nothing’s totally raccoon-proof, but I’d take Malarkeys over the bargain stuff any day.
I’ve seen similar results—Malarkey Legacy seems to take a beating better than most. But I’ve also noticed that even the best shingle can fail if the installer cuts corners, especially around valleys and edges. There’s definitely some luck involved with wildlife, but a sloppy install just gives them more to work with. As for zombie-proof? Maybe if you double up on underlayment and throw in some metal flashing... though I’m not sure about solar-powered zombies. That’s a whole new spec sheet.
I’m with you on the install being just as important as the shingle itself. I’ve seen a few “premium” roofs go bad way too early just because the flashing was half-hearted or the starter course got skipped. Even the best shingle can’t make up for shortcuts.
On the wildlife front, I’ve actually had raccoons get through a Malarkey roof once, but it was right where the attic vent was cut in. They’ll find any weak spot, especially if there’s a gap or some loose nails. Has anyone tried adding mesh or hardware cloth under the vents? Wondering if that’s overkill or if it actually helps.
Curious too—has anyone noticed if the Malarkey granules hold up better against UV over time? I’m in a spot with a lot of sun and I’ve seen some brands fade or lose granules fast, which probably wouldn’t help in a zombie scenario either...
Even the best shingle can’t make up for shortcuts.
I hear you, but I don’t know if I’d say install is *always* more important than the shingle itself. Around here (high desert, tons of UV), I’ve seen some supposedly “premium” shingles just get cooked, even when the install was textbook perfect. There’s only so much a good roofer can do if the material isn’t up to long-term sun exposure.
On the wildlife thing—mesh under vents isn’t overkill in my book. Raccoons are like little demolition experts. I put 1/4" hardware cloth under my attic vents after squirrels chewed through the screens. It’s held up fine, and I haven’t noticed any airflow issues.
As for Malarkey granules, mine are holding up okay after five summers, but I do see some fading compared to the north side. Not sure if it’s better than GAF or CertainTeed, honestly. Maybe a little. But if we’re talking zombie apocalypse durability, I’d probably go metal roof and call it good...
Metal roof for the zombie apocalypse—yeah, that’s probably the move. I’m with you on install not being the *only* thing that matters. Out here (Pacific NW), we don’t get the same UV blast, but moss is a whole different beast. I’ve seen “lifetime” shingles turn into a chia pet in five years if you don’t keep up.
Malarkey’s granules seem to hang in there a bit better than some others, but honestly, after a few years, everything fades or gets gunked up by something. I do like that they use recycled rubber and smog-eating granules—feels like at least I’m doing something green while my roof slowly ages.
Wildlife-wise, squirrels are basically tiny chainsaws. Hardware cloth is a must unless you want to hear them bowling in your attic at 3am. Haven’t noticed airflow issues either, and it’s kept the critters out so far... knock on wood.
If zombies ever show up, though, I’m heading for the nearest metal barn and calling it good.