Comparing Roof Shingles: GAF Timberline HDZ vs. IKO Dynasty

A roof replacement is more than just a big investment; it requires careful decision-making. From finding the right roofing company and deciding whether you’ll go through insurance to selecting quality shingles.

Over the years we’ve found that choosing the right roof shingles tends to cause homeowners a lot of stress. And in our opinion, that stress is undue. Because unlike other products, the quality of the shingles is inconsequential compared to the quality of the roof installation. 

But, we’re roofers! So of course we think that. Which is why we think it’s important to answer your questions about which shingles are best for your home. And to us, it all boils down to the warranties that come with your shingles. Not only that, but also the pros and cons that come with different shingle brands. So, today we’ll cover two heavy hitters in the roofing industry: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles and IKO Dynasty shingles.

Let’s talk about roof shingles!

Comparing GAF Timberline HDZ vs. IKO Dynasty Roofing Shingle Warranties

GAF and IKO are well known in the roofing industry for their long lasting, quality roof shingles. Because of that, they’ve become a bit of a household name for homeowners looking to replace their roof. And while both shingle manufacturers offer high quality roofing shingles, their warranties are different. Warranties are important for homeowners in Myrtle Beach. We have plenty of storms in our area, so it’s important to gather all the information you can about what shingle manufacturers offer in the event that their product fails.

To make it easier to compare, we created a chart that combines all of the most important warranty information about GAF Timberline HDZ shingle warranties and IKO Dynasty shingles into a digestible table.

By looking at the chart, it’s fairly clear that GAF Timberline HDZ roof shingles offer you more. But you may still be wondering “How do GAF Timberline HDZ shingles and IKO Dynasty shingles perform?”

GAF Timberline HDZ vs. IKO Dynasty Roof Shingles: Performance

As previously mentioned, the quality of your roof installation is the most important factor in a high performing and long lasting new roof. And while each of these shingles have advanced benefits compared to lesser models, even the best shingles can fail if they’re not installed properly. 

With that being said, these brands each offer a few unique features. Something that helps them stand in a league of their own is their larger nailing zone. This is important because it prevents improperly placed nails during installation, which can later result in a roof leak. But, let’s break down the pros and cons of the performance of these roof shingles to help you pick the right one for you.

IKO Dynasty Performance

Pros:

1. Reinforced Nailing Zone: Advertised for superior performance in withstanding uplift forces if wind gets underneath the shingles.
2. Wind Resistance: Resistant to strong winds that remove shingles nailed in the reinforced zone. In fact IKO has spread the word about this well, as there are a number of videos showing how resistant IKO Dynasty shingles are from disconnecting to the roof.
   

Cons:

1. Inconsistent Bonding: Reports of variability in how quickly and reliably the shingles bond together, with bonding sometimes taking weeks or months. In our experience roofing in the Myrtle Beach area for 39+ years, we find that shingles should only take a few hours to start to bond together, unless temperatures are very low in the winter months. However IKO states on their website that their “roofing materials don’t work as well as they do in moderate temperatures…”
2. Warranty Limitations: Despite the reinforced nailing zone, the wind warranty is capped at 130 mph, similar to competitors without the feature.
3. Sealing Problems: Homeowners mention defects in bonding can lead to shingles not sealing properly, making them susceptible to wind damage. 
4. Manufacturing Defects: Issues with the release film not properly separating from the shingles, resulting in damaged or improperly sealed shingles.

GAF Timberline HDZ Performance

Pros:

1. Strong Bond Line: Features DuraGrip adhesive that bonds shingles together quickly, often within a few hours on a warm day.

    

2. Consistent Bonding: Reliable adhesion with fewer inconsistencies compared to IKO shingles. This also prevents wind from getting underneath the shingles, reducing the likelihood of wind damage.
3. Reputation for Quality: Praised for consistency and reliability in installation and performance.

Cons:

1. No Reinforced Nailing Zone: Relies on high quality bonding rather than additional reinforcement in the nailing area.

It’s nice to know the benefits and drawbacks of a shingle type before you opt in. This allows you to compare your options and choose which product is best for your home. However, if you feel on the fence or you’re curious about our take on all of this, we’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Best Roof Shingle: GAF Timberline HDZ vs. IKO Dynasty

Both roof shingle types here have many incredible features and benefits. Over the years we’ve installed both types of shingles, but if you know us, you may know that today we exclusively install GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. 

Like you, we had to be won over.

In comparing the warranties we can offer our customers and lived experience over our 39+ years in business, we’ve come to find that the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles stand above the rest. But that doesn’t mean IKO Dynasty shingles are not a good choice for your home. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right roof shingles comes down to your individual preference. And depending on what you’re most concerned about, you can choose the roof shingles that you’ll love for many years to come. And if you’ve made it this far, you’re likely at the end of your roofing journey, which leaves only one thing left to do – choosing the right color for your shingles!

And no matter what roofing related question you may have, we at Linta Roofing are proud to be your #1 source for roofing information. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions about choosing the right roofing shingle!