Summary: Malarkey Roofing Products® has used advanced 3M™ roofing granules to enhance shingle durability, impact resistance, and UV protection for over 50 years. Specialized copper granules proactively prevent unsightly blue-green algae growth by steadily releasing copper ions. Cool roofing granules offer high solar reflectance to reduce energy costs and combat the Urban Heat Island Effect, meeting strict California Title 24, Part 6 standards. 

Granules are essential mineral components of roofing shingles that serve multiple critical functions. Malarkey Roofing Products uses 3M™ Roofing Granules in our shingle manufacturing process. Together with 3M, we have developed and delivered innovative, environmentally conscious granule technologies to homeowners across the country – for over 50 years! 

What’s so great about granules?

Primarily, granules provide vibrant color options and significantly enhance the durability of the roofing shingle. Granules improve impact resistance, protecting homes from severe weather. They also act as a protective “sunscreen” for the shingle itself by defending the NEX® polymer-modified asphalt base against UV aging. This way, the granules mitigate one of the most significant threats to a roof’s longevity.

These granules have four structural features: 

1. Raw base mineral foundation
2. Protective ceramic coating
3. Specialized adhesion promoter
4. UV coating 

Copper provides proper protection

If you live in a humid environment, you might have noticed unsightly black streaks on local roofs. These streaks are blue-green algae, which thrive in areas with regular morning dew and sunlight. While it might be tempting to pressure wash your roof to remove them, doing so is dangerous and can strip away the shingle’s protective granules, leaving your home vulnerable to weather damage and premature UV aging.

3M Copper Granules prevent the algae from taking hold in the first place. Instead of reacting to algae after it appears—which can happen in as little as three years—these granules have a specialized coating that defends against algae growth. The unique granules start with a raw base mineral, then feature a ceramic coating, a UV coating, and finally, a specialized copper coating. They blend inconspicuously into the shingle while steadily releasing copper ions to inhibit algae growth. 

For maximum defense, Malarkey shingles with Scotchgard™ Protector use at least a 10% blend of these copper granules. Notably, Malarkey was the first shingle manufacturer to earn this Scotchgard Protector designation from 3M, offering a proactive way to keep roofs looking pristine in tough climates.

A roof’s impact on your energy bills

When traditional asphalt shingles absorb solar energy, they transfer that heat right into the living space. This also accelerates the roof’s aging process. In fact, classic black granules only reflect a mere 3-12% of the sun’s energy.

3M Cool Roofing Granules feature a highly reflective coating that boosts solar reflectance by 20-25%. By reflecting ultraviolet rays away from your house, they keep your roof cooler and drastically reduce the amount of heat radiating into your home.

Beyond lowering air conditioning costs, these shingles can help make neighborhoods cooler, too. Solar reflective roofs combat the “Urban Heat Island Effect”—a phenomenon where cities trap excessive heat due to abundant paved surfaces and dark rooftops. Los Angeles, California, is one city where this effect is prevalent. (Read about Malarkey’s project donation in central L.A. here) Cool Roofing granules meet strict Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) requirements, including California’s Title 24, Part 6 standards. Upgrading to a cool roof is a smart investment that protects your home while supporting community efforts to reduce excessive heat.

Roofing granules play an important role in roofing shingle performance. Collaboration between Malarkey and 3M have driven advancements in granule technology to deliver a long-lasting, sustainable product. Copper-coated granules inhibit algae growth, while Cool Roofing granules reflect UV rays. But that’s not all; learn more about roofing granule technology in part 2, where smog-reduction takes center stage.