Yes, Malarkey shingles winter installation works when the crew follows Malarkey’s own cold-weather instructions. This guide explains what makes them a good fit for Indiana winters and what a careful winter install involves.
What Are Malarkey Shingles?
Malarkey Roofing Products makes asphalt shingles with its own NEX polymer-modified asphalt, often called rubberized asphalt. Malarkey says the rubber and plastic polymers add strength and durability to the shingle’s asphalt core.
Here is what sets the line apart:
- Class 4 impact rating. Lines such as Vista AR carry the highest hail impact rating available for shingles.
- Stronger adhesion. Malarkey says Vista AR has up to 50 percent more adhesive bonds and twice the rain seals of standard shingles.
- Algae resistance. The granules help reduce the dark streaks that show up on many Indiana roofs.
Class 4 matters here because hail season tests Indiana roofs every year. Many insurers also discount Class 4 shingles, so ask your carrier before you choose.
Why Malarkey Shingles Suit Indiana Winters
Two features make Malarkey shingles in winter a reasonable choice for Indiana homes.
Added flexibility. Malarkey says its polymer-modified asphalt adds strength and flexibility to the shingle, according to its Vista AR product flyer. Flexibility matters because plain asphalt gets stiff and can crack in the cold.
A strong sealant. Malarkey’s technical bulletin describes its adhesive as fairly aggressive, and it notes that a little sunshine goes a long way toward activating the seal.
The Honest Limits of Winter Installation
Malarkey shingles are not exempt from winter rules. The company’s own cold-weather technical bulletin sets several limits:
- Cold still affects Malarkey’s self-adhering underlayment, so the crew must plan around it.
- Hand sealing is required on very steep slopes and strongly recommended in cold, windy, or dusty conditions.
- Malarkey’s wind warranty applies only when the shingles are sealed, whether by hand or by the factory strip.
- Sealing speed depends on sun, slope, color, and roof direction. Darker shingles and south or west slopes seal faster.
In short, the shingle helps, but the crew’s method decides how well a winter roof turns out.
How Winter Installation of Malarkey Shingles Works
Here is what a careful crew does when it follows Malarkey’s cold-weather guidance.
- Pick the day and follow the sun. The crew chooses a dry, calm day and starts on the slopes that get sun first, since they seal faster.
- Let the underlayment relax. Malarkey’s self-adhering underlayment is stiff in the cold. Crews unroll it, cut it to workable lengths, and lay it in the sun first.
- Check and flatten the shingles. Shingles should lie as flat as possible before nailing. The crew rejects any cracked shingle and avoids butting shingles too tightly.
- Warm the hip and ridge shingles. Malarkey recommends warming them enough to prevent damage while they are installed.
- Fasten with care. Malarkey suggests considering hand nailing in the cold. It costs more, but it reduces fastening problems.
- Hand-seal the shingles. On laminate shingles, the crew applies four quarter-size dabs of asphalt roof cement under each shingle. Ridge shingles get hand-sealed under the lower corners.
These steps protect your wind warranty. Ask your contractor to confirm in writing that the crew will hand-seal and follow Malarkey’s instructions.
Malarkey vs Standard Shingles in Winter
This table shows how Malarkey compares with a standard architectural shingle for a cold-season install.
| Factor | Malarkey (such as Vista AR) | Standard architectural shingle |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | Polymer-modified (rubberized) | Conventional asphalt |
| Hail rating | Class 4 on Vista AR | Varies by product |
| Cold flexibility | Malarkey says it is improved | Stiffer, needs strict temperature control |
| Hand sealing in winter | Strongly recommended | Usually required in the cold |
| Wind warranty | Applies only when sealed | Depends on the maker |
| Upfront cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
Cost is the main tradeoff. Malarkey shingles usually cost more than basic shingles, and winter hand sealing adds labor. In return, you get a Class 4 hail rating and a shingle built for hard weather. Also ask your insurer whether Class 4 shingles earn a premium discount.
Prefer another brand? We also install GAF shingles as a GAF Master Elite contractor. See our GAF certification page for details, and use our guide to choosing a roofing contractor to compare bids.
Malarkey Shingles in Winter: Common Questions
What temperature is too cold to install Malarkey shingles?
Malarkey’s cold-weather guidance applies below 40°F. Crews can still install in that range with extra steps. Sun, slope, color, and wind affect sealing as much as air temperature does.
Does winter installation affect the Malarkey warranty?
Malarkey’s wind warranty applies only when shingles are sealed, either by hand or by the factory strip. Hand sealing in the cold protects that coverage. Ask your contractor to confirm the steps in writing.
Will Malarkey shingles seal on their own in winter?
Eventually, yes. The factory sealant needs sun and warmth, so it may be slow in the cold. Hand sealing holds the shingles in place until it activates.
Are Malarkey shingles worth the extra cost in Indiana?
They can be. The Class 4 hail rating suits Indiana storm seasons, and some insurers offer a discount. Basic shingles still cost less up front.
How long does a winter roof replacement take?
Most homes take one to two days of work. Snow, ice, or wind can delay the start, so allow some flexibility.
Get a Free Estimate for Malarkey Shingles in Terre Haute or Avon
We will inspect your roof, explain your shingle options, and tell you honestly whether a winter install makes sense for your home.
Contact us to schedule your free estimate, or reach us directly.
- Call or text: (812) 234-2605
- Terre Haute: 1221 Hulman Street, Terre Haute, IN 47802
- Avon: 8447 East US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123
Guarantee Roofing and Fence is a veteran-owned, family-run contractor serving Central Indiana since 1919, with more than 650 five-star Google reviews.