind of skylight to achieve your specific goal. Are you interested in a skylight to bring light into a room or are you looking to add ceiling height and make an architectural statement? Or do you want to add value to your home before a sale by showing off your home’s views even more?

Ice and Water Protector: What is it and Where Does it Go?

Ice and water protector is a waterproof roof underlayment membrane developed to protect vulnerable areas on a roof from ice and water damage. Ice and water protectors (sometimes called ice and snow shields in cold climates) are made with polymer-modified bitumen.

Disaster Contacts

Always keep a list of disaster or emergency contacts visible and handy. You never know when you might need to call for help. Firefighters and police recommend keeping your list on the refrigerator. It’s the first place they look for this information when called to the scene.

Get Your Roof Ready for Winter

The leaves are changing color, and you’re giving thought to digging out the snow tires for the car – you need to get it ready for winter. An equally beneficial time investment can be made on your home’s roof; it needs to get ready for winter too. Don’t worry, it won’t take long; mostly it’s just a simple visual inspection. And you want to have it done now before snow and frost gets on the roof.

Roof Inspection Checklist

At IKO, we recommend that homeowners have their roof inspected on a regular basis. It’s like going to the doctor for an annual check-up. You may catch potential problems early and potentially prevent them from becoming more serious.

Facts About Asphalt Roofing Shingles

An asphalt shingle roof is a valuable part of your home. It shields you, your family and your possessions from the elements. But many homeowners don’t know much about shingles, and, in fact, very few homeowners ever touch or handle an asphalt shingle. In many ways, shingles are a bit of a mystery material. So, in this age of instant information access, IKO shares the following sampling of answers to some interesting homeowner questions.

How Many Shingles Do I Need for my Roof?

So you need a new roof, whether it’s to adorn your newly built home or to replace your existing roof. Like most North Americans, you’ve wisely decided to go with asphalt shingles due, in large part, to their vast range of styles and color blends. Like most of your neighbors, you plan to have the shingles installed by a professional roof contractor who will handle all the material calculations; however, the information attached will help you understand how to estimate the amount of shingles and accessory materials you need for your roof.

How to Pick Roof Shingle Colors

Need help matching a roof shingle color to your home? We offer 17 tips to help you find the ideal color for your home’s style, color, climate & personality.

The Roofing Contractor Agreement:

Make sure that all agreements and promises from the roofing contractor are put into writing.

Roofing Terms

Want to know the difference between roof underlayments and roof starter strips? Learn everything under the roof with IKO’s helpful glossary of roofing terms.

Roofing FAQ

Start any new roofing job with IKO Roofing Products. Read IKO’s residential roofing Shingles FAQ guide on residential roofing products and shingles.

Shingle Roof Maintenance Tips

DIY roofing and maintenance tips for homeowners. Learn how to keep an eye on your investment and ensure your roof shingles continue to perform over time.

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