Introduction: The Big Three

GAF, IKO, and Owens Corning dominate the Canadian shingle market. All three make quality products, but they have different strengths, warranties, and price points. This guide compares them head-to-head.

QUICK COMPARISON TABLE

GAF: THE INDUSTRY LEADER

GAF Timberline HDZ (Most Popular)

Strengths:

• LayerLock technology: Mechanical nailing strip + adhesive (better wind resistance)
• StrikeZone nailing area: Wider target for installers (fewer misses)
• Excellent warranty: Limited Lifetime, 130 mph wind, 10-year algae
• Wide color selection: 20+ colors
• Best availability: Easy to get replacement shingles

Weaknesses:

• Price: 10-15% more expensive than IKO
• Heavier: Slightly heavier than competitors (more material = good, but harder to install)

Best For:

• Homeowners who want the "best" brand name
• Premium homes (resale value)
• High-wind areas (LayerLock technology)

Pricing (Fraser Valley, 2026):

• Timberline HDZ: $140-160 per square (materials only)
• Typical roof (25 squares): $3,500-4,000 in shingles

IKO: THE CANADIAN FAVORITE

IKO Cambridge (Most Popular in Canada)

Strengths:

• Canadian company: Made in Canada, designed for Canadian climate
• Excellent value: 10-15% cheaper than GAF
• ArmourZone technology: Algae-resistant granules
• Good warranty: Limited Lifetime, 15-year non-prorated, 130 mph wind
• Wide availability: Excellent in Canada

Weaknesses:

• Less brand recognition: Not as well-known as GAF in US
• Color selection: Fewer colors than GAF (15 vs 20+)

Best For:

• Budget-conscious homeowners
• Canadian climate (designed for it)
• Value-oriented projects

Pricing (Fraser Valley, 2026):

• Cambridge: $120-140 per square (materials only)
• Typical roof (25 squares): $3,000-3,500 in shingles

OWENS CORNING: THE INNOVATOR

Owens Corning Duration (Premium Line)

Strengths:

• SureNail technology: Wider, reinforced nailing zone (easier to install correctly)
• TruDefinition color: Enhanced color blends (best curb appeal)
• StreakGuard protection: Algae-resistant granules
• Excellent warranty: Limited Lifetime, 130 mph wind (SureNail)
• Pink Panther branding: Recognizable, trusted brand

Weaknesses:

• Price: Similar to GAF (premium pricing)
• Availability: Good but not as widespread as GAF/IKO in Canada

Best For:

• Homeowners who prioritize aesthetics (TruDefinition colors)
• Premium homes
• Contractors who value SureNail (easier installation)

Pricing (Fraser Valley, 2026):

• Duration: $140-160 per square (materials only)
• Typical roof (25 squares): $3,500-4,000 in shingles

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISONS

Warranty Comparison

GAF Timberline HDZ:

• Material warranty: Limited Lifetime (10-year non-prorated)
• Wind warranty: 130 mph (with 6-nail installation)
• Algae warranty: 10 years (StainGuard Plus)
• Transferable: Once

IKO Cambridge:

• Material warranty: Limited Lifetime (15-year non-prorated)
• Wind warranty: 130 mph
• Algae warranty: 10 years (ArmourZone)
• Transferable: Once
• Advantage: Longer non-prorated period (15 vs 10 years)

Owens Corning Duration:

• Material warranty: Limited Lifetime (10-year non-prorated)
• Wind warranty: 130 mph (SureNail technology)
• Algae warranty: 10 years (StreakGuard)
• Transferable: Once

Installation Comparison

Easiest to Install: Owens Corning Duration

• SureNail technology = wider nailing zone
• Harder to miss nailing area
• Fewer installation errors

Most Forgiving: GAF Timberline HDZ

• StrikeZone nailing area
• LayerLock technology compensates for minor errors

Standard Installation: IKO Cambridge

• Traditional nailing zone
• No special technology
• Requires proper installation (no shortcuts)

Aesthetics Comparison

Best Color Selection: GAF

• 20+ colors in Timberline HDZ line
• Wide range of earth tones, grays, browns

Best Color Depth: Owens Corning

• TruDefinition color technology
• Enhanced blends, more dimensional
• Best curb appeal

Good Selection: IKO

• 15 colors in Cambridge line
• Covers most popular choices

Durability Comparison

All Three Are Durable:

• All use fiberglass mat (not organic)
• All have algae-resistant granules
• All rated for 130 mph wind
• All have similar expected lifespan (20-30 years in Fraser Valley)

Slight Edge: GAF

• LayerLock technology = better wind resistance
• Slightly heavier shingle = more material

WHICH BRAND SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Choose GAF If:

• You want the #1 brand name (resale value)
• You're in a high-wind area (LayerLock technology)
• You want widest color selection
• Budget is not primary concern

Choose IKO If:

• You want best value (10-15% cheaper)
• You prefer Canadian-made products
• You want longer non-prorated warranty (15 vs 10 years)
• You're budget-conscious but want quality

Choose Owens Corning If:

• You prioritize aesthetics (TruDefinition colors)
• You want SureNail technology (easier installation = fewer errors)
• You like the Pink Panther brand
• Premium home, want premium shingles

WHAT WE INSTALL MOST

Dads Roof Repair Recommendations

Our Top Pick: IKO Cambridge

• Why: Best value, excellent quality, designed for Canadian climate
• Who it's for: 70% of our customers
• Savings: $500-1,000 vs GAF on typical roof

Premium Option: GAF Timberline HDZ

• Why: Best brand recognition, LayerLock technology
• Who it's for: Premium homes, high-wind areas
• Worth it if: Resale value important, want "best" brand

Aesthetic Option: Owens Corning Duration

• Why: TruDefinition colors, SureNail technology
• Who it's for: Homeowners who prioritize curb appeal
• Worth it if: Color/aesthetics are top priority

The Bottom Line

All three brands make excellent shingles. GAF is the premium choice, IKO offers best value, and Owens Corning excels in aesthetics. For most Fraser Valley homes, IKO Cambridge provides the best balance of quality and price.

At Dads Roof Repair, we install all three brands and can help you choose based on your budget, priorities, and home. We're not tied to one manufacturer - we recommend what's best for YOU. Get a free quote with options for all three brands.

Questions about shingle brands? Call (778) 651-8021