A Personal Story: The Night the Roof Couldn't Hold
I will never forget the night a Midwest storm ripped through our neighborhood like a freight train. Trees bowed low, fences snapped like matchsticks, and in the morning, the streets were littered with shingles—mine included. My family huddled in the basement that night, listening to the howl of the wind. When we emerged, we were lucky: only minor water intrusion and roof damage. But that experience changed how I think about roofs. It was not just about shelter—it was about resilience.
That’s why today’s contractors have a powerful opportunity—and an obligation—to build better. Homeowners aren’t just buying “a new roof” anymore. They are buying protection, peace of mind, and long-term value. In a region like the Midwest, where hailstorms and wind events are a fact of life, installing a Class 4 impact-resistant SBS shingle like IKO Nordic is one of the most important upgrades you can offer your customers.
How Contractors Can Elevate Their Reputation and Revenue with IKO Nordic SBS Shingles
Today’s homeowners are more educated than ever, and they are demanding more durable, longer-lasting products for their homes. By leading with SBS-modified Class 4 impact-resistant shingles like IKO Nordic, contractors can deliver not just compliance, but performance—giving customers a real sense of protection against hail, wind, and severe storms.
IKO Nordic’s rubberized SBS-modified asphalt core enhances flexibility and toughness, making it significantly more resistant to impact damage than conventional shingles. This material science advantage translates into longer roof life, fewer maintenance issues, better protection for the structure beneath, and a greatly reduced risk of insurance claims. Homeowners see the difference immediately when you explain how these shingles absorb and deflect impact energy rather than cracking or tearing.
Sourcing through Richards Building Supply ensures contractors have immediate access to IKO Nordic shingles, supported by training resources, lead generation tools, and marketing support to position the product effectively during the sales process.
Why IKO Nordic Is the Smart Choice for Serious Contractors
IKO Nordic is engineered specifically for performance in regions facing extreme weather risks. Its Class 4 Impact Resistance under UL 2218 is not simply a marketing label; it is a verifiable performance measure that insurance companies and homeowners recognize and value. The reinforced ArmourZone nailing area adds an extra layer of wind uplift protection, essential in markets where wind speeds can reach up to 130 miles per hour.
With algae-resistant granules built into the surface and a heavier overall design compared to standard architectural shingles, IKO Nordic offers a noticeable upgrade in curb appeal and roof integrity. Contractors who sell and install these shingles benefit from lower callback rates, longer-lasting roofs, higher homeowner satisfaction, and a strong competitive edge when discussing quality and performance.
By using RBS CRM tools and the RBS Virtual Design Center, contractors can offer a seamless and professional experience, helping customers visualize shingle colors, style upgrades, and how a higher-performance system will look on their home before installation even begins.
How FORTIFIED™ Roofing Complements an SBS Shingle Strategy
While the real technical leap starts with offering an SBS Class 4 impact-resistant shingle like IKO Nordic, aligning installations with the FORTIFIED™ Roof standards adds an additional layer of differentiation. The FORTIFIED program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), gives contractors a framework for building roofs that resist wind and water intrusion at a level beyond basic code.
When an SBS Class 4 shingle like IKO Nordic is installed according to FORTIFIED principles—using a sealed roof deck, reinforced nailing patterns, and enhanced water barriers—contractors deliver a roofing system that provides unparalleled protection, insurance advantages, and long-term homeowner satisfaction. The use of RBS CRM helps track compliance documentation efficiently, making certification simple when homeowners seek that added level of verification.
However, the true foundation of strength remains the SBS impact-resistant shingle itself, protecting homes when hail strikes and high winds rage.
Why Leading with IKO Nordic Delivers More Than Just a Sale
Installing IKO Nordic shingles means giving homeowners a tangible advantage they can see and feel. It shifts the conversation away from lowest price bids and moves it into real-world value and future protection. Homeowners increasingly recognize that upgrading to a Class 4 impact-resistant product is not a luxury—it is a necessity for protecting their families and their investment.
For contractors, the benefits are just as clear. Jobs featuring IKO Nordic shingles not only bring higher initial ticket sizes but also dramatically reduce the likelihood of service calls and warranty issues. Using RBS Virtual Design Center tools during the presentation allows contractors to walk homeowners through various upgrade options, driving greater emotional buy-in and faster decisions.
Furthermore, strong roofs drive strong reputations. In today’s connected world of online reviews and referral marketing, delivering a product that outperforms expectations sets contractors up for a steady stream of leads from satisfied customers.
Final Takeaway: Strength Begins with the Right Shingle
In today’s competitive marketplace, the contractors who succeed will be the ones who deliver more than minimum code compliance. They will lead with resilience, performance, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.
By offering IKO Nordic SBS Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, supported by Richards Building Supply’s training, CRM technology, and Virtual Design Center tools, contractors can position themselves as true market leaders. Aligning those installations with FORTIFIED™ best practices only strengthens that position further.
Sell performance. Sell protection. Sell the future. Build homes that can take what Mother Nature dishes out—and help your business thrive in the process.
View a few testimonials here.
Clint Klepp
Director of Sales and Marketing
My Digital Business Card
