Are Malarkey shingles better than Owens Corning?

Whether Malarkey shingles are better than Owens Corning depends on your priorities, as both are excellent brands but excel in different areas. Malarkey is often considered better for impact resistance, cold weather performance, and sustainability. Malarkey Vista and Legacy feature Flexor SBS polymer-modified asphalt that provides superior flexibility in cold weather, preventing cracking and allowing installation down to lower temperatures, plus Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest for hail, and Scotchgard Protector algae protection from 3M with lifetime algae warranty. Malarkey also uses upcycled rubber and plastic in its asphalt blend for sustainability. Owens Corning Duration is considered better for installation technology and contractor support. Duration features SureNail Technology, a woven fabric strip in nailing area that provides exceptional fastening strength and 130 mph wind warranty, which contractors praise for reducing installation errors. Duration also offers TruDefinition vibrant colors and 25-year StreakGuard algae protection. Price wise, Malarkey is 10 to 25 percent more expensive at 120 to 180 dollars per square materials versus Owens Corning 100 to 150 dollars. Availability wise, Owens Corning has larger distribution at Lowes and roofing supply houses, while Malarkey has smaller distribution focused in West and Midwest. For hail-prone and cold climates where flexibility and impact resistance matter most, Malarkey is better. For best installation technology and widest availability, Owens Corning is better.