THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO ROOF: BEYOND OXIDIZED ASPHALT SHINGLES
Tired of frequent repairs? Maybe your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, or it could be time for a replacement. Many homeowners are unaware of roofing choices and, in some instances, influenced by manufacturers’ and roofers’ marketing tactics and fingerprint warranties, choose standard (oxidized) asphalt shingles by default or inherit a builder-grade roof when purchasing their home. These standard shingles can sometimes face challenges, leading to premature wear and unexpected costs.
Issues with oxidized asphalt shingles often stem from four main sources. Understanding these causes can help homeowners take preventive measures and make informed decisions about their roofing materials.
- 1. Manufacturing Defects
- 2. Environmental Factors
- 3. Installation Errors
- 4. Inadequate Maintenance
- 5. Ugly Algae Strikes
Welcome to the future of roofing with Rebel Roofer, where we are rebels with a cause. Our experience with traditional oxidized asphalt shingles has shown us their limitations, including premature failures and costly repairs. Many manufacturers rely on marketing gimmicks and inflated warranties that can be misleading.
At Rebel Roofer, we specialize in Malarkey SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) polymer-modified shingles, which offer superior durability, flexibility, and environmental benefits. These features make them a smarter choice for your home.
This page is designed to educate you about the common failures of asphalt shingles and explain why our SBS-modified shingles are a better investment for long-term protection and beauty. Discover why upgrading to Malarkey SBS shingles with Rebel Roofer is the smart choice for your roofing needs.
WHY MALARKEY? ANYTHING BUT STANDARD
Unlike standard roofing shingles, Malarkey shingles are made of Rubberized Asphalt for superior all-weather resilience. Upcycled Rubber & Plastics to reduce landfill waste, and Smog-Reducing Granules that help clean the air. Best Performance – NOT YOUR STANDARD ROOFING SHINGLE
1st. to launch SBS Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt Shingles
1st. to Engineer a Large Nailing Area and Tapered Shim
1st. to Incorporate Upcycled Rubber, Plastics, Smog Reducing Granules
THE MOST COMMON LIMITATIONS OF OXIDIZED ASPHALT SHINGLES INCLUDE:
1. MANUFACTURING dEFECTS:
Inconsistent Composition: Variations in the asphalt mixture can create weak spots in shingles, making them more prone to damage like cracking and splitting under environmental stress
Poor Quality Control: Manufacturing issues such as improper mixing, incorrect temperatures, or inadequate curing can lead to defects like granule loss and blistering, significantly reducing shingle durability and lifespan
- Cupping and Curling: The edges of the shingles begin to curl upwards or the center cups, often due to weathering, poor ventilation, or improper installation.
- Granule Loss: The protective granules on the shingles’ surface wear off over time, leading to bald spots and exposing the asphalt layer to UV damage.
- Cracking and Splitting: Temperature fluctuations cause the shingles to expand and contract, leading to thermal splitting and cracks in the shingles.
- Algae Streaks: Dark streaks caused by algae growth, often seen on older asphalt shingles, especially in humid climates.
- Blistering: Small blisters form on the surface of the shingles due to trapped moisture or poor-quality materials.
- Shrinkage: The shingles may shrink over time, leading to gaps and exposing the underlying layers to the elements.
- Water Absorption: Over time, shingles can absorb water, especially if they lose their granules, leading to a breakdown of the material and potential leaks.
- Wind Damage: High winds can lift or completely remove shingles, especially if they are not properly installed or have aged.
These failures reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of oxidized asphalt shingles, leading to increased maintenance and potential roof replacements.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Roofs are supposed to protect us, but many homeowners, without knowing, have experienced some or many of these environmental factors. There is misleading information within the roofing industry, with a commodity product often stated as the default:
- Trees and Vegetation: Overhanging branches can cause physical damage, and leaf debris can trap moisture, leading to mold growth and accelerated deterioration.
- Northern Exposure: Limited sunlight can prevent proper drying, increasing the risk of mold and algae growth, while temperature variations can cause thermal stress
- Extreme Weather Conditions: High winds, hail, heavy rain, snow, and ice can cause immediate and long-term damage to shingles
- Temperature Extremes and UV Radiation: Heat can cause warping and blistering, while cold can make shingles brittle and prone to cracking. UV rays can break down the asphalt, leading to granule loss and reduced lifespan
3. INSTALLATION ERRORS:
Roofs are supposed to protect us, but many homeowners, without knowing, have experienced some or many of these environmental factors. There is misleading information within the roofing industry, with a commodity product often stated as the default:
OXIDIZED ASPHALT SHINGLES
SBS (POLYMER-MODIFIED) SHINGLES
- Requires standard underlayment, prone to accelerated aging due to heat absorption.
- Brittle over time, prone to misalignment.
- Brittle, susceptible to cracking or lifting if not properly fastened.
- Errors in flashing installation can degrade faster, leading to leaks.
- Poor ventilation can accelerate deterioration.
- Strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines crucial for lifespan and warranty.
- Incompatible materials can compromise effectiveness.
- Regular inspections necessary to catch issues early.
- Inexperienced handling increases risk of damage during installation.
- Proper installation critical for preventing water pooling and leaks.
- Not typically designed with tapered shim for water shedding.
- Standard nailing zone without specific reinforcement.
- Requires durable underlayment for enhanced moisture protection.
- More flexible, easier to align during installation.
- Reinforced nailing zone ensures secure fastening, reduces blow-off risk.
- Better withstands installation stresses, less susceptible to heat damage.
- Less prone to heat absorption, better resistance to cracking or warping.
- More forgiving in installation, but still requires following guidelines.
- Compatible materials ensure optimal performance.
- Important to ensure proper installation and detect issues early on.
- More forgiving in installation, benefits from skilled professionals.
- Proper installation crucial for long-term durability and water resistance.
- Malarkey shingles include a tapered shim at the common bond for improved water shedding.
- Malarkey shingles feature the widest nailing zone in the industry, ensuring secure fastening and reducing installation errors.
FIRST TO ENGINEER A LAGER NAILING AREA - THE ZONE
It takes over 6,000 nails to properly secure a roof. Even one out of place can lead to leaks or void a wind warranty. That’s why we patented the industry’s first larger nailing area, called The Zone®.
Wider nailing lines on the top of the shingle create a bigger target that’s easier to hit to improve installation speed & accuracy.
Longer shingle backing shim helps ensure nails penetrate BOTH shingle layers to help prevent shingle uplift and blow-offs.
Double rain seals provide twice the protection of standard shingles against leaks from wind-blown rain.
4. INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE:
Inadequate maintenance is a significant factor in the premature failure of asphalt shingle roofs. Many homeowners neglect regular roof inspections and minor repairs, leading to bigger problems down the line. However, SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) modified shingles offer enhanced durability and resilience, which can alleviate some of the issues caused by inadequate maintenance. Inadequate maintenance can significantly shorten the lifespan of a roof.
REGULAR ROOF INSPECTIONS:
Less Frequent Issues – SBS shingles are more durable, reducing the likelihood of problems like cracking and splitting. This means inspections are less likely to reveal significant issues.
DEBRIS BUILDUP:
Improved Debris Handling – SBS shingles are more resilient to physical damage from debris and shed moisture better, reducing the risk of mold growth and deterioration.
MOLD AND ALGAE GROWTH:
Algae Resistance – SBS shingles often include algae resistant granules, preventing mold and algae growth and maintaining roof appearance and integrity.
MINOR REPAIRS :
Reduced Damage – The enhanced flexibility and impact resistance of SBS shingles mean fewer damages, like curling and granule loss, making them easy to maintain.
WITHOUT ALGAE PROTECTION, SHINGLES CAN MANIFEST BLACK STREAKES IN AS LITTLE AS 3 YEARS
At Rebel Roofer, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality roofing materials to ensure the longevity and beauty of your home. That’s why we exclusively install Malarkey SBS shingles, which stand out in the roofing industry for their exceptional performance and eco-friendly benefits. One of the most significant advantages of Malarkey shingles is their superior protection against algae streaks, a common issue with many other brands.
Humidity and sunlight create the perfect environment for algae growth. On a roof, this growth often manifests as black streaks that alter your roof’s color and mar its appearance. To combat this problem, we utilize copper-coated granules from 3M.
HOW IT WORKS?
MIX OF COPPER -COATED GRANULES IMPEDES ALGAE GROWTH
To combat the problem of black streaks, we use 3M™ Copper Granules. These granules, which blend inconspicuously into the shingle’s color, are uniformly distributed on the shingle’s surface, and release copper ions which inhibit algae growth, preventing it from getting started in the first place.
For maximum algae protection, our shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector utilize at least a 10% blend of 3M™ Copper Granules.
Malarkey was the first shingle manufacturer to receive the Scotchgard™ Protector designation from 3M.
SUSTAINABILITY
Malarkey shingles incorporate upcycled tires and plastic bags to reduce landfill waste, and integrate smog-reducing granules that help actively clean the air of emission pollutants.
UPCYCLED RUBBER - 5
Each roof diverts the equivalent of ~5 tires from the landfill.
UPCYCLED PLASTIC - 3.2K
Each roof diverts the equivalent of ~3,200 plastic bags from the landfill.
PLANTED TREES - 2
Each roof helps clean the air of emission pollutants like planting ~2 trees.
SAVING THE PLANET - ONE ROOF AT A TIME
Sustainability Effect – Per Roof
Traditional Shingles:
Made with Oxidized asphalt, which dries out and becomes brittle, causing cracks and granular loss.
NEX® Shingles:
- Malarkey pioneered Polymer Modified Asphalt. Our NEX® formula uses SBS rubber and plastic polymers to chemically harden and rubberize the asphalt core of the shingle.
- Retains asphalt’s natural suppleness and stickiness.
- Resists thermal dry-out, improves granule embedment, and adds flexibility and strength.
- Better withstands wind, tears, and hail damage.
Each roof diverts the equivalent of approximately 3,200 plastic bags from landfills.
Each roof diverts the equivalen of approximately 3,200 plastic bags from landfills.
Each roof fights emission air pollution like planting approximately two trees.
Data is based on a residential roof of approximately 3,000 square feet
IS YOUR ROOF READY FOR XTREME WEATHER PERFORMANCE ? (XWP)
We know and have been trained for roofs to withstand extreme weather conditions. That’s why we’ve designed our exclusive XWP Xtreme Weather Performance Roofing System, engineered to endure the harshest conditions, far surpass ordinary standards, and last longer. Tested in the Midwest and Western Pacific, from Alaska to extreme weather conditions, XWP is crafted to protect your home and investment through it all.
Get started with your roofing project today!
In terms of importance for your home’s overall safety, making sure your roof stays in top shape is a task that’s right there at the top of the list. Your roof is easily the most important surface on your entire home.
A small leak might not seem like a big deal, but water inside a home is always problematic. A small drip can cause wood components to start rotting, over time softening the roof structure, causing paint to peel, and deteriorating drywall.
The right roofing can boost the curb appeal of any style of home, from rustic to urban, colonial to contemporary. You’ll find the perfect asphalt roofing shingles.
