Is a Malarkey Roofing System Worth the Higher Price? Honest Pros, Cons & Cost Breakdown

You may have come across the name Malarkey while researching roofing options, and with so many brands on the market, it’s only natural to wonder where your money is best spent. When you're making a decision that could impact your home’s protection and value for decades, it pays to understand what truly separates one roofing system from another.

At Happy Roofing, we’ve installed hundreds of roof systems throughout the Naperville area and have worked extensively with Malarkey products. We chose to partner with them for their proven durability, impact resistance, and long-term performance. From everyday wear to harsh weather, we’ve seen how Malarkey systems hold up and why they’ve become a trusted choice for homeowners who want lasting value.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what sets Malarkey apart, what costs to expect, and how to decide if a Malarkey roof system is the right choice for your home. Whether you’re replacing your roof or planning ahead, this guide will help you weigh the benefits and decide if Malarkey aligns with your goals.

What Is a Malarkey Roofing System?

Malarkey is a well-respected manufacturer in the roofing industry known for innovation, durability, and sustainability. They specialize in asphalt shingles and roofing components designed to outperform traditional materials in both longevity and environmental impact.

But a Malarkey roof isn’t just about shingles. Their systems are built to work together, and all of their materials are engineered to ensure maximum protection, compatibility, and warranty performance. Every component plays a role in keeping your roof structurally sound and weather-tight, especially in unpredictable climates like the Midwest.

What Makes Malarkey Shingles Different From Other Shingles?

Unlike many traditional shingles that use oxidized asphalt, Malarkey uses SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) rubberized asphalt in their shingles. This offers the shingles increased flexibility, impact resistance, and long-term adhesion, which is especially useful in extreme weather. According to Asphalt Magazine, SBS-modified asphalt shingles also show improved granule retention and greater resistance to cracking, curling, and becoming brittle with age compared to conventional asphalt shingles.

Malarkey also focuses on sustainability. Their shingles include special smog-reducing granules that help clean the air, like a tree. When exposed to sunlight, these granules help break down certain air pollutants, like those from car exhaust. Each Malarkey roof is estimated to have the same air-cleaning impact as planting two trees, making it a smart choice for homeowners who care about both performance and the environment. This is an up-close view of a Malarkey asphalt shingle from Malarkey's website: 

What Components are Included in a Full Malarkey Roofing System?

A full Malarkey roofing system, called the Secure Choice System, includes five main parts that are designed to work together for strength, weather protection, and long-term performance. It starts with starter shingles along the edges, then field shingles that cover most of the roof, and hip and ridge shingles that protect the high points. Underneath, there’s an underlayment for extra protection and an ice and water shield in the most vulnerable areas to prevent leaks from heavy rain or ice dams. Together, these components create a roof built to last. Here’s more about what that system includes:

• Roofing Shingles: Malarkey offers several shingle lines (Highlander, Vista, and Legacy), each providing increasing levels of durability, impact resistance, and wind protection. There are different types of shingles, each for a specific purpose, and Malarkey produces all of them:
• Starter Shingles: Installed along the edge of the roof, these shingles provide the initial seal and alignment for your roof’s first row. Their built-in adhesive helps prevent them from lifting and ensures a watertight roof edge.
• Field Shingles: These are the standard shingles that we cover the majority of your roof. These are the first to be noticed from the curb.
• Ridge/Hip Shingles: These specialized shingles are used to finish the ridgelines of your roof, both reinforcing the system’s integrity and providing a clean, finished appearance. They are thicker and more durable than generic caps, helping defend one of the roof’s most vulnerable areas.
• Underlayment/Ice and Water Shield: This waterproof barrier sits beneath the shingles, protecting your decking from moisture infiltration caused by wind-driven rain, ice dams, or accidental leaks. Malarkey’s underlayments are designed for strong adhesion and breathability to keep unwanted moisture away.

When a certified contractor installs all these components together, they form a fully integrated roofing system that delivers long-term performance, compatibility, and eligibility for Malarkey’s extended warranty coverage, giving you peace of mind that your roof is built to last. Here's a visual showcasing the components that come together to create the Secure Choice System, straight from Malarkey's website:

Why Do Malarkey Roofs Cost More Than Other Options?

While a Malarkey roofing system does cost more than standard industry options, the difference is often smaller than most homeowners expect. On an average-sized home, the added cost typically comes out to around $600 more compared to a roof built with more common materials.

A full Malarkey roofing system is not intended to be the cheapest option. Its price reflects the quality of the materials, the durability of the design, and the performance you can expect over time. For many homeowners, the decision comes down to balancing upfront costs with the value of long-term performance.

What Contributes To The Price of a Malarkey Roof?

The slightly higher price of a Malarkey roof comes from the materials and technology that go into making it a longer-lasting, more sustainable roofing system:

• High-quality Construction: All of Malarkey’s shingle tiers offer premium durability, meaning fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.
• Eco-friendly materials: Malarkey uses upcycled rubber and plastic, reducing landfill waste.
• Rubberized asphalt: This unique engineering choice helps the shingles stay flexible, retain granules, and resist impacts.
• Smog-reducing granules: Malarkey shingles help clean the air by breaking down certain pollutants, with one roof system being the estimated equivalent of two planted trees.

Is the Extra Cost of A Malarkey Roof Justified?

Malarkey shingles are made with higher-grade materials and manufacturing processes, which can improve durability, impact resistance, and resistance to weather-related wear. Over time, that may mean fewer repairs or replacements compared to some standard shingles.

However, the higher cost may not be necessary for every situation. Factors such as your local climate, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your priorities for environmental performance and warranty coverage can all influence whether the investment makes sense for you. By considering these variables alongside the price, you can decide if the long-term benefits align with your specific needs and budget.

Long-lasting Durability

Depending on the product line, Malarkey shingles carry a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rating, meaning they’re tested to withstand hail and flying debris at a higher level than many standard shingles. Even Malarkey’s entry-level architectural shingle (the Highlander) is rated Class 3, an impact rating that’s often reserved for premium products from other manufacturers. This can be especially valuable in regions that experience frequent storms, where roof damage and emergency repairs are a recurring concern.

The wind performance of Malarkey is also impressive. Some of their shingles, like the Legacy line, are rated to withstand winds up to 130 mph when installed as part of a complete system, putting them at the high end of the standard range for premium architectural shingles. While this rating isn’t unusual for premium architectural shingles, it offers competitive durability against high winds and extreme weather conditions.

Curb Appeal

Malarkey roofing systems hold up well over time. Their shingles feature algae-resistant copper granules and high adhesive strength to promote shingle security and prevent granule loss, which helps the roof maintain a clean, uniform appearance for years. Homeowners who care about aesthetics as much as performance would benefit from their construction. Below is an example of a Malarkey roofing system that we recently installed. 

Strong Warranties

If your roof is installed by a Malarkey Certified Premium contractor and includes at least four Malarkey-branded components, you qualify for their Certified Premium Warranty. This enhanced coverage includes a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects, five years of contractor-backed workmanship coverage (with Malarkey covering the remainder), and wind damage protection for up to 15 years. It also comes with a Right Start period, which is 10-20 years of full, non-prorated coverage. This means Malarkey will cover the full cost of repairs or replacement during that time. The Certified Premium Warranty can also be transferred to a new homeowner if registered within the required timeframe of 60 days of title transfer.

Environmentally Friendly

Environmentally, Malarkey has also carved out a unique position in the industry. Their shingles incorporate recycled rubber and plastic, reducing landfill waste. With their 3M Smog-Reducing Granules, every Malarkey roof helps neutralize airborne pollutants, offering the same air-cleaning benefit as planting a couple of trees. For eco-conscious homeowners, this is a small but meaningful way to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

When Might a Malarkey Roof Not Be Worth the Extra Cost?

While Malarkey offers excellent long-term value and high-quality construction, it’s not always the right fit for every homeowner or situation.

Maybe you’re planning to move in the next couple of years, and just need to refresh your roof before the sale. Maybe you’re renovating a home to rent. In cases like these, spending extra on a high-performance roof system may not be necessary. A more basic roofing option can still provide adequate protection without adding costs you may not fully recoup.

Similarly, for homes in mild climates with minimal exposure to hail, heavy snow, or strong winds, the added durability of a Malarkey system might not be necessary. Another thing to consider is that every brand offers different shingle designs and colors, and you may find the perfect shingle through another brand.

How Much Will A Malarkey Roof Cost You?

Choosing the right roofing system is more than shingle selection. Malarkey offers a rare combination of performance, durability, and environmental sustainability. For many homeowners, the modest increase in overall replacement cost pays off in long-term performance, stronger warranties, and peace of mind that lasts for decades.

No matter which manufacturer you choose for your next roof replacement, comparing your options and doing some research before making any decisions is crucial. Every roof and situation is different, and no two solutions are the same. We recommend getting more than one roofing quote and weighing your options. It’s good to have a clear understanding of what the different contractors and manufacturers out there have to offer.

If you’re wondering whether a Malarkey roof is right for your home and what it might cost, you can get a ballpark estimate in about a minute with our Instant Roof Estimate Tool. Just enter a few details about your roof, and you’ll see a personalized cost estimate right away. It’s quick, free, and gives you a clear starting point before scheduling any in-person consultations.