Navigating the Roofing Market: Brand Recognition vs. Professional-Grade Quality
As you research your options, you'll find three names dominate the asphalt shingle market: Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF. Your research has likely revealed a conflict between the brands with the most advertising and the brands preferred by roofing professionals for their superior performance.
We're here to clarify the trade-offs and give you the insider's perspective on what truly matters for an Illinois home.
Malarkey: The Professional's Choice for Durability & Sustainability
- Key Differentiator: Malarkey has earned a strong reputation among roofing professionals for its superior quality, durability, and longer effective lifespan on the roof. It's often considered the "insider's choice" and worth its premium price.
- Technology for the Investor: The core of its performance is the proprietary NEX™ rubberized asphalt. This polymer-modified technology provides enhanced flexibility to resist cracking in Illinois' freeze-thaw cycles and offers superior impact resistance against hail.
- Value-Added Features: Malarkey shingles feature smog-reducing granules, are made with upcycled rubber and plastics, and offer strong, transferable warranties that protect your home's resale value.
Owens Corning: The Recognizable Brand with Key Installation Technology
- Key Differentiator: Owens Corning has massive brand recognition, thanks to its extensive marketing and placement in big-box home improvement stores.
- Technology for the Investor: Its most significant advantage is the patented SureNail® Technology. This is an engineered fabric strip that provides a robust and visible nailing zone, drastically reducing the risk of installation errors and improving wind resistance—a tangible benefit that addresses the fear of installation-related failures.
- Weaknesses: While popular, research indicates that Owens Corning's warranties are often considered inferior to competitors, and its basic shingles may not meet the minimum building code requirements in some Illinois municipalities.
GAF: The Market Leader Focused on Aesthetics
- Key Differentiator: GAF is North America's #1-selling shingle brand and is known for offering the widest selection of colors, appealing to homeowners focused on curb appeal.
- Technology for the Investor: GAF shingles feature LayerLock™ technology and the StrikeZone™ nailing area, which are designed to enhance installation accuracy and wind resistance.
- Weaknesses: GAF's reputation is built more on market share and extensive marketing than on the "insider-preferred" quality perception that surrounds Malarkey.
The Expert's Verdict for a Long-Term Investment
Don't Just Choose a Shingle—Choose a System That Protects Your Warranty
When you want to protect the value of your home as an investment, you understand that a system is only as strong as its weakest link. The shingle brand you choose is important, but the contractor's expertise in installing the complete roofing system is what truly protects your investment.
- The Critical Risk of Improper Ventilation: Did you know that improper attic ventilation can void your shingle manufacturer's warranty? Trapped heat and moisture can bake your shingles from below, leading to premature failure that is not covered by the warranty. This can turn your entire investment into a complete financial loss.
- The Modern Standard: We use superior synthetic underlayment that repels water (unlike traditional felt that absorbs it) and mandated ice & water shields to provide a final line of defense against Illinois' harsh weather.
Ready to Make a Truly Informed Decision?
You are in the final stages of your research. Let our experts provide the final piece of the puzzle. We offer a no-pressure, educational consultation to analyze your specific home, discuss the nuanced pros and cons of each material, and help you build the perfect roofing system for a lifetime of value and peace of mind.
