Malarkey Highlander Shingles line stands out amongst the many that Malarkey Roofing Products offers as a consolidation of quality and reasonable price.
Of course, Malarkey Highlander shingles have several pros and cons, so understanding these will help you make the right purchasing decision.
What Are Malarkey Highlander Shingles?
Malarkey Highlander are a line of asphalt shingles from Malarkey Roofing that have become known for durability and quality.
They belong to Malarkey’s laminate architectural shingles variety.
These are layered shingles that last considerably longer than the traditional three-tab shingles.
Construction-wise, Malarkey Highlander roofing shingles comprise a traditional asphalt blend that decently juggles cost and performance, although some better offerings could be found at a slightly higher price range.
You can buy these shingles in nine different colors.
Four of the colors meet the Cool Roof Rating Council criteria for boasting the solar-reflective roofing moniker. This means they let less sun heat through the roof, potentially reducing energy bills.
How Much Do Malarkey Highlander Shingles Cost?
The materials for Malarkey Highlander asphalt shingles cost an average of $120 to $135 per square (100 square feet), or about $1.20 to $1.40 per square foot.
Labor for installing these shingles may run you from $250 to $450 per square (or around $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot).
Material prices will not vary much, but labor costs will depend on the local rates in your area and what the contractor of choice charges for their expertise.
The size and complexity of your roof will be the main determinants of the total cost for a roofing project that uses these shingles.
Second to size and complexity is the condition of your existing roof decking and whether the contractors need to do any repairs.
For a typical 2,000 square feet roof (200 squares), the rough estimate for the project may range from $7,000 to $11,000.
Malarkey Highlander Shingles Cost per Square
As mentioned earlier, since the price per square foot is $1.20 to $1.40, the cost of Malarkey Highlander Shingles ranges from $120 to $135 per square.
Note that this price only includes the shingles themselves. It doesn’t cover labor costs or additional materials like flashing, sealants, nails, etc.
Pro Tip: If you want your roof to last as long as possible:
- Give it a thorough cleanup once in a while.
- Check for debris and make sure it doesn’t accumulate.
- Clean your gutters so they can provide the roof with proper drainage.
- Check for damage whenever possible and get a professional checkup occasionally to avoid pricey repairs.
Cost Breakdown
As you budget for the roofing project, you can break the Malarkey Highlander Shingles installation cost into several components.
Here is a rundown of these components:
| Malarkey Highlander Shingles Expense Breakdown | Average Cost per Square | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles Material | $120-$135 | $1.20-$1.40 |
| Labor | $250-$450 | $2.50-$4.50 |
| Accessories | $10-$50 | $0.10-$0.50 |
Shingles alone cost around $120 to $135 per square.
Accessories add to material expenses and can cost $10 to $50 per square. This category can include starter shingles, underlayment, hip and ridge shingles, and flashing.
The labor cost can range from $250 to $450 per square. Installation complexity, location, and the contractor you choose can impact this price, but it’s always best to employ a professional rather than DIY-ing it.
Additional Malarkey Highlander Installation Cost Factors
Some additional factors that impact the total cost have been briefly mentioned.
Here’s a rundown of all the extra expense factors you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Complex and ornate roofs with many dormers, valleys, chimneys, and skylights will take longer to roof and take more effort, which means remodeling them will cost more.
- Prices can vary depending on where you live and the local cost of living. If the living cost in your city or town is high, expect the contractors to charge considerably more.
- If it’s necessary to remove the old roof (especially if the old roof is in poor condition), that will also make the project more expensive,
- The contractor you choose can also influence the cost. Certified contractors with many years of experience charge higher prices, but they are also a good bet for proper installation and may offer warranty benefits.
Malarkey Highlander Roofing Shingles Warranty
Malarkey warranties are quite respectable.
All of its architectural and designer series shingles (including the Highlander series) receive a lifetime warranty on materials if the house where you install them is where you reside.
If you don’t live at the house where you’re installing them, the warranty is 35, 40, or 50 years.
You can transfer this warranty once.
If you sell the house, the first buyer will take over the warranty, but the next buyer won’t be eligible if they decide to move and sell it.
Where To Buy Malarkey Highlander Shingles
You can buy Malarkey Highlander Shingles from several home improvement and building supply stores and through some roofing material distributors.
However, they may not be as widely available as shingles from other manufacturers.
If you’d like to find authorized dealers nearby more easily, you can check out Malarkey’s official website or contact them directly.
Pro Tip: If you live in hot climates, cool roofs are your friend. You should seriously consider a brighter color for your roof that reflects more sunlight. This way, your home will stay cooler during hot months, and your air conditioning will not need to work as hard. This is better for the environment and your wallet, as it keeps your energy bills down.
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Malarkey Highlander Asphalt Shingles Benefits
A few benefits might make you want to put Malarkey Highlander Shingles on the list for your next big roofing project.
Here are some of these benefits:
Quality and Durability
Malarkey, as a brand, is proud of its reputation for quality and durability.
The Highlander Shingles aren’t any less worthy of this reputation, especially for asphalt shingles.
They can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions, resisting tearing and detaching in high winds and cracking in extreme hail or from the impact of hail.
Their construction materials and manufacturing processes are high quality, and Malarkey carries out rigorous durability tests on their products.
If you live in a region prone to extreme weather or if the weather in your area has gotten more unpredictable, durability will likely be your primary concern.
Choices for the Aesthetically-Conscious
When you want your home’s exterior design to stand out in the neighborhood, Malarkey Highlander Shingles have a decent selection of colors and styles at a reasonable price that can help you with this plan.
Conventional shades are an easy pick, but they also carry more modern hues.
You can pick the color that matches your style or one that fits better your region’s climate.
Whether you prefer traditional or modern accents, Malarkey Highlander Shingles can provide the aesthetic appeal to complete a home’s image.
Solar-Reflective Shingles
Malarkey Highlander shingles have the added benefit of being a cooler roof to reduce energy costs.
This combines really well with the shingles’ durability – if you intend to keep your roof for many decades, you’ll prefer having lower bills and complying better with environmentally-friendly policies.
By meeting the Cool Roof Rating Council criteria for solar-reflective roofing, they reflect more of the sun’s rays and limit the amount of heat that gets into your home.
This can be especially useful during summer when temperatures are at their hottest and the air conditioning (AC) season is in full swing.
Your AC system won’t need to work so hard and for as long, so it may also last longer and cost less in maintenance and bills.
Warranty
Another significant benefit of picking Malarkey Highlander ashphalt shingles is the industry-leading warranty that Malarkey grants for its shingles.
This warranty covers material defects and guarantees free-of-charge replacement of faulty shingles.
It is transferable to a limited degree, so if you decide to sell your house, this could be the selling point that would appeal to your buyer.
Did you know? A roofing warranty can be a lifesaver in unexpected or disastrous problems. Read your warranty carefully and make sure you understand all its terms. Keep it somewhere safe for reference. It’s not just about the warranty’s length, but also what it covers. Some warranties cover only the materials, while others cover materials and labor.
Malarkey Highlander Roof Drawbacks
You will rarely find a product that is all pros and no cons. Malarkey Highlander Shingles are no exception.
They offer several benefits, but there are some drawbacks that, while likely not deal-breakers for most, are worth keeping in mind.
Limited Warranty Transferability
As demonstrated, Malarkey offers an excellent warranty for the type of product.
However, some buyers might be put off by its limited transferability.
The warranty and its benefits are transferable only once, from the original buyer to the first person who buys the house. If you ever plan to sell your house in the future, this might be a minor consideration.
But note that this limitation is an industry standard, and many manufacturers’ warranty terms include the same clause.
Unless you plan on house-flipping or expect the house to switch owners frequently, this should not be a major concern for anyone.
Cost
While warranty transfer is a fairly minor (or nonexistent) concern for most people, the price may be a more notable possible drawback.
These shingles are relatively affordable for what they offer, but they still cost higher than some other asphalt shingles brands of similar or comparable quality.
This cost might be a deterrent if you are on a tight budget or time-constrained, and every amount counts.
However, the quality and durability of these shingles are high and can outperform many competitors, which can justify the higher price.
Malarkey Highlander Shingles can withstand harsh weather, which means possible long-term savings by reducing the need for repairs or replacement.
Availability
For some buyers, availability might be the biggest concern.
After all, it matters little how well something would work for you if you cannot get it.
Malarkey is a known name in the roofing industry, but it might sometimes still be harder to find their products than those of some other manufacturers.
Depending on where you are, fewer Malarkey product suppliers might be available than in other regions.
This could limit what you can buy or lead to higher prices if there isn’t enough supply.
Luckily, Malarkey has a network of authorized dealers, so you can find a supplier near you with some research (or reach out to Malarkey directly).
Did you know? Asphalt shingles may be the most popular in the United States, but they’re far from the only type. Some other materials you can use include metal, wood, tile, and slate. Each material has pros and cons regarding cost, durability, and looks. No shingle one is perfect, but each works better for certain climates, styles, and budgets.
How Doe Malarkey Highlander Compare To Other Malarkey Shingles?
Let’s now take a look at some other shingle offerings from Malarkey and compare them with the Highlander.
Malarkey Highlander vs Vista
Both Highlander and Vista are part of Malarkey’s architectural shingles line.
The main difference is that Vista shingles are essentially a polymer-modified asphalt blend that gives them considerable durability and granule adhesion.
Vista shingles also have more color options. But their price point may be a drawback and a point for the Highlander.
Malarkey Highlander vs Legacy Shingles
Legacy shingles are Malarkey’s premium line of shingles.
Like Vista, they are also a polymer-modified asphalt blend and guarantee the most durability and wind resistance of all the Malarkey shingles.
Legacy shingles also have an impressive 50-year warranty.
However, with premium quality comes a premium price tag, so they aren’t ideal for every buyer.
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How Does Malarkey Highlander Shingles Compare To Other Companies?
We’ve taken a look at the different options from Malarkey. But what about other brands?
Here are some competitors for comparison:
Malarkey Highlander Shingles vs CertainTeed Landmark
Malarkey Highlander and CertainTeed Landmark shingles are both high-quality roofing materials.
However, CertainTeed Landmark shingles tend to cost more.
These shingles come in more colors and styles to justify the higher price.
Malarkey Highlander might have an advantage in durability, wind resistance, and price, though.
Malarkey Highlander Shingles vs Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a big brand with many shingle options at various price points.
They may also be easier to find in a store.
But, like CertainTeed, Malarkey might provide better wind resistance and durability.
Malarkey Highlander Shingles Reviews
For the most part, Malarkey Highlander shingles get fairly positive customer reviews.
And being relatively easy to install, the contractors also generally hold them in high regard.
Of course, their main points of praise are durability and the ability to resist harsh weather.
While not the absolute best, their aesthetic appeal is still a fairly positive factor, too.
But some users note that they often can be more expensive than other brands, especially with installation.
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What Is The Impact Rating Of Malarkey Highlander?
Malarkey Highlander Shingles have a Class 3 impact rating.
This is the second-highest class.
It means they’ve been tested for impact from a 1.75-inch steel ball falling 20 feet above the shingle.
They can withstand significant impacts from hail, falling branches, heavy debris, and other possible impact-related danger.
How Long Do Malarkey Highlander Shingles Last?
If you maintain your roof and shingles, then Malarkey Highlander shingles can last over 30 years.
People often call Malarkey Highlander roofing shingles the “30-year shingles” since this is their expected lifespan with proper installation and maintenance.
Of course, the local climate, installation quality, maintenance, and presence of airborne chemicals can impact the lifespan of your shingles.
However, these shingles are among the better options for these circumstances.
Did you know? Installation quality has a big impact on a roof’s lifespan and performance. Reputable, licensed, and insured contractors with a long and proven track record may cost more, but paying a bit more upfront could save you money in the future. Ask for references from friends and family who have experience with such projects and look for online reviews.
Are Malarkey Shingles Worth It?
For the most part, while not the cheapest on the market, Malarkey Highlander roof shingles are worth it.
Their quality and durability are high, and their aesthetic appeal is on par with many competitors.
The shingles’ lifespan and robust warranty can justify their somewhat higher price and contribute to long-term savings, especially with the cool roof options.
Malarkey Highlander Equals High-Quality Shingles
Malarkey Highlander Shingles balance quality, durability, and looks.
Perhaps they’re not the cheapest, but they have enough benefits to justify the higher cost.
As with any major home improvement project, consider all factors, such as cost, durability, aesthetics, and warranty, and you won’t regret your decision.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
