Malarkey Shingles in San Diego
What Homeowners Should Know About Malarkey Shingles
The Quality You're Looking For
Wind, Rain, and Workmanship: Why Installation Details Matter
Fire and Impact Resistance: Relevant for Many San Diego Neighborhoods
Title 24 and “Cool Roof” Versions
The Quality You're Looking For
A Personal Note from Tom, TWM Roofing about Malarkey Shingles
Don specialized in extra‑steep and complex Victorian-style homes in Portland’s West Hills. Many of Michael’s referrals were for high-end, “old money” estates in that area; projects requiring superior craftsmanship and innovation.
In February 2020, Michael’s grandson, Gregory Malarkey, became President of Malarkey Roofing Products, continuing the family legacy. On March 1, 2022, Holcim, a $50 billion global leader in building materials, and parent company of brands like Gaco and Firestone acquired Malarkey in an all-cash deal valued at $1.35 billion, adding roughly 600 employees to its Solutions & Products division.
TWM Roofing, based in Bonsall, CA, is Gaco’s #1 applicator in California by volume and growth. Ranked #2 nationwide with over 1,000,000 sq ft of Gaco silicone roof coatings installed, we are backed by manufacturer support, early product access, and preferred warranty terms.”
Clarification on Warranties
Most homeowners do not want a long warranty document, they want to know what they can realistically count on and what they need to do to qualify. Malarkey offers standard warranty coverage, and it also offers enhanced warranty tiers that depend on the roofing contractor and the complete roof system installed. TWM Roofing is a Malarkey Certified Pro contractor whose roofers completed in person training and passed a test. We are also Certified Premium contractors and completed Malarkey’s advanced training and have work inspected by Malarkey’s technical team, with the Premium tier including a 25 year workmanship warranty for installation related issues when the full system requirements are met.
For commercial customers, Malarkey offers a Certified Commercial Warranty that includes plan review collaboration with Malarkey’s technical department and workmanship coverage when the system requirements are met. The warranty strength depends on the system, accessories, and installation standards, not only the shingle brand name.
Malarkey Shingles on Commercial Roofs
Many commercial roofs in San Diego are low slope, so shingles may not be the right solution for the main roof area. However, many commercial properties still have steep slope sections, entry features, mansards, or sloped buildings where architectural shingles are appropriate. In those cases, the same advantages apply: polymer modified asphalt for flexibility and durability, strong impact ratings on certain products, and cool roof options where a project is trying to meet an energy requirement.
Malarkey shingles are a steep slope solution, and that for low slope commercial roofing we will recommend the best system for the building’s slope, drainage, and operational needs.
Malarkey as the Best Choice
If you are considering Malarkey shingles for your San Diego home or for a steep slope commercial building, the most important step is confirming fit for your roof design, ventilation, and local code requirements, then choosing the right product and color for performance and Title 24 compliance where applicable. A quality installation and a complete roof system matter as much as the shingle itself, and the best warranties are typically tied to both system components and the roofer’s qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malarkey Shingles in San Diego
Are Malarkey shingles a good choice near the coast in San Diego?
They can be a very good fit for coastal San Diego because Malarkey shingles are built around NEX polymer modified asphalt, which is designed to improve flexibility and granule adhesion as the roof heats up and cools down day after day. In marine layer areas, the bigger risks are often details around the shingle, such as flashings, fasteners, ventilation, and how well roof penetrations are sealed. A quality install that uses corrosion resistant metals where appropriate and pays attention to ventilation and drainage usually matters more than the brand name alone.
Which Malarkey shingle line makes the most sense for most San Diego homes?
For many homeowners, the decision comes down to the performance level you want and the look you prefer. Malarkey’s Vista line is commonly positioned as a high performing architectural option, and Malarkey highlights Class 4 impact rating and Class A fire rating for Vista products. Legacy is typically positioned as a premium line, and Malarkey also highlights Class 4 impact rating and Class A fire rating for Legacy. Highlander is often a value focused architectural option, and Malarkey notes Highlander is Class A fire rated with a Class 3 impact rating. The best choice depends on your budget, how exposed your roof is to sun and wind, and whether you want specific features like cool roof rated colors or enhanced algae protection.
Do Malarkey shingles meet California Title 24 cool roof requirements?
Some Malarkey shingle products and colors can meet Title 24 Part 6 cool roof requirements, but it depends on the exact product and the exact color you choose. Malarkey notes that an SRI of at least 20 is needed for Title 24 Part 6 compliance and explains that SRI values are assigned through CRRC ratings for qualifying colors. Malarkey’s Product Data Guide shows examples of CRRC listed colors with SRI values around 20 for certain Vista Cool colors such as Sienna Blend and Silverwood. In practice, Title 24 requirements vary by building type, roof slope, climate zone, and permit scope, so the safest approach is to confirm compliance during the estimating and permitting process rather than assuming every shingle color qualifies.
Which Malarkey colors help with Title 24 in Southern California?
The most helpful guidance is to choose from Malarkey colors that are explicitly listed as CRRC rated with an SRI at or above the thresholds referenced for Title 24 compliance. Malarkey states that Vista and Vista Cool colors are assigned SRI ratings by the CRRC, and it specifically notes that an SRI of at least 20 is needed for Title 24 Part 6. Malarkey also publishes a solar ratings chart and product data showing specific colors and their SRI values, which is the best source for confirming your final selection before ordering materials.
Are Malarkey shingles Class A fire rated and does that matter in San Diego County?
Malarkey highlights Class A fire rating for its architectural shingle lines, including Vista, Legacy, and Highlander, and its technical data sheets list ASTM E108 Class A fire rating for those products. In San Diego County, where
wildfire concerns can be real in certain areas, a Class A rated roof assembly can be an important part of an overall defensible approach. It is still essential to follow local code requirements and ensure the complete roof assembly is installed correctly, since fire classification is tied to tested assemblies and installation details.
Do Malarkey shingles really help reduce smog and how does that work?
Malarkey states that 3M smog reducing granules are included in all Malarkey shingles and describes them as photocatalytic coated granules that use sunlight to help convert certain air pollutants into water soluble ions that wash away with rain. This is not a substitute for broader air quality solutions, but it can be a meaningful differentiator for homeowners who want a roof product that supports sustainability in addition to durability.
What makes Malarkey shingles different from standard asphalt shingles?
Malarkey’s key differentiator is its NEX polymer modified asphalt, which the company describes as rubberized and designed for improved all weather resilience, longer life, and reduced landfill waste through the use of upcycled materials. For San Diego homeowners, the practical benefit is that a shingle designed to stay more flexible and hold granules better can be a strong match for long periods of sun exposure and the daily temperature swings that slowly age many roofs.
How do Malarkey warranties work and what do I need to qualify for the strongest coverage?
Most homeowners assume the brand warranty is automatic, but enhanced coverage usually depends on installing a complete roof system and, in some cases, using a certified contractor tier. Malarkey’s warranty information describes a Certified Premium Warranty that includes a
25 year workmanship warranty for installation related issues, which is a meaningful difference compared to warranties that only cover materials. The smartest step is to confirm in writing which warranty tier applies to your project, what accessories are required for that tier, and what documentation will be registered after the job is complete.
Can Malarkey shingles be used for commercial roofing in San Diego?
Malarkey shingles can be a good solution for steep slope sections of commercial properties, such as entry features, sloped office buildings, or multifamily buildings with pitched roofs. For low slope commercial roofs, shingles are usually not the correct system, so the best approach is to match the roofing system to slope, drainage, and building use. If your property has both steep slope and low slope areas, it is common to use shingles on the steep slope portions and a membrane or coating system on the low slope portions, with careful attention to transitions and water management.
