When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, there are a lot of factors to consider. From their experience to their customer service and pricing, you want to make sure you find a professional who can deliver the quality and value you expect. After all, roofing is not a job that you should take lightly, your home depends on the quality of your roof.
One important factor you need to consider when hiring a roofing contractor is whether they have a certification from a manufacturer or organization.
Specifically, you want to find contractors who are certified by trusted and leading organizations in the roofing industry, like IKO. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be an IKO-certified contractor and why it’s so important to hire one for your roofing needs.
About IKO
IKO is a leading manufacturer that produces quality roofing and related products.
The company was founded in 1951 and manufactured its first shingle three years later in 1954. Fast forward to today, the company now has a global presence and successfully satisfied a lot of homeowners. IKO is not only a top name in the United States but is also one of the world’s largest exporters of asphalt roofing shingles.
Here are some of the key product lines offered by IKO:
Shingles:
IKO offers a variety of shingle options, including traditional 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and premium designer shingles. These IKO shingles are available in various colors and styles to match any aesthetic preference and home style. Some of the most popular options include the IKO Cambridge shingles and IKO Dynasty shingles.
Underlayment:
IKO offers a range of synthetic underlayment products to provide an added layer of protection between the roof deck and shingles. Options include synthetic underlayment, which is self-adhering and can offer high-temperature resistance. Popular synthetic lines by IKO include Stormtite® and RoofGard-Cool Grey®.
Ice and Water Sheilds:
To protect against leaks caused by ice dams and other weather-related issues, IKO offers a range of ice and water shields. These include self-adhering and non-adhering options that can be used on specific areas of the roof.
Other Roof Accessories:
IKO offers a range of accessories to help complete your roofing project, including ridge cap shingles, starter shingles, and other roofing products.
What Is An IKO-Certified Roofing Contractor?
An IKO-certified contractor is a professional roofing contractor who has undergone a rigorous certification process and met specific requirements set forth by IKO, a leading manufacturer of roofing products.
To become an IKO-certified professional, a contractor must meet various qualifications, such as a minimum number of years of experience, proof of liability insurance, appropriate licensing, and complete any required training courses and exams set forth by the company.
IKO ROOFPRO Program: What Is It & What Are The Benefits?
IKO, apart from manufacturing roofing products, also has a contractor loyalty reward program known as ROOFPRO. The benefits of the ROOFPRO program include access to exclusive products and promotions, special training and educational opportunities, and other support services. The program has the following tiers:
- ROOFPRO Advantage
- ROOFPRO Select
- ROOFPRO Craftsman Premier
Overall, the IKO ROOFPRO program is a way for contractors to take their commitment to quality and excellence to the next level.
Why Should You Hire A Contractor With Certification?
Here are the reasons why you should hire an IKO ROOFPRO Contractor
You Get To Work With Licensed Contractors
IKO has an excellent reputation in the U.S. The company has been offering some of the best roofing shingles as well as other roofing products for years to enhance your current roof.
To maintain its excellent reputation, IKO makes sure to hire only licensed contractors under its program. A licensed roofing contractor is one with the necessary experience and expertise to do the job efficiently and effectively.
A licensed contractor is also able to apply for permits that are needed for certain roof repairs or replacement projects, and ensure that your roof meets the necessary requirements.
You’ll Get Great Warranties
Warranties are an important aspect of roofing. A warranty guarantees that the work was done in accordance to the contract and satisfies all of your roofing needs. Roofing projects such as installing a new shingle roof can be costly, so ensuring you have a warranty to cover your investment is essential.
IKO has a wide variety of shingles, and these shingles come with a certain limited warranty. However, if you hire a professional roofing contractor with IKO ROOFPRO certification, you can access better warranties. For instance, a certified IKO professional can offer you an extended Iron Clad Protection Period limited warranty. Unlike the standard warranty on IKO architectural shingles of 10 years, the Iron Clad Extended Protection limited warranty that is offered by ROOFPRO contractors, offers a 15-year warranty on shingles.
The Iron Clad Extended Protection warranty can offer further peace of mind that a roofer has done quality work. This means that you can be confident that your new roof is covered by an extended warranty that can protect your investment for years to come.
Be sure to discuss several options with your contractor and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Safety On The Job
Safety is a critical aspect of any roofing project. An IKO certified contractor can provide added assurance that the work will be done safely and with a focus on minimizing risk.
IKO-certified roofers are required to meet specific safety standards and undergo training on best practices for workplace safety. This includes understanding and adhering to OSHA regulations, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and taking steps to protect workers and bystanders during the project.
Additionally, IKO provides resources and support to its certified contractors to help them maintain a focus on safety throughout the project. This includes access to safety training materials, best practice guides, and technical support.
You’ll Have The Latest In Industry Standards
When you hire an IKO-certified roofing contractor, you can be sure that the contractor will install your roof according to industry standards. These standards ensure that your roof will last longer and perform better.
Adhering to industry standards is important for several reasons. It helps to ensure that your roof will withstand the weather and protect your property for years to come. It also helps to prevent issues such as leaks and water damage, which can be costly to repair. Finally, following industry standards helps maintain the integrity of your roof and prevent problems from arising in the future.
Training From IKO
IKO offers a variety of training and support programs for its certified contractors. These programs are designed to keep contractors up-to-date on the latest industry trends, technology, and best practices to help them provide their clients with the best possible service.
Therefore, with an IKO contractor, you’ll get knowledge of the latest industry trends and technology.
We Install The Best IKO Shingles In Minnesota
In this blog post, we discussed how hiring contractors certified by IKO can be a great choice for your roof. If you are also looking to install a new shingle roof or replace your old system with brand-new IKO shingles, look no further than the team at Clear Cut Xteriors LLC.
Our team of IKO certified contractors have immense experience in the roofing and home exterior industry. We have installed IKO roof shingles on several Minnesota homes, and customers love the work we’ve done. Be part of our customer base and contact us today, at (651) 340-3410, to book a free roof inspection with us.
