Are Malarkey Shingles Any Good? (Durability, Cost, & More)

When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right roofing material can make all the difference. Malarkey shingles have gained attention in the roofing industry for their innovative technology and commitment to sustainability. But are they the right choice for your home?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Malarkey shingles, including:

• What makes Malarkey shingles unique in the marketplace
• Cost considerations and value comparison with other brands
• Installation requirements and warranty coverage
• How Malarkey shingles stack up against leading competitors

🤔 What Are Malarkey Shingles?

Malarkey Roofing Products has been manufacturing asphalt shingles since 1956, earning a reputation as an innovative leader in sustainable roofing materials. Based in Portland, Oregon, the company focuses on creating high-performance shingles that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

What sets Malarkey apart from other manufacturers is their commitment to using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Their shingles incorporate recycled rubber and plastic, which not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the performance characteristics of the final product.

Malarkey offers several product lines, including their Legacy, Highlander, Vista, and Windsor series. Each line targets different market segments, from budget-conscious homeowners to those seeking premium architectural shingles with enhanced durability features.

The company has also pioneered several innovative technologies, including their NEX (Polymer Modified Technology) system, which uses synthetic polymers to improve flexibility, impact resistance, and overall longevity. This technology helps their shingles perform better in extreme weather conditions compared to traditional asphalt shingles.

Durability and Performance of Malarkey Shingles

• Wind Resistance: Malarkey shingles are built to withstand winds up to 130 mph, thanks to advanced adhesive systems, dual-seal strip designs, and reinforced construction. Premium lines like the Legacy series feature enhanced nail strip areas and sealants that perform in a wide range of temperatures.
• Impact Resistance: With Class 4 impact resistance, Malarkey shingles can handle hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter without cracking. This durability comes from recycled rubber and advanced polymers, allowing the shingles to flex on impact instead of breaking.
• Weather Resistance: Designed for all climates, Malarkey shingles feature algae-resistant granules for humid areas, UV protection for sunny regions, and flexibility for freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-lasting performance and color integrity.

💵 Cost Analysis of Malarkey Shingles

Understanding the cost of Malarkey shingles helps homeowners make informed decisions about their roofing investment. It provides clarity on pricing, durability, and long-term value for your home.

Initial Investment

Malarkey shingles typically fall into the mid to upper-mid price range compared to other asphalt shingle manufacturers. You can expect to pay approximately 10-20% more than basic three-tab shingles, but they often cost less than premium offerings from brands like GAF or CertainTeed.

The exact cost varies depending on the product line you choose. Their Vista series represents their most budget-friendly option, while the Legacy and Highlander lines command premium prices due to their enhanced features and longer warranties.

When calculating costs, remember to factor in potential insurance discounts. Many insurance companies offer reductions in premiums for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, which can help offset the higher initial investment over time.

Long-Term Value

The true value of Malarkey shingles becomes apparent when you consider their longevity and performance. Their enhanced durability means fewer repairs and replacements over the life of your roof. The impact resistance can prevent costly damage from hail storms, while the superior wind resistance reduces the risk of storm-related repairs.

Additionally, the energy efficiency features found in some Malarkey products can contribute to lower cooling costs during hot summer months. Their cool roof technology reflects more solar energy than traditional dark shingles, helping maintain more comfortable indoor temperatures.

⭐️ 5 Key Benefits of Malarkey Shingles

Malarkey Shingles offer durability and eco-friendly performance, making them a smart choice for homeowners. Their innovative design provides reliable protection while reducing environmental impact.

1. Environmental Sustainability

Malarkey leads the industry in sustainable manufacturing practices. Their shingles contain up to 95% recycled content, including recycled rubber from old tires and recycled plastics. This commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise performance – in fact, these recycled materials often enhance the shingles’ durability and flexibility.

The company also focuses on reducing waste during manufacturing and has implemented energy-efficient production processes. For environmentally conscious homeowners, choosing Malarkey shingles represents a meaningful way to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing quality.

2. Advanced NEX Technology

The NEX (Polymer Modified Technology) system represents a significant advancement in asphalt shingle manufacturing. This proprietary technology incorporates synthetic polymers into the asphalt mixture, creating shingles that are more flexible, durable, and resistant to cracking than traditional alternatives.

NEX technology helps shingles maintain their protective properties across a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. This means better performance in both hot summers and cold winters, regardless of your geographic location.

3. Superior Impact Protection

With many products achieving Class 4 impact resistance, Malarkey shingles offer some of the best hail protection available in asphalt shingles. This protection can save homeowners thousands of dollars in potential storm damage and may qualify them for insurance premium discounts.

The impact resistance comes from the careful engineering of the asphalt formulation and the strategic use of recycled rubber components. These materials help the shingles absorb and distribute impact energy rather than cracking or losing protective granules.

4. Comprehensive Warranty Coverage

Malarkey backs their products with robust warranty coverage that often exceeds industry standards. Their premium products come with limited lifetime warranties that cover both materials and workmanship, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

The company also offers enhanced warranties for installations performed by certified contractors, which can include coverage for labor costs and additional protections against specific types of damage. These warranties demonstrate Malarkey’s confidence in their products’ long-term performance.

5. Proven Wind Performance

With wind resistance ratings up to 130 mph, Malarkey shingles provide exceptional protection against storm damage. This performance comes from their advanced adhesive systems and reinforced construction methods that create stronger bonds between individual shingles.

The company’s dual-seal strip design and enhanced nail strip areas work together to prevent wind uplift, even in severe weather conditions. This superior wind resistance translates to fewer storm-related repairs and better long-term protection for your home.

🛠️ Installation Requirements and Considerations

Understanding installation requirements ensures your setup is compatible and runs smoothly. Considering these factors ahead of time can prevent costly errors and delays.

Professional Installation Recommended

While Malarkey shingles can be installed using standard roofing techniques, the company strongly recommends professional installation to ensure optimal performance and warranty coverage. Proper installation is crucial for achieving the full benefits of their advanced features, including wind and impact resistance.

Working with certified Malarkey contractors often provides additional warranty benefits and ensures that installation follows the manufacturer’s specific guidelines. These contractors receive specialized training on the unique characteristics of Malarkey products and best practices for installation.

Climate-Specific Considerations

Different Malarkey product lines are optimized for specific climate conditions. When selecting shingles, consider your local weather patterns, including average temperatures, humidity levels, and storm frequency. Your roofing contractor can help you choose the most appropriate product line for your specific location.

In areas prone to severe weather, investing in the premium lines with enhanced impact and wind resistance may provide better long-term value, even if the initial cost is higher.

Underlayment and Ventilation

Like all quality roofing systems, Malarkey shingles perform best when installed over proper underlayment with adequate ventilation. The company provides specific guidelines for underlayment selection and ventilation requirements that should be followed to maintain warranty coverage.

Proper attic ventilation is particularly important for maximizing the lifespan of any asphalt shingle, including Malarkey products. Good ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing premature aging and potential damage.

⚖️ How Malarkey Compares to Other Shingle Brands

Understanding how Malarkey compares to other shingle brands helps homeowners make informed decisions about durability, sustainability, and value. Comparing features ensures you’re investing in a product that meets your needs and stands the test of time.

Feature	Malarkey	GAF	Owens Corning	CertainTeed
Market Reach	Competitive quality with superior environmental credentials	Largest shingle manufacturer in North America	Broad market recognition and comprehensive product portfolio	Focus on premium shingles with strong aesthetics
Sustainability	Excels with recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing practices	Limited emphasis on sustainability	Limited sustainability focus	Limited sustainability focus
Technology	NEX polymer technology enhances performance and eco-conscious appeal	Offers wide dealer network and contractor training programs	Fiberglass-based shingles with Class 4 impact-resistant options	Offers strong warranty and architectural shingle styles
Color & Style Options	Limited but competitive	Wide range of options	Broad range of color options	Larger selection of colors and architectural styles
Warranty Coverage	Strong warranty coverage	Solid warranty	Strong warranty coverage	Excellent warranty coverage

🏠 Partner with Palladium Roofing for Your Malarkey Shingle Installation

At Palladium Roofing, we understand that choosing the right shingles is just the beginning. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in Malarkey shingle installations, and we’re proud to be an Emerald Pro contractor, which means we can offer you enhanced warranty coverage and specialized expertise.

Ready to experience the benefits of Malarkey shingles for your home? Contact Palladium Roofing today to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover why homeowners throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding areas trust us with their most important investment.