The Short Answer
Both are top-tier manufacturers and both will outlast a builder-grade roof by decades. The practical difference is emphasis: Malarkey optimizes for impact and weather performance through rubberized asphalt and sustainability, while CertainTeed optimizes for aesthetic range, luxury profiles, and a century-deep warranty program.
- Hail country priority: Malarkey rubberized NEX asphalt.
- HOA color matching or slate/shake looks: CertainTeed.
- Both qualify for Class 4 insurance discounts on their impact-rated lines.
- Installation quality affects roof life more than brand choice does.
Head-to-Head
| Factor | Malarkey | CertainTeed |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt tech | NEX polymer-modified (rubberized) asphalt — stays flexible in deep cold | Conventional and modified asphalt with dual-layer Quadra-Bond lamination |
| Impact rating | Class 4 across Highlander, Vista, Legacy, Windsor | Class 4 available on select impact-rated lines |
| Algae defense | 3M Scotchgard Protector | StreakFighter copper-infused granules |
| Color range | Focused palette of Colorado-appropriate tones | Very wide palette, strong for HOA approval lists |
| Luxury options | Windsor wood-shake aesthetic | Grand Manor slate look, Presidential Shake |
| Sustainability | Upcycled rubber and plastic; smog-reducing granules on upgraded lines | Established recycling and manufacturing programs |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited on architectural lines with system install | Lifetime limited plus SureStart early-life coverage |
How to Choose
Start with your neighborhood. If you are in an HOA with a restricted color list or you want a slate or hand-split shake appearance, CertainTeed's lineup will almost always have a match. If your priority is surviving the next hail season with the fewest claims, and color is flexible, Malarkey's impact-rated lines are the stronger technical pick.
Then look at the whole system, not the shingle alone. A premium shingle nailed over failing decking, with unbalanced ventilation and reused flashing, will not deliver its rated life. Read our installation standards for what we hold ourselves to on every roof.
Full product detail lives on the Malarkey and CertainTeed pages.
Common Questions
FAQ
Which is better for hail, Malarkey or CertainTeed?
For hail specifically, Malarkey's rubberized NEX asphalt lines are our default recommendation because impact resistance is engineered into the asphalt itself rather than added as a backing layer. CertainTeed also offers impact-rated products, and both can qualify for a Class 4 insurance discount when the certified product is installed.
Which brand has more colors?
CertainTeed Landmark has one of the widest color palettes in the industry, which matters in HOA neighborhoods with narrow approved-color lists. Malarkey's palette is smaller but covers the common Colorado earth tones and greys.
Do both come with a lifetime warranty?
Both offer lifetime limited warranties on their architectural lines for owner-occupied single-family homes, with the strongest coverage unlocked when the full manufacturer system — underlayment, starter, shingle, hip and ridge, and ventilation — is installed together.
Is one more expensive than the other?
Prices overlap heavily and shift with the market. Comparable Malarkey impact-rated lines typically price slightly above a standard CertainTeed Landmark, and below CertainTeed's designer lines like Grand Manor.