Would Malarkey shingles survive a solar-powered zombie apocalypse?

Shingles are just the armor; it’s what’s underneath that keeps you safe when things get weird.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’d push back a bit on the idea that underlayment and ventilation are always the main players. They’re huge, no doubt, but I’ve seen plenty of cases where the shingle itself made or broke the roof - especially in places with wild wind or hail. For example, I’m in Colorado, and after last year’s hailstorm, the houses with Malarkey or other impact-rated shingles had way less damage than the ones with standard asphalt, even when both had synthetic underlayment. The underlayment was fine, but the cheaper shingles got shredded, and then water got in anyway.

Here’s how I look at it:

1. Start with a solid deck - no rot, no soft spots.
2. Use a good synthetic underlayment or ice & water shield, especially in valleys and eaves.
3. Pick a shingle that matches your climate. If you’re in a hail zone, go for Class 4 impact-rated. If you get crazy wind, check the wind rating.
4. Don’t skimp on ventilation - ridge vents, soffit vents, whatever works for your roof style.
5. Pay attention to installation. Even the best materials fail if they’re slapped on wrong.

I’ve had to replace a section of my own roof after a windstorm because the shingles just peeled off - underlayment was still there, but it didn’t matter once the top layer was gone. On the flip side, my neighbor’s place had basic felt but heavy-duty shingles, and they held up fine (though I did tell him to upgrade the underlayment next time).

Long story short, it’s all about balance. Underlayment and ventilation are critical, but if you cheap out on shingles in a rough climate, you’re still rolling the dice. And yeah, if zombies are climbing up there, I’d want every layer working together... not just what’s underneath.

Long story short, it’s all about balance. Underlayment and ventilation are critical, but if you cheap out on shingles in a rough climate, you’re still rolling the dice.

Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on fancy underlayment and then slap on bargain-bin shingles, thinking they’re set for the next big storm. Doesn’t usually end well, especially around here (I’m in Nebraska, so hail is basically a spring tradition). Had a job last summer where the Malarkey Class 4s took a direct hit and barely showed a scuff, while the neighbor’s standard 3-tabs looked like someone took a weed whacker to them. Underlayment was still there, but water found its way in through all those shingle craters.

I do think installation gets overlooked a lot, too. Even the best shingle won’t save you if it’s nailed wrong or the starter strip’s missing. Zombies or not, you want every layer doing its job, but the top layer’s the first line of defense. If you’re in a spot with wild weather, it’s worth paying for the good stuff up top.

I get where you’re coming from about installation being just as important as the materials. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out to fix leaks on “premium” roofs, only to find the shingles were nailed too high or the starter strip was skipped altogether. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got Malarkey, CertainTeed, or whatever - if the basics aren’t done right, you’re asking for trouble.

That said, I’ll give Malarkey credit where it’s due. Had a hailstorm roll through here (Kansas side) last year, and I checked on a couple jobs we’d done with their Legacy line. Not a single shingle blown off, and just a few minor dings. Meanwhile, the neighbor’s roof looked like Swiss cheese. But even then, I’ve seen folks assume Class 4 means invincible. It buys you time, sure, but nothing’s bulletproof - especially if you get one of those sideways hailstorms with 70 mph winds.

One thing I don’t see mentioned enough is attic ventilation. Folks will shell out for the “impact resistant” label but ignore the fact that poor airflow cooks the shingles from underneath. Seen more than a few roofs curl up after five years because someone thought ridge vents were optional.

If we’re talking zombie apocalypse - solar-powered or not - I’d still want Malarkey up there over most brands, but only if it’s installed by someone who actually cares about the details. Otherwise, you’re just giving the undead an easier way in... or at least a leaky attic to hide in.

Long story short: good shingles help, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t cheap out on labor or skip steps thinking the fancy label will save you when things get wild.

I’ve been digging into this stuff since buying my place a couple years ago, and it’s wild how much the install matters. I almost went with Malarkey Legacy last summer - ended up with CertainTeed because of what was in stock, but honestly, I probably would’ve been happy either way if the crew did solid work. My neighbor had “top shelf” shingles too, but his installer skipped ice and water shield in a couple valleys. First big rain, he had water spots on his ceiling. Makes you realize how little the brand matters if shortcuts get taken.

Attic ventilation is one of those things nobody really talks about until it’s too late. I crawled up there after our first winter and realized my soffit vents were half-blocked by insulation. Cleared those out and added a solar fan - haven’t seen any curling or weird heat issues since, even during that nasty heat wave last August.

Class 4 is good peace of mind, but yeah, nothing’s indestructible. If zombies (or just Kansas hail) are coming for my roof, I’d rather have a careful installer than just a fancy label on the shingle bundle.

You nailed it - shingle brand gets all the attention, but a good install is what really keeps the water out. I’ve seen “premium” roofs fail in their first year just because someone got lazy with flashing or skipped the ice and water in the valleys, like your neighbor’s situation. Ventilation’s another one folks overlook until they get weird attic smells or their shingles start curling in July. Clearing those soffits and adding a solar fan was a smart move. Class 4 shingles are tough, but yeah, if the crew cuts corners, even the best materials won’t save you from leaks or hail - or zombies, for that matter.