Malarkey vs Owens Corning shingles: which performs better in Minneapolis?
Malarkey and Owens Corning take fundamentally different approaches to shingle design. Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) installs Malarkey (Emerald Pro certified). Malarkey Legacy uses SBS-modified rubber polymer for superior cold-weather flex and hail resistance. Owens Corning Duration uses standard asphalt with SureNail technology. Both $10K–$22K typical install. For Minneapolis's freeze-thaw climate and hail exposure, Modex recommends Malarkey.
Comparison
Malarkey or Owens Corning?
I install Malarkey—I'm Emerald Pro certified. I don't install Owens Corning. Both make solid shingles, but here's the honest comparison so you can decide what fits your home and budget.
Comparison
Product lines compared
Malarkey offers Vista, Highlander NEX, Legacy, and Windsor. Owens Corning offers TruDefinition Duration, Duration FLEX, Duration STORM, and Berkshire Collection.
Malarkey
Malarkey shingle options
Vista architectural · Highlander NEX with SBS-modified rubberized asphalt · Legacy premium SBS · Windsor cool roof technology
Owens Corning
Owens Corning shingle options
TruDefinition Duration architectural · Duration FLEX with SBS modification · Duration STORM impact-resistant · Berkshire Collection premium tier
Technical
How they differ
Both manufacturers offer SBS-modified options, but Malarkey builds it into most product lines while Owens Corning positions it as an upgrade. For Minnesota weather, that distinction matters.
Malarkey approach
SBS-modified rubberized asphalt
Malarkey builds SBS modification into Highlander NEX, Legacy, and Windsor as standard. This means better flexibility in Minnesota winters and hail resistance without upgrading.
Cost
What's the price difference?
Full roof installation costs for a typical Twin Cities home
Basic plan
Malarkey Vista
$16K–$28K
Includes
Architectural shingle profile
130 MPH wind warranty
Scotchgard algae resistance
20-year non-prorated coverage
Emerald Pro installation guarantee
Coverage
Warranty breakdown
Both offer lifetime limited material coverage and 20–30 year non-prorated terms. Malarkey adds Emerald Pro extended registration; Owens Corning offers Preferred Contractor extended coverage.
Malarkey
Malarkey warranty terms
Lifetime limited material · 20–30 year non-prorated · Emerald Pro extended registration · transferable coverage
Owens Corning
Owens Corning warranty terms
System Protection limited lifetime · 20–30 year non-prorated · Preferred Contractor extended coverage · transferable coverage
Personal
Why I chose Malarkey
Both make solid shingles. I went Malarkey Emerald Pro because the product line, contractor program, and Minnesota weather fit aligned better with how I run Modex.
Reason one
SBS-modified rubberized asphalt
Malarkey builds SBS modification into most of the line, which means hail resistance is the default, not the upgrade. That fits Minnesota weather better than positioning it as a premium option.
Questions
Malarkey vs Owens Corning: homeowner questions
"Joe and the Modex team installed Malarkey Legacy on our Eden Prairie home after a hailstorm. We liked the rubberized shingle and lifetime warranty. Roof looks great."
Sarah M.
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Ready to move forward with Malarkey?
Call 952-206-6339 for a free estimate. If you want Owens Corning, I'll connect you with a trusted installer. More on the line we install: Malarkey shingles.
About this page
Reviewed by Joe Dvorak
Joe Dvorak, owner of Modern Exterior Systems, is Malarkey Emerald Pro Pro certified and has installed Malarkey shingles across the Twin Cities for over a decade. This comparison reflects his honest assessment of both manufacturers. Updated May 2026.
