Project Details at a Glance:

• Contractor: Koch Konstruction (Groveland, IL)
• Location: Middleton, IL.
• Product: Malarkey Roofing Products® laminate shingle, Vista® AR in Brilliant Black
• Distributor: Richards Building Supply
• Scope: 89 Squares

Summary:

To address the devastating aftermath of a local hailstorm, Koch Konstruction successfully completed a replacement project in Middleton, IL, installing 89 squares of Malarkey Roofing Products® Vista® AR shingles in the striking Brilliant Black color. This case study showcases the unparalleled defense of this impact-resistant roofing solution, which leverages our advanced NEX® SBS Rubberized Polymer Modified Asphalt technology to absorb punishing blows and earn the industry’s prestigious UL 2218 Class 4 rating. By choosing Malarkey, the homeowners secured a resilient future with maximum storm protection, long-term durability, and the potential for significant insurance premium savings.

For homeowners in the Midwest, weathering a severe storm often means more than just clearing debris from the roof—it means facing the stressful reality of roof damage. When a large hailstorm recently swept through Middleton, Illinois, the result was clear: the existing roof had failed and required immediate replacement. In times like these, choosing a product that offers proven resilience is critical, which is why the homeowners and Koch Konstruction turned to Malarkey roofing products. Installing 89 squares of Malarkey’s Vista® AR shingles in the bold, rich tone of Brilliant Black, Koch Konstruction provided a permanent solution designed to defend the home against future severe weather. This project is a perfect illustration of why our materials are synonymous with truly impact-resistant roofing.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Shingles

The unfortunate reality of traditional roofing shingles is that they are often brittle, made with oxidized asphalt that stiffens and cracks when struck by hail. This impact damages the asphalt, breaks the shingle, and loosens the protective granules, starting a clock toward leaks and costly internal repairs. When hail hits, it acts like a hammer against a weak surface. 

Koch Konstruction’s mission to replace the compromised roof with a resilient alternative perfectly aligns with Malarkey’s mission to build shingles we want on our own homes—made better to last longer. The solution had to be more than a cosmetic fix; it had to provide maximum protection and long-term value, making impact-resistant roofing the only viable choice.

Engineering Impact-Resistant Roofing with NEX® Technology

The secret to the Vista® AR line’s superior defense lies in our pioneering NEX® SBS Rubberized Polymer Modified Asphalt technology. Unlike standard hard asphalt, we enhance the material by “rubberizing” it with upcycled polymers derived from recycled tires and plastic bags. This transformation is foundational to creating high-performance roofing. 

When hail strikes a Malarkey shingle, the rubberized surface acts as a shock absorber, allowing the shingle to flex and cushion the blow instead of cracking. This crucial flexibility is what keeps the protective granules embedded, vital for long-term defense against damaging UV rays and ensures the shingle remains intact. This engineering delivers performance that does not just sit there—it fights back.

Validated Performance: Achieving the UL 2218 Class 4 Rating

Malarkey proves these claims of durability through rigorous third-party validation. Our Vista® line is engineered to exceed the industry’s gold standard for impact resistance: the UL 2218 Class 4 test. To earn this highest possible rating, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped twice onto the same spot on a shingle from a height of 20 feet, with the requirement that the shingle show no visible signs of cracking or tearing on the backside. 

Installing a product with this proven capability, sourced locally from distributor Richards Building Supply in Peoria, Illinois, provides homeowners with the highest level of storm protection available. By selecting Malarkey, Koch Konstruction equipped the Middleton residence with truly reliable, impact-resistant roofing.

The Value of Your Impact-Resistant Roof

Choosing an innovative, impact-resistant roof is a savvy investment for the homeowner. First, the roof simply lasts longer, holding up year after year through severe weather cycles. Second, homeowners gain peace of mind, knowing their first line of defense is built with superior technology that is both performance-engineered and sustainably designed. Finally, because Class 4 shingles significantly reduce the risk of future storm damage, many insurance providers offer substantial premium discounts to policyholders who install them. The installation of Vista® AR in Brilliant Black by Koch Konstruction didn’t just replace a damaged roof; it upgraded a home with a durable, sustainable layer of protection. When It Matters™, Malarkey is engineering resilience.