When it comes time to replace your roof in the Chicago suburbs, two names come up more than any other — IKO and CertainTeed. Both are major North American manufacturers, both make quality products, and both are widely available through contractors in Illinois. But which one is the better choice for our specific climate?
As a preferred contractor for both IKO and CertainTeed, we install both products regularly. Here's our honest, experience-based comparison.
Why Illinois Climate Matters for Shingle Selection
The Chicago suburbs present one of the most demanding roofing environments in the country. Your shingles need to survive:
- Hail events ranging from marble-sized to baseball-sized multiple times per year
- Wind gusts regularly exceeding 60 mph during severe storms
- Temperature swings of 100+ degrees between summer highs and winter lows
- Freeze-thaw cycles that stress shingles through expansion and contraction
- Ice dams along roof edges during heavy snow winters
- Hot humid summers that accelerate algae growth
A shingle that performs well in mild climates may fail prematurely here. Both IKO and CertainTeed make products specifically rated for harsh northern climates — but there are meaningful differences.
IKO — Overview
IKO is a family-owned Canadian company founded in 1951. Being Canadian-made matters for Illinois homeowners — their products are specifically engineered for cold climates, heavy snow loads, and freeze-thaw cycles from day one.
IKO Strengths for Illinois:
- Engineered for cold climate performance from the ground up
- Strong impact resistance ratings on Dynasty and Nordic product lines
- Cambridge CS shingles carry Class 4 impact resistance — the highest available
- Excellent wind resistance up to 130 mph on premium lines
- Competitive pricing — typically 10-15% less than CertainTeed equivalent products
- Strong warranty coverage including lifetime limited warranty on premium lines
IKO Considerations:
- Fewer color options than CertainTeed on entry-level lines
- Less brand name recognition among homeowners (though contractors know the quality)
CertainTeed — Overview
CertainTeed is one of North America's largest building products companies with over 115 years in business. Their roofing division is well-regarded for product consistency, color variety, and contractor support programs.
CertainTeed Strengths for Illinois:
- Landmark and Landmark Pro are proven performers in Midwest climates
- Excellent algae resistance with StreakFighter technology
- Wide color selection — more design options for homeowners
- SureStart Plus warranty provides strong early coverage
- Strong brand recognition that can add resale value
- Consistent quality control across product lines
CertainTeed Considerations:
- Premium pricing — typically costs more than comparable IKO products
- Some lower-tier products have thinner profiles than IKO equivalents
Head-to-Head Comparison
IKO
- ✅ Cold climate engineering
- ✅ Class 4 impact options
- ✅ Better value per dollar
- ✅ Strong wind ratings
- ⚠️ Fewer color choices
- ⚠️ Less homeowner brand awareness
CertainTeed
- ✅ Proven Midwest performance
- ✅ Excellent algae resistance
- ✅ More color options
- ✅ Strong brand recognition
- ⚠️ Higher price point
- ⚠️ Some thinner entry-level products
What About Hail Specifically?
Given how frequently Illinois gets hail, impact resistance deserves special attention. Both manufacturers offer Class 4 impact-rated products — the highest rating available under UL 2218 testing standards.
Class 4 shingles are tested by dropping a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet and must show no cracking. They represent a meaningful upgrade in hail resistance over standard shingles.
More importantly, many insurance companies in Illinois offer premium discounts of 20-30% for Class 4 rated roofs. Over the lifetime of the roof, those savings can more than offset the higher upfront cost of impact-resistant shingles.
IKO Cambridge CS and CertainTeed Landmark IR are both excellent Class 4 options for Illinois homeowners concerned about hail.
Before choosing your shingle, call your insurance agent and ask specifically what premium discount they offer for Class 4 impact-rated shingles. In Illinois the discount is often significant enough to make upgrading to impact-resistant shingles the financially smart choice.
Our Honest Recommendation for Illinois Homeowners
For most Illinois homeowners, IKO Cambridge CS or IKO Dynasty at the Class 4 impact resistance level is our top recommendation — particularly for storm damage replacements where long-term hail resistance is the priority. The cold-climate engineering, strong impact ratings, and competitive pricing make it the smart choice for the Chicago suburbs. For homeowners who prioritize design options and brand recognition, CertainTeed Landmark Pro is an excellent alternative that performs reliably in Illinois conditions.
What to Ask Your Contractor
When getting quotes for a roof replacement, ask specifically:
- What is the shingle's impact resistance class — is it Class 3 or Class 4?
- What wind speed is the shingle rated for?
- Does my insurance company offer a discount for this shingle?
- What is the manufacturer's warranty and what does it cover?
- Are you a preferred contractor for this manufacturer?
Integrity Pro Roofing is a preferred contractor for both IKO and CertainTeed. We install both products throughout the Chicago suburbs including Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Villa Park. We'll recommend the right product for your specific situation, budget, and insurance situation — not just the one with the highest margin.
Bottom Line
Both IKO and CertainTeed make excellent shingles for Illinois. The right choice depends on your budget, your insurance discount eligibility, and your design preferences. What matters most is choosing a quality Class 4 impact-resistant product installed by a licensed, insured contractor who knows what they're doing.
A cheap shingle installed poorly will fail faster than a mid-grade shingle installed correctly. The contractor matters as much as the product.