“...my attic thermometer isn’t screaming at me anymore.”
That’s honestly the best you can hope for with shingles—anything that keeps the attic from turning into a sauna is a win. I went through a similar process last year, weighing color vs. brand vs. price. I ended up with a lighter shade too, but different manufacturer. The temp drop wasn’t dramatic, but enough that my upstairs AC isn’t running nonstop.
One thing I’d add: don’t overlook attic insulation and sealing gaps around vents or light fixtures. Even with “cool” shingles, if you’ve got air leaks or thin insulation, the heat sneaks in anyway. I spent a weekend crawling around up there with a caulk gun and a few rolls of insulation—messy but worth it.
Durability-wise, I hear you on chasing shingles. Had a nasty windstorm last spring and only lost one tab (old roof would’ve been a mess). I’m not sure if Malarkey’s any tougher than others, but the newer lines seem to hold up better in storms.
If you’re in hail country, check the impact rating too. Some insurance companies even give you a break if your shingles are rated for hail. Worth asking about, since every little bit helps when premiums keep climbing...
I’m right there with you on the insulation and air sealing. When we moved in, I thought new shingles would fix everything, but the attic still felt like a sauna. Ended up spending a weekend with a flashlight and some expanding foam, just plugging any gap I could find around wires and vents. Didn’t realize how much heat sneaks in through those tiny spots. The lighter shingle color helped a bit, but honestly, the insulation made a bigger difference for us.
As for Malarkey, I got quotes but ended up going with GAF because of cost. Not sure if I regret it yet... My neighbor has Malarkey and swears by them after a hailstorm last year—his roof looked untouched while ours needed patching. If you’re in an area with wild weather, might be worth the extra money upfront. Just wish these decisions were more straightforward.
I hear you on the GAF vs. Malarkey debate. I went Malarkey after my last shingles basically shredded in a windstorm—wasn’t cheap, but I haven’t had to climb up there since. The insulation and air sealing made a bigger dent in attic temps for me too, but I will say, the Malarkeys seem to shrug off hail like it’s nothing. Sometimes paying more upfront really does save headaches later... even if it stings at first.
The insulation and air sealing made a bigger dent in attic temps for me too, but I will say, the Malarkeys seem to shrug off hail like it’s nothing.
I keep hearing that about Malarkey, but honestly, I’m still not 100% convinced the price jump is always worth it unless you’re in a spot that gets hammered by hail or wind. I’ve seen some GAFs hold up just fine, but yeah, if you’re tired of climbing up there after every storm, I get it. Still, attic temp is mostly about what’s under the shingles, not just what’s on top. My uncle swapped to “fancy” shingles and said his attic still felt like a sauna until he fixed the vents. Just my two cents.
I’m with you on attic temps mostly being about what’s underneath. I put in new shingles a few years back (not Malarkey, just basic Owens Corning), and honestly, didn’t notice much difference until I added more insulation and fixed some old vents. Has anyone actually had their attic cool down just from switching shingle brands, or is it always about the stuff below?
