PABCO Shingles

PABCO Shingles: PABCO Premier vs. IKO Cambridge- Best Choice for Your Roof!

When you’re in the market for a new roof, finding the right shingle that balances quality, durability, and cost is critical. Two popular options that stand out for homeowners seeking value without compromising on essential features are PABCO Premier and IKO Cambridge architectural shingles. Both shingles are known for their affordability, durability, and appeal, but which one is the better fit for your home?

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we’ve been installing roofs across the Pacific Northwest since 2002, working with various shingle manufacturers, including PABCO and IKO. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the comparison between PABCO Premier and IKO Cambridge shingles, covering all aspects from warranty to aesthetics. While both are excellent options, we’ll place a stronger focus on PABCO shingles to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to IKO Cambridge and PABCO Premier

IKO Cambridge and PABCO Premier are value-engineered shingles, meaning they are designed to minimize cost while maintaining basic function. Unlike some manufacturers who focus on the most comprehensive warranties or the best-looking shingles, IKO and PABCO aim to provide the most function at the lowest cost with their Cambridge and Premier shingles, respectively.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we’ve been installing roofs in the Pacific Northwest since 2002, and we’ve seen firsthand how these two shingles compare. Here’s a closer look at each.

Contractor Programs

• IKO has a more transparent ROOFPRO contractor program. You can visit IKO’s site, look for contractors they recommend, and research those contractors yourself. This allows homeowners to do their own research on IKO contractors before committing.
• PABCO, on the other hand, doesn’t have a transparent list of preferred contractors near you. Instead, you complete a form on the PABCO site, and a contractor will call you within two business days. However, you cannot research PABCO contractors on your own before they contact you.

The value of doing your own research cannot be understated. Transparency is crucial in roofing installations, and IKO’s system of showing which contractors they work with is a major advantage.

Roofing Systems

• IKO promotes its Pro-4 installation system, which includes shingles, hip and ridge caps, synthetic underlayment, and a leak barrier. At least three of these four components must be used for contractors to qualify for benefits. This ensures that the IKO contractor will likely use higher-quality accessories than a PABCO contractor.
• PABCO, on the other hand, does have ridge caps, starter strips, and synthetic underlayment that their contractors can choose to install, but their shingle warranty doesn’t cover non-shingle accessories. While PABCO does not promote a complete roofing system, IKO clearly does.

However, when it comes to total roofing systems, each manufacturer approaches them differently. GAF, for instance, offers one of the most comprehensive systems through its  Master Elite contractor gives the Golden Pledge warranty. This covers all key components (except intake ventilation) and provides up to 30 years of workmanship and 50 years of material coverage with no dollar limit. While this surpasses both IKO and PABCO, GAF systems are generally more expensive. 

Shingle Weight and Longevity

The importance of shingle weight is a highly debated topic in the roofing industry. Some professionals believe heavier shingles are better because manufacturers often add more asphalt to the lower layers, increasing durability. Others argue that it’s the top layer of asphalt that matters, so a lighter shingle can perform just as well as long as it has enough top-layer asphalt.

• IKO Cambridge shingles have one of the heaviest mats of any shingle on the market. While we don’t know exactly what’s in IKO’s Cambridge shingle blend (as blends are proprietary), we can evaluate the quality of the shingles by looking at the facility where they’re manufactured. For example, our experience in Western Washington with IKO shingles comes from their Sumas, Washington facility, which has a phenomenal track record.

Similarly, PABCO shingles are known for their strong composition, although they are generally lighter than IKO Cambridge shingles. PABCO Premier shingles are designed to provide solid durability without adding excessive weight, which can be beneficial for certain roof structures.

All major shingle manufacturers have faced class-action lawsuits due to faulty products, but it’s important to note that defective shingles are often specific to certain manufacturing facilities. So, it isn’t the case that when GAF or CertainTeed or any other big manufacturers had defective shingles, every respective manufacturing facility was at fault. In other words, not every facility produces defective products, so knowing the track record of the facility that manufactures your shingles is crucial. Obviously, the companies try to keep all product above a standard at all times everywhere, but it’s the micro-scale where issues can arise where knowing the track record of the specific facility is important. 

Warranties

Warranties are one of the most important factors when evaluating shingle quality. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not check the fine print of warranties, and even when they do, the legal jargon can make it difficult to understand the true coverage.

• The first thing to know about IKO and PABCO‘s warranties is that they only cover leaks caused by material defects. If your contractor installs the roof incorrectly, neither warranty will cover the damage. Poor application is responsible for a significant portion of premature roofing problems.

IKO Warranty

• IKO’s Limited Lifetime Warranty applies only to the owner of the single-family residence at the time of installation. For the first 20 years, IKO provides Iron Clad Protection, which includes replacement shingles and a “reasonable allowance” for installation costs. However, other elements like flashings, metal work, vent work, and tear-off/disposal are not covered. The remaining period of the warranty is prorated, meaning the amount IKO will pay to fix a defect diminishes over time.
• Reports suggest that getting IKO to honor its warranty can be challenging, especially since it’s a Canadian company. Even though material defects are rare, if the dollar amount returned is low enough, it may not be worth the effort to claim the warranty.

PABCO Warranty

• PABCO’s Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the owner at the time of installation for 50 years. The non-prorated period lasts for 15 years and covers the reasonable cost of replacement materials and installation. Like IKO, other associated labor or material costs are not covered.
• Both warranties from IKO and PABCO have clauses stating that if your roof isn’t ventilated to their standards, the warranty will be limited to 10 years and only cover shingle replacement. Given that many roofs do not meet perfect ventilation standards, this language can reduce your warranty coverage significantly.

Warranty Conclusion

The main difference between PABCO’s shingles and IKO warranties is the length of coverage. With PABCO, you can get 50 years of coverage, while IKO offers 20 years. Does that mean PABCO shingle is the better shingle? Maybe, maybe not. It’s important to remember that the “true life” of a shingle depends on how it ages and whether or not it develops leaks as it deteriorates.

While some manufacturers, like GAF, have introduced 50-year warranties after improving the longevity of their shingles, it’s unclear whether every company’s shingles can last this long. IKO, for instance, has not jumped on the 50-year warranty bandwagon, which may be a positive sign. It suggests that they believe their shingles have a few decades of reliable life in them.

Color and Appearance

IKO Cambridge shingles are known for their dimensional appearance, with each shingle having a blend of colors designed to create a more varied look. The contrast between shingles enhances the overall appearance, making them resemble cedar shakes more closely.

• PABCO Premier, on the other hand, features less color variation, resulting in a more solid, uniform appearance. While IKO Cambridge relies on 90-degree lines for design, PABCO Premier incorporates diagonal lines for additional dimensionality. While neither shingle perfectly replicates the look of cedar shakes, IKO Cambridge comes closer, thanks to its color variation and depth.

Which Shingle is Right for You?

Both PABCO Premier and IKO Cambridge shingles offer solid value for homeowners who want reliable, low-cost architectural shingles. PABCO may be the better choice for homeowners who prefer a more uniform appearance and a longer warranty, while IKO stands out for its dimensional look and transparency when it comes to contractor programs and system components.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we have extensive experience installing both PABCO and IKO shingles, and we can help you make the right choice for your home based on your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize appearance, warranty coverage, or installation requirements, we’ve got you covered.

Contact Us

For more information on roof health or to discuss your roofing project, please feel free to call us at (253) 544-3651, and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., estimates are always free! Fill out our quick estimate form on our website, and we will contact you promptly. As one of the Northwest’s premier roofing contractors, we’re committed to delivering exceptional results for your re-roofing project. Let us ensure your home stays safe, secure, and stylish for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do PABCO shingles last?

PABCO shingles typically last between 25 to 30 years with proper installation and maintenance. Their durability depends on factors like weather exposure and upkeep.

How much does a PABCO roof cost?

On average, a PABCO roof can cost between $350 to $550 per square (100 sq ft), depending on your location and roof complexity. Always consult a roofing professional for an accurate estimate.

What is the number one rated shingle?

Many sources rank GAF Timberline and CertainTeed Landmark as top-rated shingles for their durability and appearance. PABCO Premier is also highly rated for its value and reliability.

Where are PABCO shingles made?

PABCO shingles are manufactured in Tacoma, Washington, by PABCO Building Products, ensuring high-quality control and tailored products for varying climate conditions.