Malarkey vs. IKO: Which Roof Is Right for Your Home in Illinois?

Choosing the right roofing shingle for your home can seem like a big decision. After all, your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, and with so many brands on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be overwhelming.

At Happy Roofing, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "What's the difference between Malarkey and IKO shingles?" Both are widely available and used by contractors across the U.S., but they can serve different needs and expectations.

We're here to break it all down for you. Whether you're comparing options because a contractor recommended IKO, or you've heard good things about Malarkey and want to know how it stacks up, this article will help you make an informed, confident decision when comparing Malarkey and IKO shingles.

To be transparent, we do install Malarkey shingles, but we recognize that they're not the best fit for every homeowner. This article is about giving you the full picture, including where each brand shines and where it might fall short.

Table of Contents

• Introducing Malarkey Roofing Products and IKO
• What Categories We're Using to Compare Both Manufacturers
• Comparing Malarkey and IKO Based on Performance
• Comparing Malarkey and IKO Based on Cost
• Choosing the Right Shingle Manufacturer for You

Who Are Malarkey and IKO?

Malarkey and IKO are both roofing manufacturers that produce asphalt shingles commonly used in residential roofing across North America. Before diving into the details, let's start with a quick look at each brand.

An Overview of Malarkey Roofing Products

Malarkey may not have the same national presence as some of the larger roofing brands, but it's quickly earning recognition for its high-performance, eco-friendly shingle technology. For homeowners who care about sustainability and long-term roof performance, Malarkey stands out as a smart, forward-thinking choice.

Malarkey shingles are made with recycled rubber and plastics, which makes them more flexible and durable (a major benefit in regions with extreme weather). Even their entry-level shingles come with a Class 3 Impact Rating, and their smog-reducing granules actively help clean the air.

An Overview of IKO

IKO is a widely available roofing brand across North America, often favored by contractors looking for cost-effective materials while still maintaining quality options. Known primarily for its budget-friendly shingles like the Cambridge line, IKO appeals to homeowners focused on keeping costs low while still getting a finished look that resembles more premium options.

While the brand offers a range of colors and styles (and even a higher-end line called Dynasty), its core appeal remains affordability and accessibility through many roofing suppliers and distributors like Home Depot.

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

When it comes to choosing a roofing brand, saying one is "better" doesn't tell you much. What really matters is: which is better for me? That's why we broke this comparison down into key categories that directly impact how your roof performs, looks, and holds up over time.

You'll be able to decide which is better for you and your goals based on where your priorities lie. So, what did we evaluate? Why do these factors matter? And how do they affect your home once the shingles are actually installed?

Below, we'll walk through each comparison point and explain how these differences play out in the real world:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: This covers how well each brand's shingles stand up to wind, hail, temperature swings, and everyday wear and tear. In the greater Naperville area, we don't get bombarded with extreme storms often, but we do face large temperature swings, high winds, and the occasional hailstorm, so that extra durability can help increase longevity. We looked at impact ratings, wind resistance, and the quality of materials used.
• Curb Appeal and Design Variety: Your roof plays a major role in how your home looks from the street. Whether you're going for a subtle upgrade or a dramatic design statement, the range of colors and styles available can make a big difference. We considered both brands' design options and availability.
• Cost and Overall Value: Cost always plays a role in home improvement decisions, but it's not just about the price tag. We compared the pricing of each brand's shingle lines and what you actually get for that investment. Some roofs may cost a little more upfront but deliver much better value over the long run.

How Do Malarkey and IKO Compare Based on Performance?

Malarkey builds high-performance features into every shingle line, while IKO reserves some of its strongest durability upgrades for premium products. Here's how they compare where it matters most for long-term roof protection:

What is the Durability of Malarkey's Shingles?

Malarkey shingles are engineered with extreme weather performance and durability in mind. Even in more moderate climates, that added durability can translate into a long-lasting, well-performing roof.

All Malarkey shingles carry at least a Class 3 Impact Rating, and they're specifically designed to reduce granule loss over time (the sand-like coating that protects shingles from UV rays and provides color), helping the roof maintain both its protective surface and appearance as it ages.

Here's what stands out with Malarkey shingles:

• Strong impact resistance: Malarkey offers Class 4 Impact Ratings on shingles starting with the Vista line, the highest rating available for asphalt shingles. These shingles are tested by dropping a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet to simulate large hail impacts. Even their entry-level Highlander line carries a Class 3 Impact Rating, which is tested with a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 17 feet.
• High wind ratings: Malarkey architectural shingles come with a standard wind warranty up to 110 mph, with enhanced coverage up to 130 mph. This performance is supported by their oversized, reinforced nailing zone (The Zone) and strong adhesive seals that help shingles stay secured during severe wind events.
• SBS-modified (rubberized) asphalt: Malarkey shingles are made using SBS-modified asphalt, branded as their patented NEX Rubberized Asphalt. This material dramatically improves flexibility, allowing shingles to expand and contract without cracking in both extreme heat and extreme cold. It's especially valuable in regions with large temperature swings and is a major reason Malarkey shingles tend to hold onto their granules better over time.
• Advanced granule technology: Malarkey shingles feature 3M smog-reducing granules with copper for algae resistance. These granules help break down air pollutants when exposed to sunlight (while the copper helps prevent black streaking caused by algae), keeping roofs cleaner and more consistent in appearance, especially in humid or shaded areas.

What is the Durability of IKO's Shingles?

The durability of IKO shingles varies depending on the product line, with most performance-focused features reserved for their higher-tier offerings. IKO is a widely used roofing manufacturer, particularly known for its cost-conscious shingles and variety of options.

Here's what you can expect from IKO shingles:

• Impact resistance: IKO's most commonly installed architectural shingle, Cambridge, does not carry an impact-resistant rating, but IKO does offer Class 3 impact resistance in its Dynasty line. Dynasty shingles are a step up in durability compared to the Cambridge, and can better withstand a Northern Illinois climate.
• Wind ratings: IKO Cambridge shingles come with a standard wind warranty up to 110 mph and can qualify for up to 130 mph coverage when installed using IKO's high-wind installation guidelines. Their performance lines, like Dynasty and Nordic, feature an enhanced fastening strip called ArmourZone, designed to reinforce the nailing area and improve resistance against wind uplift and nail pull-through. However, this feature is not standard across all product lines and is primarily found in IKO's higher-tier shingles.
• Asphalt formulation: Most IKO shingles are made with traditional oxidized asphalt, which is more rigid than rubberized alternatives and can be more prone to cracking and granule loss over time, especially in climates with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. However, IKO does offer SBS-modified asphalt in some of its performance products, like the Nordic line, which enhances flexibility and impact resistance.
• Algae resistance: IKO shingles include algae-resistant granules, but enhanced protection is limited to certain products and warranties. Granule retention has historically been a concern with some IKO shingles, but today's IKO shingles use updated materials and construction, and performance claims are supported by current product warranties and quality testing.

Which Performs Better in Northern Illinois?

For homeowners in Northern Illinois, where hail, wind, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles are common, Malarkey is the stronger performer overall, but IKO can still be a good choice if its shingles fit your goals. Malarkey's impact resistance, rubberized asphalt, and reinforced nailing zones make it better suited to the region's demanding climate.

While IKO shingles can meet basic requirements and offer higher performance in their upgraded lines, Malarkey delivers those protective features across all tiers, offering more consistent durability without requiring an upgrade.

That said, IKO can still be a solid choice for homeowners in Northern Illinois because we don't see extreme weather conditions consistently throughout the year. This makes Malarkey's included impact-resistance great for peace of mind, but not necessary. Our goal here isn’t to push one brand over another, but to help you understand which product is the better long-term fit for your specific home and environment.

How Do Malarkey and IKO's Style Options Compare?

IKO offers a wider range of styles and colors across its product lines, including bold and high-contrast options, while Malarkey's selection is more limited (but curated), focusing on a smaller palette of classic, muted tones.

While durability and performance should matter most, it's still important that your shingles look good. The right roofing material and color can enhance your home's exterior and even boost resale value. We'll take a look at how Malarkey and IKO stack up when it comes to style, color, and curb appeal below.

Malarkey's Design Range

Malarkey offers four main shingle lines: Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor, each offering a unique combination of style and performance.

• The Highlander and Vista shingle lines are Malarkey's entry and mid-level architectural shingles, respectively. Their dimensional layering offers a more attractive, textured look than traditional 3-tab shingles. Vista provides an additional 10% thickness, richer granules, and sits at a Class 4 Impact Rating for a balance of appearance and value.
• Legacy also has a Class 4 Impact rating, but goes a step further with heavier construction and bold shadow lines. These premium architectural shingles are 19% thicker than Highlander and offer a stronger warranty, but at a higher cost.
• Windsor is Malarkey's only designer shingle. Its premium look adds character to high-end or traditionally styled homes. Designer shingles offer superior durability and protection with a luxurious look, but they do cost significantly more than architectural shingles.

While Malarkey currently offers fewer colors and style options than some larger brands, the finishes are thoughtfully curated, with natural tones that work well across many home styles. They work well for homeowners looking for balanced, long-lasting protection.

Here is an example of some of Malarkey's available color options, from the Vista shingle line:

IKO's Design Range

IKO offers several shingle lines across a range of performance and aesthetic categories, with an emphasis on flexibility and visual variety.

• Cambridge is IKO's most widely installed architectural shingle, known for its affordability and broad color palette. These shingles feature a dimensional appearance that mimics wood shakes and are a popular choice among budget-conscious homeowners looking for a traditional look.
• Dynasty is part of IKO's Performance line and offers upgraded features like thicker construction, Class 3 Impact Rating, and IKO's ArmourZone reinforced nailing strip. With bolder color blends and high-contrast shadowing, Dynasty shingles are ideal for homeowners who want a more distinctive curb appeal with added durability.
• Nordic shingles take performance even further with SBS-modified asphalt for added flexibility and impact resistance. Like Dynasty, they include the ArmourZone strip and are Class 4 impact rated, making them a strong choice for homeowners in storm-prone regions who also want a vibrant, textured design.
• Royal Estate and Crowne Slate represent IKO's designer lines, designed to replicate the look of natural slate and high-end traditional roofing styles. These shingles are heavier, more textured, and offer a more premium appearance, though they come at a higher price point.

Compared to Malarkey, IKO offers a wider variety of colors and styles across its product lines, including bolder, high-contrast options. This makes IKO a strong fit for homeowners who prioritize visual choice and customization in their roofing aesthetic.

Below is a photo of some of IKO's available color options from their Dynasty shingle line:

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

If bold color choices and a wide range of design options are important to you, IKO stands out with greater variety across its product lines and color offerings. Malarkey takes a more curated approach with a smaller, intentionally selected palette — but overall, it offers fewer style and color combinations than IKO.

How Do Malarkey and IKO Compare on Cost and Value?

Because IKO offers a broader range of product tiers, it has more budget-friendly options on the low end, while higher-performance lines can cost as much or more than Malarkey's. The value comes down to your specific needs.

When comparing any roofing manufacturer, it's important to consider not just the upfront cost, but how well your investment will perform and hold up over time. Malarkey and IKO offer different values, each appealing to different homeowner priorities.

Malarkey Shingle Pricing Options

Malarkey shingles are generally positioned in the mid-to-premium range, with advanced features like rubberized asphalt, smog-reducing granules, and built-in impact resistance included across all product lines. While some IKO options may come in lower on initial price at the entry level, their higher-tier shingle lines share a similar price point as Malarkey's shin

Many homeowners find that the additional investment for impact-rated shingles pays off in long-term protection and reduced risk of storm damage. The Malarkey Vista shingles are especially popular because they deliver premium-grade durability without reaching designer-level pricing.

IKO Shingle Pricing Options

IKO is often viewed as a more budget-friendly option, especially with widely used shingles like Cambridge, which offer the architectural look at one of the most accessible price points on the market. These shingles provide basic weather resistance, a traditional aesthetic, and are commonly used in volume installations due to their affordability.

IKO's Dynasty and Nordic lines add enhanced features like reinforced nailing zones, upgraded impact ratings to Class 3 and 4, and, in Nordic's case, SBS-modified asphalt. While their higher-end shingles offer better durability, they also come at a premium.

Which Offers Better Value in the Long Run?

It depends on your priorities. If you're looking for consistent durability, fewer repairs, and a narrowed selection of advanced features, Malarkey may offer better value. If staying within a tighter budget or maximizing design flexibility is your top concern, IKO provides more options across different price points.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Brand for You

If impact resistance, long-term durability, and consistent performance across all product lines are high on your priority list, Malarkey may be the better fit. If you're looking for greater style flexibility and more product options at varying price points, IKO could be a better match.

Regardless of which manufacturer you're considering, it's important that their options align with your long-term goals. If you're wondering whether Malarkey shingles are worth it, check out our next article: Is a Malarkey Roofing System Worth the Higher Price? Honest Pros, Cons & Cost Breakdown. In it, we dive deeper into what you're paying for and how it may pay off over time, so you can decide if their shingles are a good fit.

Want to get an idea of how much a Malarkey roof system may cost for your home? Get a tailored ballpark estimate in minutes using our instant estimator tool, with no calls required.