GAF vs. Malarkey Shingles Compared (With Price Chart)

Torn between which shingles to use for your roofing project? Don't fret - you aren't alone! With the abundance of options on the market, it's only normal to feel overwhelmed. After all, your plays a significant role in the health of your home. It's as big of a deal as it feels! 

At RoofCrafters, we understand and value your needs as a homeowner. You want to turn to someone you can trust when making vital decisions for your roof, which is why we've made it our mission to be your partner - not just a hired contractor. Shingles come in many forms, but few stand out among the rest. GAF and Malarkey shingles are two competitors worth mentioning if you want the best for your home. 

In this article, we'll dive deep into the details of each manufacturer. From performance to design options, there's a lot to discuss and you probably have loads of questions. Luckily, we have time to answer them if you do! When you finish reading, you'll feel more confident about whether either of these brands are right for you and your family. Without further ado, let's begin.

GAF: a Top-rated Shingle Brand

RoofCrafters is a GAF Master Elite Contractor, so it's no secret that we trust this brand for our customers. After nearly 30 years of being in business, we've racked up a few favorites based on performance, longevity, and durability (and so have our customers.) Regardless, we value full transparency when giving you information, so let's take a look at what you should know about GAF.

GAF's Background & Options

GAF, standing for "General Aniline & Film," stands out as a leading roofing manufacturer nationwide. Did you know that one out of every four homes in the United States proudly features GAF shingles on their roof tops? This company has a reputation for producing shingles that are not only incredibly durable but also exceptionally strong and built to endure the test of time.

If you're looking for an attractive appearance without breaking the bank, GAF is one of your best options. The company offers a three-tab shingle that not only boasts affordability but also comes with a noteworthy warranty. In fact, most GAF products come with a limited lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

These fiberglass shingles are asphalt-coated, ensuring durability that surpasses many other options on the market. You'll also discover a diverse array of colors to choose from when considering these shingles, though it's essential to browse them beforehand to make sure what you want is available in your location. See the GAF color chart here. 

Malarkey: How Does it Compare? 

Here's what Malarkey has to say about their brand on their website:

"Pioneering a Better Way - At Malarkey, we didn't set out to be first in innovation. We set out to make the industry's highest-performing, most sustainable shingles. When that's your goal, and you're driven to achieve it, the innovation happens naturally."

Like GAF, Malarkey is favored by homeowners and roofers alike. They produce premium, high-quality shingles that are comparable to other top brands. See their color selector here. One of the downfalls, however, is its price point. Malarkey shingles are more expensive than most of its competitors, including GAF. Take a look at the price chart below! 

Compared to Malarkey, GAF gets more recognition in the industry. Does this mean it's inferior? Absolutely not, it's just referred to as more of a "hidden gem." Like most manufacturers, Malarkey also offers numerous types of shingles. The Windsor Scotchgard is one of their popular designer shingles. They have the rustic appearance of a traditional cedar shake, with the patented durable NEX asphalt and Scotchgard to protect the shingle. They also produce 3-tab shingles (including Dura-seal with sustainable NEX asphalt), which are the least expensive options. 

Both Manufacturers Offer Similar Warranties

Like GAF, Malarkey has some of the highest rated warranties offered in the industry. Their warranty provides 100% coverage before the materials are prorated. Malarkey refers to this time before the proration as the "Right Start" period, providing you with the "best-extended warranty in the market."

Photo credit: Malarkey Roofing Products 

However, their "one-time transfer" rule is a drawback for many homeowners. If the warranty is transferred after the Right Start period, it will default to only two years. Click the link above to learn more about this period on their website.

Now, the GAF golden pledge warranty covers you for 25 years, which is also one of the top warranties offered by any manufacturer. Because the two brands are so comparable warranty-wise, it'll benefit you to look at other factors to determine which is right for you. It's pros and cons time!

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Every manufacturer has pros and cons, no matter how spectacular they are. To break down your options further, we've listed the "good, bad, and the ugly" of both GAF and Malarkey below.