Shingles are in a constant state of expansion and contraction, called thermocycling, caused by daily temperature changes (hot/cold) and seasonal weather extremes (freeze/thaw). This perpetual movement strains shingles. Standard shingles, dried-out, hard, and stiff, prematurely crack from the stress.

NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt combats thermocycling stress in two ways. One, it preserves asphalt’s natural suppleness and pliability to resist thermal dry-out. Two, it adds rubberlike elongation (stretch) and elasticity (recovery), enabling the asphalt core of the shingle to expand and contract as needed to accommodate thermocycling.

Granules are a shingle’s primary line of defense against force impact and UV aging, and asphalt is the glue that holds them in place. As changes in temperature cause the asphalt in shingles to expand/soften (heat) and contract/harden (cold), granules shift. The asphalt in standard shingles, dried-out and hard, struggles to retain its adhesive grip on ever-moving granules, resulting in premature granule loss. When granules fall, the shingle’s asphalt is exposed to UV radiation from the sun which further accelerates its demise.

NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt improves granule retention in two ways. One, it preserves asphalt’s natural suppleness and stickiness for deeper granule embedment and adhesion. Two, its rubberlike ability to expand and contract enables it to grip and regrip granules through more thermal cycles, resulting in stronger, longer granule retention and extended shingle life. Malarkey shingles have up to 65% greater granule adhesion than the industry standard shingle specification (ASTM D3462).

Every shingle has its breaking point, and strong winds will find it. In very strong winds, it’s not uncommon for shingles to temporarily lift from the roof. Standard shingles, made overly hard, stiff, and brittle, quickly snap.

NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt rubberizes shingles, delivering enhanced strength, flexibility (bend), and elasticity (recovery), so shingles ‘bend, don’t break’ in high winds, and then lay back down to reseal to the roof, helping prevent shingle tears and blow-offs. Malarkey shingles have up to 30% greater tear strength than the industry standard asphalt shingle specification (ASTM D3462) and include wind warranties up to 130 mph.

When hail hits, it dents and tears shingles and dislodges granules, elevating the risk of leaks. Standard shingles lack the pliability and give to absorb the blows.

NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt dramatically improving impact resistance, in two ways. One, it preserves asphalt’s natural pliability and suppleness, equipping the shingle to absorb and disperse force impact (shock dispersion) to minimize hail damage. Two, it adds rubberlike elasticity (bounce), equipping the shingle to absorb and deflect (compression deflection) force impact to help prevent damage from hail and debris.

Malarkey’s Highlander® shingles are also Class 3 rated (second highest rating possible) for impact by UL. And Malarkey’s Vista®, Legacy®, and Windsor® shingles are Class 4 rated (highest rating possible) for impact by UL, and meet IBHS FORTIFIED™ Roof requirements. As a result, these shingles often qualify for insurance discounts.

The oxidation process used to make standard shingles burns-off asphalt’s lighter molecules which enter the air in large quantities as emission pollutants. By utilizing polymers instead of oxidation, NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt retains more of asphalt’s lighter molecules, resulting in over 60% less emissions.

In addition, by incorporating upcycled rubber and plastics into our NEX® asphalt formulation, each average-sized roof of Malarkey shingles (approximately 30 squares) diverts the equivalent of ~5 tires and ~3,200 plastic bags from the landfill.