Malarkey Shingles
Malarkey shingles have a strong following among Alberta roofers. They also have first-class ratings from Edmonton homeowners.
Malarkey started in 1956 and has a long-lasting reputation for superb shingle quality.
Why Malarkey's Legacy is the Best Roofing Shingle?
Malarkey’s Legacy is a high-performance architectural shingle line.
Malarkey’s Legacy roofing shingles are the best high-performance asphalt shingles. They are smooth to install and can last up to 35 years. The Legacy shingles have two significant advantages: superb quality and subtle but revolutionary designs.
High Quality
The amount of asphalt used gives an asphalt shingle its thickness, weight and adds to its strength. Up to a point, heavier shingles outlast lighter ones. However, the most critical factor is the quality of the asphalt. High-quality asphalt is almost always flexible and less brittle.
Finely pulverized minerals (fillers) are added to the asphalt to give shingles toughness and body. These tiny minerals increase the lifespan of the shingle. Not enough fillers cause shingles to become soft, and they can scuff easily, leaving black marks on the roof. The right amount of fillers makes shingles flexible and desirable.
Next, granules are adhered to asphalt, adding colour and a layer of protection from UV rays. High-quality roofing shingles often exhibit strong granule adhesion, which increases their lifespan.
Over the years, Malarkey has developed its roofing shingle technology and came up with the NEX Polymer Modified Asphalt for all of its shingle products. They utilize polymers from repurposed materials to enhance shingle performance. In particular, this technology improves shingle flexibility, granule adhesion, cold weather installation, and impact resistance.
Revolutionary Designs to Prevent Shingle Blow-off
A 2,500 square feet roof requires over 6,000 roofing nails. The correct placement is time-consuming since most roofing shingles have a narrow nailing zone – 3/8″ or 1/2″. High or low nails result in shingle blow-offs, common in Edmonton after a heavy windstorm.
Malarkey created The Zone to eliminate the inherent conflict between fast installation and accurate nailing. The roofing shingles are equipped with The Zone to have a 1-3/4″ nailing area, about up to three times larger than an average shingle.
An additional advantage of The Zone is that they provide a significant reduction in blow-back leaks. Blow-back leaks happen when a rain seal (the glue line at the top of the backing strip) is breached. When this happens, water-blown can leak behind a shingle.
Class 4 Impact Resistance Shingles
In 1996, property insurance industry experts teamed with the Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) to develop the UL 2218 classification.
UL 2218 set a national standard for roof impact resistance by rating roofing materials from Class 1 through Class 4. Class 4 in the highest and the toughest.
During a Class 4 impact resistance test on asphalt shingles, a 2” diameter steel ball is dropped two times from 20 feet onto the shingle to simulate an impact from hailstones. This process is then repeated in six different places. A shingle passes the test if it does not show any visible evidence of tearing, fracturing, cracking and splitting.
The Legacy is Malarkey’s premium shingle line. The Legacy asphalt shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
Are Class 4 asphalt shingles hail-proof?
The short answer is no. Asphalt roofing material is not hail-proof; however, homeowners in hail prone areas can reduce their risk of impact damage by installing Class 4 shingles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Malarkey shingles different from traditional asphalt shingles?
Malarkey shingles stand out because they use polymer-modified (rubberized) asphalt, which is more flexible and durable than traditional oxidized asphalt used in standard shingles. This rubberized technology helps the shingles resist cracking, tearing, and aging in extreme temperatures. In addition, Malarkey incorporates recycled rubber and plastics into its manufacturing process, improving strength while reducing environmental waste. These design improvements result in better adhesion, higher durability, and improved long-term performance compared to conventional asphalt shingles.
2. Are Malarkey shingles environmentally friendly?
Yes, Malarkey shingles are widely considered an environmentally responsible roofing option. They are manufactured using upcycled rubber and plastic materials, which helps divert waste from landfills. Many Malarkey products also include smog-reducing granules that help improve air quality by breaking down airborne pollutants. The company’s sustainability initiatives are a key part of its product design, making them a strong choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
3. How durable are Malarkey shingles in extreme weather?
Malarkey shingles are designed specifically for harsh weather performance, including heavy snow, high winds, and hail. Their rubberized asphalt technology allows the shingles to remain flexible in cold temperatures, reducing cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. Many product lines also feature strong wind resistance ratings and reinforced bonding that helps shingles stay secure during storms. Overall, they are known for above-average performance in extreme climates compared to standard asphalt shingles.
4. What is the expected lifespan of Malarkey roofing shingles?
Malarkey roofing shingles typically last 25 to 40+ years, depending on the product line and installation quality. Premium options such as architectural and designer series shingles often last longer due to thicker construction and enhanced materials. Proper ventilation, installation, and maintenance play a major role in maximizing lifespan. In many cases, homeowners experience longer service life compared to basic asphalt shingles due to improved material flexibility and durability.
5. Do Malarkey shingles offer impact resistance?
Yes, many Malarkey shingles are engineered for impact resistance, including Class 3 and Class 4 ratings depending on the product line. This means they can better withstand hail, falling debris, and storm-related impacts compared to standard shingles. The rubberized asphalt technology improves flexibility, allowing the shingles to absorb impact energy instead of cracking or breaking. This makes them especially suitable for regions prone to hailstorms.
6. What warranty options are available with Malarkey shingles?
Malarkey shingles come with limited lifetime warranties on many architectural and premium product lines. They also offer non-prorated coverage periods (typically 10–15 years depending on the product), followed by prorated coverage for the remainder of the warranty term. Extended warranty protection may be available when installed by certified contractors and when full roofing system components are used. Warranty terms vary by product line and installation compliance.
7. How do Malarkey shingles help improve air quality?
Malarkey shingles include smog-reducing granules that are designed to help break down airborne pollutants when exposed to sunlight. These granules contribute to improving local air quality over time. In addition, the manufacturing process uses recycled materials, reducing environmental impact. This combination of sustainable production and air-quality-enhancing technology makes Malarkey one of the more eco-focused roofing brands available today.
8. What styles and colors do Malarkey shingles come in?
Malarkey shingles are available in a range of architectural and designer styles, including options that mimic the appearance of natural slate or wood shake. Color selections typically include earth tones, greys, blacks, browns, and blended shades designed to complement various home exteriors. While their color palette may be slightly more limited than some competitors, the available options are designed for strong curb appeal and long-lasting color stability.
9. Are Malarkey shingles worth the investment?
Yes, Malarkey shingles are generally considered worth the investment for homeowners who prioritize durability, impact resistance, and long-term performance. While they may have a higher upfront cost than standard asphalt shingles, their extended lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and stronger weather resistance often provide better long-term value. They are especially beneficial in regions with harsh winters or frequent storm activity.
10. How much do Malarkey shingles cost compared to competitors?
Malarkey shingles are typically positioned in the mid-to-premium price range compared to other asphalt roofing brands. They often cost more than basic shingles due to their rubberized technology and enhanced durability features. However, they are competitively priced within the premium architectural shingle category. While initial costs are higher, many homeowners find that reduced repairs and longer lifespan help offset the investment over time.
