Malarkey Roofing Review: Features, Cost, and Who's A Good Fit
Wondering if you're the type of homeowner that Malarkey Roofing products are a good fit for? Trying to figure out if paying a bit more for Malarkey is worth it for you or if it's just overkill?
As a roofing contractor who primarily installs Malarkey roofing systems, we at Happy Roofing often get asked if Malarkey is worth the investment. It's a fair question because roof replacements aren't cheap, and you want to be sure you're getting the right blend of performance, style, and value for your home.
We want to be very clear: While we do install Malarkey products and think highly of them in many scenarios, we understand that they're not the perfect fit for everyone.
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what type of homeowner benefits most from Malarkey and who might want to consider other options instead. In this article, we'll break down their strengths, limitations, and where they shine, so you can make a well-informed and confident choice.
Table of Contents
- What Are Malarkey's Unique Features?
- How Much Does a Malarkey Roof Cost?
- Who Benefits Most From Malarkey Roofing Products?
- How to Decide If Malarkey Is Right for You
- Choosing The Best Malarkey Shingle for You
What Malarkey Roofing Features Stand Out Most?
Malarkey Roofing stands out for its combination of impact-resistant shingles, sustainable manufacturing practices, and strong warranty protection. These features go beyond what many standard asphalt shingle brands offer. While Malarkey offers a range of shingle options, their product line consistently emphasizes long-term durability, premium performance, and environmental friendliness.
Malarkey has earned a strong reputation in the roofing industry for its quality control, material innovation, and long-term performance. Many contractors recommend Malarkey for homes in regions with severe seasonal changes, frequent storms, or high wind exposure. These types of circumstances require flexibility and strength, and that can make a meaningful difference in roof lifespan.
Malarkey is a brand chosen by roofers and homeowners who prioritize durability, sustainability, and advanced design features (like polymer-modified asphalt for greater impact resistance and flexibility) over bare-minimum, budget-driven solutions. Below, we’ll break down the core features that make Malarkey a standout option in the asphalt shingle market.
Below is a photo of a Malarkey roof system during installation, sourced from their website:
Malarkey Roofs Are Built for Harsh Weather
Malarkey's shingle construction focuses on performance in challenging conditions. Their impact-rated construction helps protect against damage from hail, falling branches, and other storm debris, which reduces the likelihood of costly repairs after severe weather.
The use of polymer-modified asphalt (NEX Rubberized Asphalt) makes the shingles more flexible than standard asphalt, allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes without becoming brittle or cracking.
Here is a reference breaking down the technology behind their NEX Rubberized Asphalt construction, sourced from Malarkey's website:
Malarkey Uses Sustainable Materials and Provides Air Quality Benefits
Malarkey uses upcycled rubber and plastic to construct their shingles, keeping waste out of landfills while enhancing material strength. They also include smog-reducing granules, which actively help filter air pollutants. It’s estimated that the average Malarkey roof has the ability to clean the air as much as two planted trees.
Malarkey Is Uniquely Algae-Resistant for Lasting Curb Appeal
For long-term curb appeal, Malarkey incorporates algae-resistant technology into all of its products, using 3M copper-infused granules to slow the growth of algae and help prevent the dark streaking that can appear over time, especially in humid or shaded areas.
While other manufacturers like Atlas, CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning do offer algae-resistant technology, they typically reserve it for higher-end or select shingle tiers.
This makes Malarkey unique in the market. Homeowners get algae protection as a standard feature on every shingle, not just the premium lines. That means consistent long-term value and curb appeal without the need to upgrade, as algae growth leaves dark streaks on shingles over time, like in the image below:
Malarkey Has a Strong Warranty Protection
Malarkey backs their roofing systems with comprehensive warranties that cover both manufacturing defects and wind ratings of up to 140 mph. This is in line with other top manufacturers and ensures homeowners receive the same level of protection and peace of mind found with industry leaders, while also benefiting from Malarkey's unique performance and sustainability features.
Malarkey also offers a unique "Your Choice Warranty Option," which allows homeowners to match the warranty terms of other leading manufacturers if preferred. This added flexibility, combined with their strong baseline coverage, reinforces Malarkey's commitment to giving homeowners both reliable protection and confidence in their investment.
How Much Does a Malarkey Roof Typically Cost?
Installed costs for a Malarkey roof typically range from around $5 to $7 per square foot, depending on the shingle series, roof complexity, and local labor rates. That means a straightforward 1,600 sq ft roof might fall between $8,000 and $11,200, with more complex projects costing more. Looking at the total investment alongside the roof's lifespan and performance can help you decide if the added upfront cost makes sense for your home and long-term plans.
Malarkey shingles are generally positioned in the upper mid-tier of the asphalt shingle market. This means a higher initial investment compared to some of the more basic options. In return, you gain enhanced durability, stronger weather resistance, and sustainability features that can reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of your roof.
Who is Malarkey Roofing a Good Fit For?
Malarkey shingles aren't designed to be the cheapest on the market; they're built for homeowners who value long-term performance, sustainability, and enhanced protection. If that sounds like you, here are a few situations where Malarkey can be an especially smart choice.
Homeowners Planning to Stay 15+ Years
If you're investing in your forever home, Malarkey shingles offer strong long-term value. Their patented NEX Rubberized Asphalt, combined with impact resistance and superior granule adhesion, helps ensure long-lasting durability.
This means the shingles are less likely to crack in extreme temperatures, lose protective granules during storms, or suffer damage from hail and debris, all of which are common reasons roofs require early repairs or replacement. By reducing these vulnerabilities, Malarkey roofs can maintain their performance and appearance for decades, giving homeowners a better return on investment over time.
Those Living in Harsh Weather Climates
If you live in an area prone to hail, heavy rain, strong winds, or big temperature swings, Malarkey shingles are a great fit. The rubberized construction makes them flexible enough to expand or contract with temperature changes instead of cracking, and their strong adhesion helps keep the surface intact through high winds and heavy rain. With their high impact ratings, they're tougher than most standard shingles, meaning your roof is less likely to need repairs after a storm.
Real Life Story: We've personally had a homeowner who was affected by a significant hailstorm not long after we installed a new roof using Malarkey Vista shingles. The storm brought hail close to two inches in diameter, large enough to cause serious damage. The home directly across the street had its roof totaled with widespread shingle damage. When we inspected our customer's roof, we found only a couple of visible hail marks on the shingles, none of which compromised performance. The aluminum vents showed some cosmetic denting, which is normal in a storm like that, but the roof itself was still in excellent condition. This real-world experience reinforced what Malarkey promises: high impact resistance and long-lasting protection even in extreme weather.
Environmentally Conscious Homeowners
If you care about making eco-friendly choices for your home, Malarkey aligns well. Their manufacturing process and material choices are designed to reduce waste, limit environmental impact, and contribute to cleaner air. Choosing Malarkey means your roof is part of a bigger effort to use resources responsibly and create long-term benefits for your community and the environment.
Buyers Who Value Warranty & Low Maintenance
If you prefer a roof you don't have to constantly think about, Malarkey is a good choice. The combination of low-maintenance design and strong warranty protection means fewer surprises and less time spent on upkeep. Knowing your shingles are backed by coverage that goes beyond the basics can give you confidence in your investment, especially if you want reliable protection without frequent repairs or cleaning.
Who Isn't Malarkey Roofing The Best Fit For?
Malarkey offers a lot of benefits, but that doesn't mean it's the right match for every homeowner. For some homeowners, the extra investment is well worth it. For others, it may be more than they truly need.
- Budget-first or short-term homeowners: If your main priority is getting the lowest possible upfront price, or if you plan to sell your home soon and just want to meet inspection requirements, Malarkey likely doesn't make financial sense. Basic-level asphalt shingles cost less to install and can still protect your home. In these cases, the long-term durability and premium features of Malarkey might not be top priority for your needs.
- Homes in mild climates with minimal weather stress: If you live in an area with mild weather year-round, no extreme temperatures, hail, or high winds, many of Malarkey's performance upgrades may be unnecessary. A lower-cost mid-range shingle could serve your needs just as well without paying extra for features designed for harsh conditions and improved durability.
- Curb appeal is your only concern: While Malarkey shingles come in attractive styles and colors, they don't currently offer the wide selection that larger manufacturers have available. Their focus and higher price tag are tied to durability and performance, not just looks. If your main concern is a certain color or style, and weather resistance isn't a big factor, other brands may offer more options at a lower or similar cost.
Ultimately, the right roofing choice comes down to matching the product to your needs, your home, and your long-term plans. Malarkey can be a fantastic investment for the right homeowner, but it's not the only quality option out there. By weighing the benefits against your budget, climate, and your long-term goals, you can decide whether its premium features are worth it for you.
How to Decide if Malarkey Roofing Is Right for You
| Deciding Factor | When Malarkey Is a Good Fit | When Another Option Might Be Better |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | You're comfortable investing in shingles that last longer, need fewer repairs, and come with stronger warranties. | You need the lowest upfront cost and don't plan to keep the home long enough to benefit from the added lifespan. |
| Climate & Weather | You live in an area with hail, high winds, heavy rain, snow, or large seasonal temperature swings, and want top-tier impact resistance. | You're in a mild climate with little risk of weather damage and don't need premium weatherproofing. |
| Ownership Plans | You plan to stay 15+ years and want a roof that will still look and perform well decades from now. | You plan to sell soon and want to maximize curb appeal without a high investment. |
| Environmental Priorities | You value sustainable materials and like the idea of a roof that reduces waste and even helps clean the air. | Environmental impact isn't a deciding factor in your roofing choice. |
| Maintenance Preference | You want low-maintenance performance with algae resistance, strong wind coverage, and minimal upkeep. | You're comfortable with periodic maintenance and algae cleaning to save on upfront costs. |
| Style and Color Variety | You're more concerned with performance and are satisfied with a more limited but classic range of styles and colors. | You need a specific or highly customized look beyond Malarkey's current offerings. |
Choosing A Malarkey Shingle That Fits Your Goals
If you’ve decided that Malarkey shingles may be the right fit for your home, the next step is narrowing down which of their shingle lines makes the most sense for your budget and long-term goals.
Each tier of Malarkey shingles (Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor) offers a different level of performance, curb appeal, and long-term value. And while they all share Malarkey’s signature innovations like strong impact ratings, some options may be better suited for certain situations that may or may not be relevant to you.
To help you make a smart, confident choice, we’ve broken down the differences in our guide: Which Malarkey Shingle Is Right for You? Breaking Down Malarkey Shingle Styles. Inside, you’ll see how each shingle compares on cost, durability, and weather resistance, along with which one is best suited to your climate, budget, and goals.
If you'd rather talk to a professional, we're here to help. We offer non-commitment consultations to help you get the information you need to make a well-informed decision that works for you and your home, without pressuring you into any further obligations with us.
