if your soffit and ridge vents aren’t dialed in, you’re just baking whatever’s underneath.
That’s been my experience too. I put Malarkey Highlanders on my place a few years back—good shingle, but the attic was still roasting until I added more soffit vents and a better ridge vent. The shingle color made maybe a couple degrees’ difference, but the ventilation upgrade was night and day. If you’re worried about attic temps, I’d focus on airflow first. Shingle brand is secondary unless you’re after a specific look or warranty.
If you’re worried about attic temps, I’d focus on airflow first. Shingle brand is secondary unless you’re after a specific look or warranty.
I get where you’re coming from. I went with a lighter shingle thinking it’d help, but honestly, like you said, “the ventilation upgrade was night and day.” Here’s what worked for me on a tight budget:
1. Checked existing soffit vents—turned out half were blocked by insulation.
2. Added a couple more vents (not expensive).
3. Upgraded to a ridge vent that actually moves air.
The shingle brand didn’t matter much for attic temps, at least in my case. If you’re trying to save money, I’d focus on airflow first before splurging on premium shingles.
I’ve dug into this a lot since moving in last year, and I’m with you—ventilation made a bigger difference than shingle color or brand. I did swap out some old 3-tabs for architectural shingles (not Malarkey, but similar), and honestly, attic temps barely changed until I cleared the soffits and added a ridge vent. One thing I’d add: if you’re in a super sunny climate, lighter shingles might help a bit, but it’s not dramatic. The only time I’d pay extra for a “premium” shingle is if you want the warranty or impact resistance. Otherwise, airflow’s where it’s at.
I was convinced the “cool roof” hype would save me from attic sauna status, but after a summer of sweating it out, I’m with you—ventilation is king. I went down the rabbit hole of shingle brands (Malarkey, GAF, you name it), but honestly, my attic was still roasting until I got up there and realized half my soffit vents were blocked by ancient insulation. Cleared those out, added a ridge vent, and suddenly it felt like my attic could actually breathe.
I did go with lighter shingles (not Malarkey, just whatever was on sale at the time), and maybe there’s a tiny difference? But nothing life-changing. If you’re not in hail alley or somewhere with wild weather, I’d skip the premium stuff unless you really want that warranty for peace of mind.
If I had to do it over again: Step 1—check your airflow. Step 2—fix your airflow. Step 3—pick whatever shingle color won’t make your HOA mad. That’s about it... unless you just love spending money on fancy shingles for bragging rights at block parties.
That attic sauna life is real—I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on “miracle” shingles and still end up sweating buckets. Did you notice any difference in your cooling bills after fixing the vents? I always wonder if the lighter shingles actually help, or if it’s just wishful thinking.
