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

Choosing the right roofing shingle for your home can feel overwhelming with all of the options available. Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, and with so many manufacturers to choose from, knowing which brand is right for you can get confusing.

At Happy Roofing, we've replaced hundreds of roofs in the greater Naperville area, and one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "What's the difference between Malarkey and Owens Corning shingles?" Both are respected manufacturers with nationwide availability, but they differ in their approaches to performance, their style, and value.

We're here to break it all down. Whether a contractor recommended Owens Corning or you've heard about Malarkey's performance and sustainability claims, this article will help you make an informed, confident choice.

In the spirit of transparency, we primarily install Malarkey shingles, but we recognize they're not always the best fit for every home. This article is meant to give you the full picture, including where each brand excels and where one might make more sense for your priorities.

Table of Contents

• An Overview of Malarkey and Owens Corning

• What Categories We're Comparing Malarkey and Owens Corning On
• How Malarkey and Owens Corning Compare Based on Performance
• How Malarkey and Owens Corning Compare Based on Styling Options
• How Malarkey and Owens Corning Compare Based on Cost
• Choosing the Right Shingle Manufacturer for You

Who Are Malarkey and Owens Corning?

Malarkey and Owens Corning are both manufacturers of asphalt roofing shingles commonly used in residential roofing across North America. Below is a brief overview of both companies.

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. Their shingles are made with their NEX rubberized asphalt technology, which makes them flexible and durable (with a minimum of Class 3 Impact Ratings).

For homeowners who care about sustainability and long-term roof performance, Malarkey stands out as a smart, forward-thinking choice.

An Overview of Owens Corning

Owens Corning is one of the most recognized names in roofing, offering a wide range of shingles for every budget. Known for its SureNail Technology and industry-leading warranties, Owens Corning combines broad style choices with solid performance and brand trust.

For homeowners looking for a well-established brand with widespread availability, flexible design options, and a tiered approach to pricing and performance, Owens Corning is a dependable, accessible choice.

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

Saying one roofing brand is "better" doesn't tell you much. What matters more is: which is better for you? We've broken this comparison down into the categories that directly affect your roof's performance, appearance, and long-term value.

Here are the key areas we evaluated and why they matter for your home:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: How well the shingles stand up to hail, wind, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear. This is especially important in areas like Northern Illinois, where the weather and temperature can vary drastically.

• Curb Appeal and Design Variety: Your roof is a huge part of your home's appearance, and style options are an important factor for many homeowners who are choosing shingles that work well with their homes and tastes. We looked at color ranges, shingle styles, and architectural impact.

• Cost and Overall Value: We examined what each brand delivers for the price and how that investment holds up over time. The true value of a specific shingle comes down to personal preferences, goals, and your expectations.

How Do Malarkey and Owens Corning Compare Based on Performance?

Malarkey emphasizes consistency, offering premium features across all product tiers, but offers fewer options on styling and shingle type overall. Owens Corning reserves some of its higher-performance options for specific product lines, but their entry-level options may be better suited for budget-conscious homeowners.

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

Malarkey Shingles Durability

Malarkey shingles are designed for extreme weather performance. Even in more moderate climates, their durability can contribute to a longer-lasting, better-performing roof than shingles that have a lower than Class 3 Impact Rating.

• Rubberized asphalt construction (NEX): Used across all lines, Malarkey's SBS-modified asphalt provides better flexibility in cold and heat, helping prevent cracking and granule loss over time.

• Impact resistance: All Malarkey shingles have at least a Class 3 Impact Rating. The Vista and Legacy lines carry a Class 4 Impact Rating (the highest), tested with a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.

• Wind ratings: Malarkey architectural shingles carry a standard wind warranty up to 110 mph, with enhanced coverage up to 130 mph. Features like The Zone reinforced nailing area and strong sealant strips help them resist blow-offs.

• Advanced granule technology: All Malarkey shingles come with 3M smog-reducing granules and copper-coated algae protection granules to help keep roofs clean and help clean the air.

Below is a breakdown of how Malarkey engineers their shingles, directly from their website:

Owens Corning Shingle Durability

Owens Corning is known for solid, reliable performance, with added technology that helps simplify installation and improve strength.

• Impact resistance: Select lines like Duration STORM have Class 4 Impact Ratings, but this is not standard across all product lines.

• Wind protection: Owens Corning shingles feature SureNail Technology, a reinforced fabric strip in the nailing zone that improves fastening strength and allows for wind warranties up to 130 mph with proper installation.

• Asphalt composition: Owens Corning shingles are constructed with a consistent asphalt formulation designed for strength and longevity. Their fiberglass mat core provides dimensional stability, while engineered asphalt blends ensure durability across a wide range of climates and installation conditions.

• Algae resistance: Owens Corning offers StreakGuard algae resistance in many of its shingles, using copper-lined granules to reduce black streaking over time.

We've included a photo from the Owens Corning website below to show their SureNail Technology up close:

Which Performs Better in Northern Illinois?

If you're in Northern Illinois, where hail, heavy snow, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles are common, Malarkey may offer the more durable option overall. Their rubberized asphalt construction, impact resistance, and algae protection are standard features across all lines and handle temperature swings and storms well.

That said, Owens Corning's Duration and Duration STORM lines are competitive options, especially when opting for their higher-tier options installed with a full system to qualify for enhanced wind warranties and added impact resistance.

How Do Malarkey and Owens Corning's Style Options Compare?

Owens Corning offers a broad range of shingle styles and colors across many lines, while Malarkey has fewer overall styling and tier options, but takes a more curated approach. Below, we'll take a closer look at what each manufacturer has to offer:

Malarkey's Design Range

Malarkey offers four main lines of architectural and designer shingles: Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor. Each product line is crafted with dimensional layering and durability in mind, and differs slightly in thickness, impact rating, and visual texture.

• Highlander is Malarkey's entry-level architectural shingle. It offers a dimensional look that mimics the appearance of wood shakes, outperforming traditional 3-tab shingles in both durability and aesthetics. Highlander carries a Class 3 Impact Rating and includes the same rubberized asphalt and granule technology found in Malarkey's higher-end shingles.

• Vista is a mid-tier option that's approximately 10% thicker than Highlander. It steps up in both durability and visual definition, and carries a Class 4 Impact Rating (the highest available for asphalt shingles), making it a strong choice for value-conscious homeowners in storm-prone areas.

• Legacy is a premium architectural shingle. At 19% thicker than Highlander, it features deeper shadow lines and more pronounced dimensional texture. It also holds a Class 4 Impact Rating and comes with enhanced warranty coverage, positioning it as a best-in-class architectural option.

• Windsor is Malarkey's designer shingle, intended for upscale homes seeking a bold, traditional aesthetic. It combines heavyweight construction with the same high-performance materials used across Malarkey's product line, delivering both curb appeal and protection at a luxury price point.

Malarkey's color palette is smaller than that of other popular brands like Owens Corning, but it's thoughtfully curated to complement a wide range of home styles with more natural tones.

Owens Corning's Design Range

Owens Corning offers a broader array of shingle styles and colors across more product tiers, giving homeowners more design flexibility and customization potential.

• Oakridge is their entry-level architectural shingle. It offers a basic laminated design with a clean, traditional look and standard performance features. It's a reliable option for homeowners seeking a modest upgrade from 3-tab shingles at an affordable price.

• Duration is the flagship architectural line and one of the most widely installed shingles in North America. It features Owens Corning's proprietary SureNail Technology, a reinforced fabric strip that improves fastening and wind resistance. Duration shingles are available in the TruDefinition color palette for vibrant, high-contrast color blends.

• Duration Designer builds on the standard Duration platform with richer color profiles and a more dimensional appearance, catering to homeowners who want their roof to stand out while retaining strong performance.

• Woodmoor and Woodcrest are Owens Corning's premium designer shingles, made to emulate the look of cedar shakes. These shingles are thicker, heavier, and ideal for homes with traditional or rustic architecture seeking a high-end finish.

Across its product lines, Owens Corning offers one of the most diverse color selections in the industry, making it a strong choice for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and visual customization.

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

If bold colors and a wide range of design options are important, Owens Corning stands out with one of the largest and most diverse color selections in the industry. Malarkey's more streamlined palette and narrowed shingle options will appeal to those seeking classic, natural tones and performance-first aesthetics.

How Do Malarkey and Owens Corning Compare on Cost and Value?

Because Owens Corning offers multiple product tiers, it includes more budget-friendly options, but can also reach prices similar to Malarkey when opting for more premium options. Malarkey's pricing sits in the mid-to-premium range, with higher-end features like strong impact ratings standard across all tiers.

When comparing costs, it's important to look beyond the price tag and consider what you're getting in return.

The Value of Malarkey

Malarkey may have a slightly higher starting price, depending on which shingles you're comparing, but all of their shingle options are constructed with rubberized asphalt, have Class 3 or 4 impact ratings, and provide sustainability features like smog-reducing granules.

A popular choice among homeowners we've worked with is the Malarkey Vista shingle, as it offers a compelling balance of performance and value.

The Value of Owens Corning

Owens Corning has a wider range of pricing options. Budget-conscious homeowners can choose Oakridge, while those seeking more performance can upgrade to Duration STORM or designer lines like Woodmoor. Keep in mind that many performance features, like impact resistance, are only available in select product lines.

Which Offers Better Value in the Long Run?

If your goal is long-term protection, minimal repairs, and high weather resistance, Malarkey may offer stronger value through its consistent features without needing to find a premium shingle option from another brand for those same standards. If you prioritize upfront savings or want a broader style selection, Owens Corning gives you more flexibility across budget tiers.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Brand for You

If your priority is durability, impact protection, and a consistent standard of performance across all product lines, Malarkey may be the better choice. Every shingle includes high-performance features by default, making it ideal for harsh climates or homeowners planning to stay long-term.

Regardless of which manufacturer you're considering, it's important that the performance of the shingles they make aligns with your long-term goals. If you're wondering whether Malarkey shingles are worth it and want to dive deeper into the brand, check out our next article: Is a Malarkey Roofing System Worth the Higher Price? Honest Pros, Cons & Cost Breakdown. In it, we cover what you're getting if you choose Malarkey, 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.