According to many satisfied customers, Malarkey may be the leading shingle manufacturer in the U.S., offering quality-made products made of eco-friendly materials.
Barring the positive public opinion, it’s best to form your judgment on the brand by weighing its pros and cons and examining the key features of Malarkey shingles.
Malarkey shingles come in various materials, which, naturally, affects their prices. As a result, you can find quality Malarkey shingles for anywhere from $73 to $164 per square (100 square feet).
When compared to designer shingles, Malarkey compares favorably with other high-end brands in terms of pricing. However, as a whole, this brand is one of the more expensive in the market.
Luckily, if you’re shopping for premium roofing products, you’ll find that Malarkey has a decent offer of shingles that are, in their class, among the more reasonably priced.
How Much Do Malarkey Shingles Cost?
| Shingle Series | Per Bundle | Per Square |
|---|---|---|
| Dura-Seal | $75 | $225 |
| Highlander | $123 | $246 |
| Vista | $134 | $402 |
| Legacy | $144 | $433 |
| Windsor | $161 | $483 |
| Dura-Seal AR | $82 | $246 |
| Highlander AR | $132 | $397 |
| Vista AR | $141 | $423 |
Malarkey’s offer consists of different series of shingles, each varying by material, design, and overall quality. Regardless of the series, Malarkey shingles are sold in bundles weighing about 60 pounds. Hence, it’s best to start this review with the average prices of Malarkey shingles per bundle:
Dura-Seal: $75
Highlander: $123
Vista: $134
Legacy: $144
Windsor: $161
Several series also have algae-resistant (AR) variants which, naturally, come at a higher price point compared to the basic types:
Dura-Seal AR: $82
Highlander AR: $132
Vista AR: $141
How Much Are Malarkey Shingles per Square?
Although we’ve stated this before, it’s best to clarify that a “square” means 100 square feet so that you know what measurements are used moving forward. With that explanation out of the way, it takes about three bundles of shingles to cover a square of roofing. Thus, we’re left with a simple calculation for Malarkey shingles prices per square: the price of one bundle multiplied by three:
Dura-Seal: $225
Highlander: $246
Vista: $402
Legacy: $433
Windsor: $483
When it comes to algae-resistant variants, the prices will, again, be higher compared to the standard series:
Dura-Seal AR: $246
Highlander AR: $397
Vista AR: $423
Did you know? Asphalt roof shingles are a product with quite a history behind it. Roofing solutions made of asphalt and featuring granulated coating existed in the late 19th century. It didn’t take long for this roofing type to give birth to shingles, which became widespread already in the 1910s.
Cost by Shingle Type
Malarkey shingles fall into three distinct types: classic or traditional, architectural, and designer shingles. Since each type differs by design and construction, it’s no wonder the prices won’t be the same, either.
When it comes to classic or traditional shingles, Malarkey has only one series in that class – the Dura-Seal shingles. Dura-Seal AR also falls into this class, but AR models represent variants of their parent series rather than a different series of shingles.
Dura-Seal shingles cost $75 per bundle or $225 per square, while Dura-Seal AR is priced at $82 and $246 per bundle and square, respectively.
Malarkey architectural shingles consist of three series: Highlander, Vista, and Legacy. Of the three, Highlander and Vista feature AR variants, while Legacy doesn’t have an algae-resistant alternative. Let’s look at the pricing for architectural shingles:
Highlander: $123 per bundle or $246 per square
Vista: $134 per bundle or $402 per square
Legacy: $144 per bundle or $433 per square
Highlander AR: $132 per bundle or $397 per square
Vista AR: $141 per bundle or $423 per square
Finally, like the classic shingles, the designer type of Malarkey shingles includes only one series: Windsor. These shingles also lack an AR variant and cost $161 per bundle or $483 per square.
Additional Cost Factors
The price of shingles on their own is a relatively straightforward matter. After all, the one crucial detail you need to know is how much the shingles cost per square or bundle. However, calculating the total roofing cost is somewhat more complex.
Firstly and most obviously, the size of your roof will impact the price the most. Yet, even getting the exact square footage of the roof isn’t as simple as it may seem. Roofs are sloped and have a larger surface area than the house’s foundation or floor. In particular, a home measuring 1,000 square feet will commonly have a roof surface of about 1,250 square feet.
Generally speaking, the home-to-roof surface ratio from our example is a good guideline for calculating your roof size: take the square footage of your home and multiply it by 1.25. However, bear in mind that this calculation won’t account for heavily sloped roofs.
Next, installation costs will ramp up the price. Installation works are often priced per hour, with rates varying widely between locations. An average figure here would be $50-$55 per hour. However, going by averages might not be particularly helpful, so it’s best to shop around with your local contractors to get a better grasp on the particular installation costs in your area.
The type and design of the roof itself will be another important factor. If the roof construction is simple, you can count on paying the standard installation expenses. However, if it’s more intricate, the costs will probably ramp up, sometimes even surpassing double the amount of the standard installation.
Finally, if you’re replacing old roof shingles, removing the old roofing material will also come at a price. Depending on the type of shingles, you could pay up to $4 per square foot for removal alone. Some contractors will also include the hauling and disposal of the old shingles in their services. However, in some cases you might need to pay for those services extra.
Pro Tip. When hiring contractors to install your new shingles, make sure the company gives you a written estimate once their experts have inspected the roof. This relatively simple step might save you additional costs once the project begins and ensure you get precisely what you paid for without straining your budget.
Where to Buy Malarkey Shingles
Malarkey doesn’t sell their shingles directly. Instead, the manufacturer relies on a network of distributors. Most Malarkey distributors work specifically with contractors, selling them shingles in bulk. In other words, finding Malarkey shingles outside wholesale is challenging, if not entirely impossible.
It’s also worth noting that local pricing for Malarkey shingles mostly isn’t clearly stated. Instead, the standard practice with distributors is to request a quote by submitting your address and, in most case, roof type.
Advantages of Malarkey Shingles
Malarkey shingles have a lot going on to make them attractive to homeowners. The first benefit is the quality of the shingles, which falls among the best in the market. Malarkey products are highly resistant to impact, boasting classes 3 and 4, as well as durable under harsh winds of up to 110 mph. Furthermore, the specific material makeup of the shingles makes them unlikely to crack, all but guaranteeing longer life and roof health.
In terms of materials, Malarkey is also dedicated to eco-friendly manufacturing, with the company utilizing special synthetic rubber and asphalt technologies. These efforts also won Malarkey several certifications and awards for environmental awareness.
With Malarkey, the advantages don’t stop at the quality of the shingles – they extend to the installation, too. The company has a training program for contractors that awards certificates on three levels. These certificates testify to the contractor’s proficiency when handling Malarkey products specifically and roofing jobs in general. If you’re searching for experts to install your new shingles, looking for contractors with Malarkey Emerald Premium badges will be the best choice.
Finally, the very name of the company carries certain benefits, too. Malarkey enjoys a strong reputation as one of the leading roofing companies nationwide. While brand names aren’t always a guarantee of quality products, a reputation like Malarkey’s is sufficient to give you the peace of mind and knowledge that what you’re installing is worth the cost.
Malarkey Shingles Reviews
If you search for user reviews for Malarkey shingles, you might find them a mixed bag. According to Roof.info, the reviews are evenly split between very positive and very negative. However, it’s worth noting that the negative reviews mostly came from customers living in areas with exceptionally hot or cold climates.
This may mean that either Malarkey shingles didn’t perform well in extreme weather, or the customers in question didn’t equip their roofs with the right shingle type. Another possibility here is that the installation job wasn’t performed by a qualified professional or was done poorly for another reason.
The positive reviews are the primary reason why the one-star reviews seem at fault. Reviewers who praised Malarkey shingles also commented on the negative reviews, stating that they didn’t notice anything wrong with their properly installed shingles.
Did you know? Although customer reviews can have a significant impact on user behavior, most consumers reportedly read up to eight or nine reviews before making a purchasing decision. In other words, it’s not only about how many reviews a company has, but also about which reviews potential buyers see first.
Malarkey Shingles Complaints
The unfavorable reviews mentioned earlier mostly mention blistering and discoloration. However, as we noted, those issues may be due to improper installation or choosing the wrong shingle type. Plus, blistering and discoloration don’t impact shingle performance apart from diminishing the roof’s aesthetics.
A much more viable complaint might be made at the expense of Malarkey regarding the relatively steep pricing of these shingles. Malarkey products are pricy, joining brands like GAF or CertainTeed on the list of the most expensive roofing solutions. If you’re looking for budget-friendly variants, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
The above complaint may also come with a disclaimer: While Malarkey is known as an expensive manufacturer, the higher price point is there for a reason. In exchange for high upfront expenses, you’ll get the quality and warranties which may save you from replacing or repairing your roof down the line.
The next complaint isn’t dispelled as easily, and it has to do with the selection of products. Malarkey has a very limited line of shingles compared to other top brands like GAF. If you opt for Malarkey, you’ll need to settle for a slightly limited selection of patterns, designs, and colors.
Finally, possibly the largest complaint about Malarkey products is that the warranty transfer system is faulty. If you don’t transfer your warranty within the first five years, it will fall back on the default period of two years.
How Do Malarkey Shingles Compare to Other Companies?
You can often reach the best understanding of a brand by comparing it with similar companies in the same industry. This is true for roofing, too. Here’s an overview of how Malarkey compares to other roof shingle manufacturers.
Malarkey Shingles vs. Owens Corning
In terms of price, Malarkey is slightly more expensive than Owens Corning. However, the perspective shifts once you consider premium shingles. At that point, Owens Corning shingles may catch up to Malarkey or even surpass certain series in price.
The durability of shingles from both manufacturers is comparable, although Malarkey is at a slight lead. And when it comes to sustainability, Malarkey is the clear winner as a dedicated eco-friendly manufacturer.
Malarkey Shingles vs. GAF
The Malarkey vs. GAF comparison boils down to a simple statement: Malarkey gives you more bang for your buck. It will also draw more bucks from your wallet, but the additional cost is well justified. Malarkey shingles will be more durable, energy-efficient, and, as expected, more expensive.
Malarkey Shingles vs. IKO
Drawing a comparison between Malarkey and IKO is a bit complicated since the two hardly fall into the same ballpark. Firstly, IKO offers a much more generous product lineup, featuring 10 shingle types in numerous color options. As mentioned, Malarkey is quite limited in this regard.
However, Malarkey dominates in terms of overall quality and durability, which is hardly a surprise, considering the manufacturer counts among industry leaders worldwide. Yet, IKO might be a worthwhile budget-friendly alternative, offering shingles that may be nearly 10 times cheaper than Malarkey’s.
Malarkey Shingles vs. CertainTeed
Malarkey and CertainTeed show much more similarities than the previous pairing. Both manufacturers produce quality shingles at a relatively high price point. However, CertainTeed might have the upper hand here due to the variety of products.
Simply put, CertainTeed can offer more shingles for various uses and budgets. Furthermore, this manufacturer produces several lines of specialized shingles intended for roofing in particular climates. Plus, CertainTeed shingles come with a 15-year warranty on wind resistance, while Malarkey lacks a dedicated wind warranty.
Malarkey Shingles vs. Atlas
We’ll start this comparison with an already familiar notion: Malarkey has a more limited selection of shingles compared to the competitor. And similar to other comparisons, Malarkey boasts unrivaled shingle quality, as well as superior durability, wind, and algae resistance.
Pro Tip. When choosing between shingles manufacturers, make sure to strike a good balance between quality and price and get the right roofing for your needs. In other words, don’t opt for the highest quality if the cost surpasses your budget, nor take the cheapest option if it won’t fulfill its purpose.
Where Are Malarkey Shingles Made?
Malarkey produces shingles exclusively in the U.S. The company has three production facilities, namely in Oklahoma, California, and Oregon.
What Are Malarkey Shingles Made Of?
Malarkey shingles differ from most others because they’re made of special rubberized asphalt. This material gives the shingles extra resilience and cleanliness. The material also makes Malarkey shingles exceptionally eco-friendly.
What Is the Warranty on Malarkey Shingles?
Malarkey shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects in particular. However, the shingles lack specific warranties like that against wind or hail damage. Plus, as mentioned, transferring the warranty may reduce the period from lifetime to only two years.
What Are the Best Malarkey Shingles?
The best-selling shingle series from Malarkey are architectural ones: Legacy, Highlander, and Vista shingles. Among the three, Vista shingles are widely regarded as having the best quality-to-price ratio.
Are Malarkey Shingles Energy Star?
Malarkey shingles do indeed have Energy Star certification, primarily due to their ability to help homeowners save up to 15% on their cooling and heating expenses.
Do Malarkey Shingles Qualify for Tax Credit?
Energy efficiency doesn’t only earn Malarkey bragging rights. The roofing from this manufacturer actually saves enough energy that it qualifies for tax credit.
Are Malarkey Shingles Good Quality?
Malarkey shingles are regarded as one of the best in the world. And that kind of reputation doesn’t come out of the blue. The manufacturer produces durable, highly resistant, and energy-efficient shingles, providing excellent roofing that can endure varying weather conditions and stay up for decades.
What Are the Different Levels of Malarkey Shingles?
Malarkey has three levels, i.e., types of shingles: classic, architectural, and designer. Each type caters to different consumer needs and may be better fitting for specific roofs than others.
What Is the Wind Rating for Malarkey Shingles?
Different Malarkey shingles have different wind ratings. However, all shingles from this manufacturer are very resilient to most winds barring the harshest. For example, the wind rating of Vista AR is 130 Mph.
How Long Do Malarkey Vista Shingles Last?
On average, Malarkey shingles will easily last for up to 20 years. However, there are plenty reports of Malarkey roofs preserving their looks and functionality even after more than three decades.
Are Malarkey Shingles Worth It?
In a word: yes. Malarkey shingles might not be the cheapest roofing solution in the market, but they’re worth the price for their stellar quality and spotless appearance. Plus, the shingles will endure very harsh conditions and even save you money in the long run due to reduced energy bills.
Malarkey Shingles – One of the Best Roofing Options in the Market
Malarkey shingles represent one of the finest roofing solutions you can find. While it’s true that Malarkey has somewhat steep pricing, the shingles will likely prove worth every penny. If you have the budget and want to ensure your roof gets premium protection, going with Malarkey will always be an excellent choice.
