NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt: The Rubberized Shingle Built for Chicago Winters.
Why We Choose Malarkey
Standard asphalt shingles have a weakness: they dry out and become brittle over time. In the Southwest Chicago suburbs, where temperatures swing from -20°F in January to 95°F in July, brittle shingles crack, lose granules, and fail early.
At Stan’s Roofing & Siding, we partner with Malarkey Roofing Products® because they changed the chemistry of the shingle. By using NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt (rubberized asphalt), Malarkey shingles retain their flexibility in sub-zero temperatures and resist impact from hail far better than standard "oxidized" asphalt shingles.
The Malarkey Difference: Rubber vs. Rock
1. Superior Hail Resistance (Class 3 & 4 Ratings)
The Midwest is part of the "Hail Belt." Standard shingles bruise and crack when hit by hail, leading to water intrusion. Malarkey shingles are engineered with rubber polymers that absorb the shock of a hailstone and bounce back rather than breaking.
Legacy® Line: Offers Class 4 Impact Resistance (the highest rating available).
Insurance Savings: Many insurance providers in Illinois offer premium discounts for installing Class 4 Impact Resistant roofing.
2. All-Weather Flexibility
When the temperature drops in Naperville or Orland Park, standard shingles get stiff. If a wind storm hits during a freeze, brittle tabs snap off. Malarkey’s rubberized core stays flexible down to 0°F, ensuring your roof stays sealed even during a Polar Vortex.
3. Granule Retention (The "Sunscreen" of Your Roof)
Granules protect the asphalt from UV rays. If they fall off (that sand you see in your gutter), your roof ages rapidly. Malarkey shingles utilize "The Zone®," a larger nailing area that ensures every shingle is fastened securely, reducing shingle blow-offs and granule loss.
💰 MONEY SAVING ALERT: Class 4 & 3 Impact Discounts
Did you know? Because Malarkey Legacy® shingles are rated Class 4 & 3 for Impact Resistance, many Illinois insurance carriers offer significant discounts on your homeowner's premiums.
Ask your insurance agent: "Do you offer a discount for UL 2218 Class 4 or 3 Impact Resistant Roofing?
Why Choose Stan’s for Your Malarkey Roof?
Sustainability: A Roof That Cleans the Air
Malarkey is the industry leader in sustainable roofing. They don't just protect your home; they protect your community.
Upcycled Tires & Plastics: Each roof diverts the equivalent of %5 rubber tires and %3,000 plastic milk jugs from landfills, upcycling them into the shingle for added durability.
3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules: Malarkey integrates photocatalytic granules that transform smog gases (nitrogen oxides) into water-soluble ions.
The Impact: Installing a standard Malarkey roof has the smog-fighting power of planting 2 trees.
Our Recommended Malarkey Product Lines
The Legacy® Scotchgard™ (Premium Performance)
The heavyweight champion of asphalt roofing.
Impact Rating: Class 4 (Highest).
Tech: NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt + Scotchgard™ Protector.
Best For: Homeowners in high-hail areas (Plainfield, Joliet) looking for maximum longevity and potential insurance discounts.
The Vista® AR (Architectural Value)
High performance meets curb appeal.
Impact Rating: Class 3.
Tech: NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt.
Best For: Homeowners who want the rubberized durability of Malarkey at a competitive price point.
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Why Choose Stan’s for Your Malarkey Roof?
A premium shingle is only as good as the installation. As a local Southwest Chicago contractor, we understand that ventilation and ice & water shields are critical components of the Malarkey system.
Local Experience: Serving the South & West suburbs (from White Eagle to the Historic Districts).
Complete System: We install the matching hip & ridge shingles and proper starter strips to ensure your wind warranty is valid.
Warranty Protection: We stand behind our workmanship so you can have peace of mind.
Why Choose Stan’s for Your Malarkey Roof?
Malarkey NEX® vs. Standard Shingles
Feature | Standard "Oxidized" Asphalt | Malarkey NEX® (Rubberized) |
Hail Resistance | Brittle; bruises easily (Class 1-2) | Rubber-like bounce; absorbs impact (Class 3-4) |
Cold Weather | Stiffens & cracks below freezing | Remains flexible down to 0°F |
Granule Adhesion | Granules loosen over time (aging the roof) | "The Zone®" nailing area locks shingles tight |
Sustainability | None | Upcycled tires & smog-reducing granules |
Wind Rating | Typically 110 mph | Up to 130 mph |
Common Questions About Malarkey Roofing in Illinois
Q: Is Malarkey roofing worth the extra cost?
A: For Chicago homeowners, yes. While Malarkey shingles may have a slightly higher material cost than "builder-grade" shingles, their Class 4 Impact Rating can extend the roof's lifespan significantly by preventing hail damage. Plus, the potential insurance discounts often offset the upfront difference.
Q: Can I get an insurance discount for installing Malarkey shingles?
A: Likely, yes. Many insurance providers in Illinois offer premiums discounts for installing Class 4 Impact Resistant roofing (like the Malarkey Legacy® line) because it reduces their risk of paying out hail claims. We recommend asking your agent about "Class 4 Impact discounts" before we begin installation.
Q: How does Malarkey handle Chicago freeze/thaw cycles?
A: Better than almost any other asphalt shingle. Standard asphalt becomes brittle and cracks when temps swing rapidly (like our spring and fall). Malarkey's rubberized asphalt core expands and contracts without cracking, keeping your water barrier intact during thermal shock.
Q: What colors are available for Malarkey shingles?
A: Malarkey offers a wide range of high-definition colors designed to mimic the look of natural wood shake or slate. Popular colors in the South & West suburbs include Midnight Black, Weathered Wood, and Black Oak. Ask Stan's to bring full-size samples to your home so you can see the color in natural light.
Protect Your Home & Lower Your Premiums
A Malarkey Class 4 or 3 Impact Resistant roof doesn't just look great—it can help lower your insurance bills. Contact Stan's Roofing & Siding to see how an upgraded roof pays for itself.
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Serving Naperville, Orland Park, and the South & West Suburbs.
