Malarkey vs. CertainTeed: Which Roofing Shingle Is Right for Your Home in Illinois?

Choosing the right roofing shingle for your home is a big decision. Your roof is your home's first line of defense, and with so many manufacturers offering various features, prices, and promises, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

At Happy Roofing, we often hear homeowners ask, "How does Malarkey compare to CertainTeed?" Both are well-respected asphalt shingle brands with solid reputations for durability and performance, but they take different approaches in materials, design, and differ in long-term value depending on your personal goals.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how Malarkey and CertainTeed compare side by side, so you can confidently choose the right fit for your home, climate, and goals.

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Malarkey and CertainTeed
• What Categories We're Comparing Both Manufacturers On
• How Malarkey and CertainTeed Compare Based on Performance
• How Malarkey and CertainTeed Compare Based on Styling Options
• How Malarkey and CertainTeed Compare Based on Cost
• Choosing the Right Shingle Manufacturer for You

Who Are Malarkey and CertainTeed?

Malarkey builds high-performance features into every shingle line, including rubberized asphalt and Class 3 or 4 impact ratings, even at the entry level. CertainTeed, on the other hand, offers excellent durability in most of its architectural shingles, but reserves advanced features like SBS-modified asphalt and Class 4 impact ratings for select lines such as NorthGate.

Let's look at how those differences show up in real-world performance:

An Overview of Malarkey Roofing Products

Malarkey may not be the most nationally recognized name, but it's growing fast in reputation thanks to its emphasis on sustainability, durability, and advanced technology. For homeowners who prioritize eco-friendly construction and long-lasting performance, Malarkey delivers standout value.

All of their shingles (Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor) include at least Class 3 impact resistance, NEX rubberized asphalt, and smog-reducing granules. That makes Malarkey a smart option for Northern Illinois's more inclement weather or homeowners who prioritize long-term protection.

An Overview of CertainTeed

CertainTeed is widely considered one of the most premium asphalt shingle manufacturers in North America. Known for heavy, thick shingles and quality designs, CertainTeed has earned a reputation for delivering high-end curb appeal and long-term durability.

If you're looking for something that closely replicates the look of slate, shake, or high-end architectural detail, CertainTeed likely has a product that fits your vision.

What Categories We're Comparing Malarkey and CertainTeed On, and Why They Matter

To make this comparison meaningful, we're focusing on the categories that matter most to homeowners making a roof investment:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: How well the shingles stand up to hail, wind, freeze-thaw cycles, and long-term wear is important in Northern Illinois. With our rapid temperature swings, cold winters, and occasional hailstorms, choosing a shingle that can withstand our climate is crucial when it comes to longevity.

• Curb Appeal and Style Options: While it shouldn't be the only factor, appearance is an important consideration when selecting a shingle for your home. How each brand approaches design, color variety, and overall visual impact.

• Cost and Long-Term Value: What you pay vs. what you get in materials, technology, and warranty support. A shingle's value depends on the specific homeowner's personal tastes and long-term goals.

How Do Malarkey and CertainTeed Compare Based on Performance?

Malarkey emphasizes consistency, offering impact resistance, rubberized asphalt, and advanced granule technology across all product tiers, but with fewer overall style and design options. CertainTeed delivers excellent durability as well, but reserves its highest-performance features like SBS-modified asphalt and Class 4 impact ratings for select premium lines. Let's look at how those differences show up in real-world performance.

Malarkey Shingle Durability

Malarkey shingles come with impact resistance and SBS-modified asphalt standard across all lines. All of their shingles carry at least a Class 3 Impact Rating (with Vista and above rated Class 4), and their NEX Rubberized Asphalt helps reduce cracking and granule loss in extreme weather. Their adhesive seals and reinforced nailing zone (The Zone) help protect against wind uplift up to 130 mph.

Below is a diagram showing the construction of Malarkey's shingles, straight from their website:

CertainTeed shingles Durability

CertainTeed shingles are among the heaviest in the industry. Their Landmark line (and above) includes dual-layer construction and high tear resistance, making them excellent for impact and wind performance. NorthGate is their SBS-modified line, offering Class 4 impact resistance, but not all CertainTeed shingles come with this material by default. In terms of warranty and lab-tested results, CertainTeed consistently ranks among the top for durability.

Below is a photo from CertainTeed's website showing how they utilize layers for a strong bond:

Which Performs Better in Northern Illinois?

In Northern Illinois, both brands offer strong performance, but Malarkey's built-in features across all tiers give it an edge for impact protection and freeze-thaw durability without requiring a premium-tier purchase.

How Do Malarkey and CertainTeed's Style Options Compare?

CertainTeed offers one of the widest selections of shingle styles and color options in the industry, including luxury lines that replicate slate and wood shake. Malarkey, on the other hand, has fewer overall product lines but takes a more curated approach.

Below, we'll break down the key differences in design, texture, and curb appeal.

Malarkey's Shingle Design Range

Malarkey keeps its lineup focused with four main asphalt shingle lines, each offering layered looks and built-in performance features:

• Highlander is Malarkey's entry-level architectural shingle. It features dimensional styling and comes with a Class 3 impact rating, making it more durable than standard 3-tab shingles, ideal for homeowners who want affordable protection without sacrificing quality.

• Vista builds on Highlander with additional thickness (about 10% more), a Class 4 impact rating, and enhanced granule blends for improved color depth. It strikes a strong balance between performance, aesthetics, and cost, and is the most popular choice among the homeowners we've worked with.

• Legacy is a heavier, premium architectural shingle with bold shadow lines for added depth and Class 4 impact resistance. It's 19% thicker than Highlander and offers stronger warranty coverage, designed for homeowners who want to maximize long-term protection with a bold look.

• Windsor is Malarkey's only designer shingle, providing a high-end look and even better durability. With thicker construction and a premium aesthetic, it's well-suited for traditional or high-end homes where both appearance and longevity are top priorities.

While Malarkey offers fewer total styles than many other manufacturers, its selection is thoughtfully curated, with natural, classic tones and a performance-first approach to roofing.

CertainTeed's Shingle Design Range

CertainTeed is known for its expansive lineup of asphalt shingles, offering everything from basic architectural styles to high-end luxury designs:

• Landmark is CertainTeed's widely used entry-level architectural shingle. It features dual-layer construction and a classic look, making it a go-to for homeowners wanting durability at a reasonable price.

• Landmark Pro and Landmark Premium enhance the Landmark line with thicker construction, deeper color saturation, and upgraded performance, making them great for those looking for a step above standard architectural shingles.

• NorthGate is CertainTeed's performance line featuring SBS-modified asphalt for added flexibility and Class 4 impact resistance. It's ideal for harsh climates or homeowners seeking higher protection without sacrificing design.

• Presidential Shake, Grand Manor, and Highland Slate are CertainTeed's luxury lines, designed to emulate the appearance of natural materials like wood shake or slate. These shingles are heavier, more textured, and intended for high-end or architecturally distinct homes.

With a large color and style library, CertainTeed is a top choice for homeowners who prioritize visual variety or upscale finish options.

Which Brand's Style Is the Right Fit for Your Home?

Both manufacturers produce shingles that perform very well in areas like Northern Illinois. If you're focused on curb appeal and styling options, CertainTeed may be the better choice. If you prefer durability-focused construction, a carefully narrowed selection, and tasteful, classic tones, Malarkey may be the better fit for you.

How Do Malarkey and CertianTeed Compare on Cost and Value?

Malarkey and CertainTeed are both positioned in the mid-to-premium price range, but how they deliver value differs. Malarkey includes performance features like rubberized asphalt and impact resistance in every product tier, offering built-in protection without requiring an upgrade.

CertainTeed's pricing can be higher in its premium lines, but that cost reflects its heavier construction, upscale aesthetics, and proven long-term durability. Let's take a closer look at how the two compare in terms of both upfront cost and lasting value.

The Value of Malarkey

Malarkey shingles typically land in the mid-to-premium range. While the initial cost may be slightly higher than other entry-level options, that price includes consistent performance features across all of their shingle options (like SBS asphalt, Class 3 or 4 impact ratings, and smog-reducing granules).

The Value of CertainTeed

CertainTeed shingles span a wider pricing range. Entry-level options like Landmark are often more affordable than Malarkey's mid-tier lines, but CertainTeed's premium SBS-modified products like NorthGate or ClimateFlex can rival or exceed Malarkey's pricing.

Which Has the Better Value for Homes in Northern Illinois?

The better value depends on your priorities: CertainTeed offers more flexibility across budgets, while Malarkey includes more performance features standard, with one designer shingle option for those looking for an upscale look (the Windsor).

If you want premium features without the premium price, Malarkey provides more standard protection across their entire lineup. If aesthetics or wider pricing options are your top priorities, CertainTeed offers more shingle options to choose from, with a variety of colors available.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Brand for You

If your priority is long-term durability, built-in impact protection, and consistent performance across every product tier, Malarkey may be the better fit. Its shingles include high-performance features like rubberized asphalt and Class 3 or 4 impact ratings by default, making them ideal for homeowners in Northern Illinois who could benefit from long-term durability.

If you're drawn to high-end curb appeal, a broader range of styles, or want the ability to choose between value and luxury, CertainTeed may be the better match. With options ranging from Landmark to luxury lines like Grand Manor, it offers more design and price range flexibility.

If you're still wondering whether Malarkey is worth the investment, check out our next article: Is a Malarkey Roofing System Worth the Higher Price? Honest Pros, Cons & Cost Breakdown. It dives deeper into what you're actually paying for and how those features stack up over time, so you can decide if it's the right move for your home.

If you want to get a sense of what a Malarkey roof might cost for your home, you can use our instant estimator tool to get a tailored ballpark quote in just a few minutes, with no calls required.