IKO Dynasty’s story is unusual: IKO products drew strong criticism for granule loss, yet Dynasty later showed a major improvement in reported testing. The shingle also uses an adhesive strip on its back, a design highlighted in an expo pull test. Those are meaningful product signals, but they are not a substitute for confirming the exact current shingle and the written scope of the roof proposal.
From Cambridge granule concerns to Dynasty’s 2021 result
IKO’s earlier reputation was affected by criticism of its Cambridge shingles. In the testing described in the video, Cambridge was selected as a builder-grade IKO product and showed heavy granule loss. Loose granules were described as debris that can end up in gutters and on the ground.
The reported results for IKO Dynasty changed sharply in 2021. After receiving one star for granule loss in the prior year’s testing, Dynasty received four stars and ranked among the top three or four brands in that category. IKO’s management said the company spent millions to improve its process. The video also attributes the change to investment in plants and technology.
That is a turnaround in reported testing, not proof that every roof will perform identically. If Dynasty is in your proposal, confirm that the quote identifies the current Dynasty product rather than relying on IKO’s older reputation or a past test result.
The rear strip was the product’s standout feature
IKO Dynasty was described as using an adhesive strip on the back of the shingle. The video contrasts that arrangement with an Owens Corning strip positioned on the front and says the companies use different patterns.
At the International Roofing Expo, an IKO Dynasty sample and an Owens Corning sample were put through a pull-test demonstration. The video reports that the Owens Corning sample lost to Dynasty in that demonstration. It also calls Dynasty’s rear-strip approach a new technology and cites it as part of the reason Dynasty was named shingle of the year in 2021.
An expo demonstration is a narrow comparison, not a roof-performance guarantee. It does, however, explain why Dynasty became the product at the center of IKO’s claimed comeback: the reported granule-loss improvement was paired with a visible design change rather than a warranty change alone.
How to use this evidence when comparing Dynasty quotes
Keep the product decision specific. A proposal that simply says “IKO roof” does not tell you whether it includes Dynasty, Cambridge, or another IKO line. Ask for the exact shingle name, color, and current manufacturer documents for the product being offered.
Also make sure the written proposal says what work is included with the shingles and what could change the price. The rear-strip demonstration and the reported 2021 granule result describe product evidence; they do not define the work included in a reroof.
- Does the quote identify IKO Dynasty by name and color?
- Which current manufacturer warranty documents apply to that exact product?
- What roof work is included in the stated price, and what items could be added after work begins?
- Can the contractor put the final product selection and scope in writing?
The strongest case for IKO Dynasty in this account is not that IKO was always highly regarded. It is the opposite: Cambridge’s earlier granule-loss concerns, Dynasty’s reported improvement in 2021, and the rear-strip design shown in the expo pull test. Treat those points as reasons to examine the current Dynasty offering closely, while making the purchase decision from the actual written proposal and current product information.
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Source: IKO Roofing: From the Worst Complaints to Rewards
FAQ
What changed in IKO Dynasty’s granule-loss result?
The video reports that IKO Dynasty moved from one star for granule loss in prior testing to four stars in 2021, placing it among the top three or four brands in that category. IKO management said the company spent millions improving its process.
Was Cambridge the same product as IKO Dynasty?
No. The video distinguishes Cambridge from Dynasty. Cambridge was discussed as a builder-grade IKO shingle with earlier granule-loss concerns, while Dynasty was presented as IKO’s improved product line.
What is IKO Dynasty’s rear adhesive strip?
The video describes Dynasty as having an adhesive strip on the back of the shingle. It contrasts that layout with an Owens Corning strip on the front and presents the rear-strip design as a notable Dynasty feature.
Did IKO Dynasty beat Owens Corning in a pull test?
The video reports that an IKO Dynasty sample outperformed an Owens Corning sample in a pull-test demonstration at the International Roofing Expo. That demonstration is not a guarantee of performance on every installed roof.
What should an IKO Dynasty proposal identify?
It should identify the exact Dynasty shingle and color, provide the applicable current manufacturer documents, and clearly state the work included in the price along with conditions that could change the cost.
