Your roof protects your home and is the first line of defense against the elements. At Malarkey Roofing Products®, we manufacture shingles that protect your roof. That’s why we reengineered the core of the modern shingle. By moving away from traditional oxidized asphalt and pioneering NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt, we’ve set a new standard for high-performance roofing.

How exactly does Malarkey’s proprietary polymer-modified asphalt work? NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt is a specifically engineered blend of polymer chemistry, sustainable innovation, and extreme durability. Let’s get into the details:

The Problem with Traditional Asphalt

To understand the power of NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt, you first have to look at what it replaces. Traditional roofing shingles are made with oxidized asphalt. This process involves applying extreme heat to the asphalt to harden it – effectively baking it. While this makes the shingle tough, it also makes it brittle. Over time, exposure to the sun’s UV rays and fluctuating temperatures cause traditional shingles to dry out, crack, and lose their protective granules.

What is NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt?

In 1976, we found a better way to produce asphalt for roofing that added Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) polymers to the mix. Instead of just hardening the asphalt, this helped rubberize it. Today, NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt takes the innovation one step further by incorporating polymers upcycled from rubber and plastics into the asphalt mix. This process transforms the asphalt from a rigid, breakable material into a flexible, resilient, rubber-like substance that uses upcycled materials. This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a fundamental shift in how a shingle performs in extreme conditions.

Why It’s the High-Performance Choice

The benefits of NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt are seen through every season and every storm. Here is why Malarkey shingles with NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt consistently outperform the competition:

1. Superior Impact Resistance

Hail and wind-blown debris are some of the biggest threats to a roof’s integrity. Because NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt is flexible, it acts like a shock absorber. When hail hits a Malarkey shingle, the rubberized core cushions the blow, preventing cracking or granule loss. This is why many of our shingles earn the highest Class 4 impact rating from testing by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), often qualifying homeowners for insurance discounts.

2. All-Weather Flexibility

Roofs expand and contract as temperatures change. In the heat of the summer, shingles can soften; in the freezing winter, they can become brittle. NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt maintains its flexibility across a much wider temperature range. It stays pliable during cold-weather installations and resists “slumping” in extreme heat, ensuring your roof stays sealed and secure year-round.

3. Better Granule Adhesion

The granules on shingles aren’t just for color; they protect the asphalt from UV degradation. Traditional oxidized shingles lose granules easily as the asphalt dries out. The sticky nature of NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt provides a much stronger bond, keeping granules embedded in the shingle longer. This granule adhesion extends the roof’s life and keeps it looking new and performing reliably for years to come.

Sustainability: Performance with a Purpose

At Malarkey, high performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. A single roof of Malarkey shingles made with NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt incorporates the equivalent of:

• Up to 5 rubber tires, diverted from the landfill.
• Up to 350 upcycled plastic bags.

By choosing NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt, you aren’t just getting a stronger roof; you’re helping reduce landfill waste. When it comes to sustainability, we believe it’s not what you say, it’s what you do. So, Malarkey manufactures to high internal standards, ensuring that every shingle contributes to a more circular economy without sacrificing quality. Read our 2026 Sustainability Report here.

The Malarkey Difference: When it Matters™

Your home is a big investment. Protecting it requires materials that are engineered to endure. NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt provides the strength of a heavyweight shingle with the flexibility of rubber, resulting in a roofing system that is easier to install, harder to damage, and gentler to the environment.

When you’re ready to upgrade your home’s protection, don’t settle for traditional, oxidized asphalt. Experience the resilience, longevity, and peace of mind that comes with NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt from Malarkey Roofing Products®.