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7 min read | 08/06/25 | Know Your Roof™

Why Contractors Choose Shingles from Malarkey Roofing Products® to Reroof Coastal Homes

For residential roofing in coastal areas, homeowners face a unique set of challenges. From high winds and heavy rains to saltwater exposure, coastal climates can be harsh on traditional roofing materials.

For these reasons, Malarkey roofing products are an ideal solution for coastal homes. Malarkey shingles deliver durability, impact resistance, and sustainable technology – all while enhancing a home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic. Beneath the shingle, several accessory products help complete the roof to extend its service life.

Case Study: Oregon’s Formidable North Coast

At the confluence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, Warrenton, Oregon residents require resilient, durable roofs. So, when Portland-based CedarTech Roofing was called for a 64-square reroofing project, Malarkey’s Legacy® Scotchgard shingle was the obvious choice. In addition to being a Malarkey Pro Certified Contractor, the roofing company is a recipient of the Angie’s List 2013 Service Award, a member of the Construction Contractor’s Board, and the Better Business Bureau.

“The Legacy® Scotchgardshingle is our go-to shingle when installing on the coast. The wind warranty and NEX® Modified Asphalt, make this the ideal shingle when dealing with the various elements on the coast,” said Austin Hamon, Project Manager at CedarTech. For this project, the homeowner selected the Weathered Wood color blend.

1. Superior Wind and Weather Resistance

The Pacific Northwest coastline around Warrenton is a veritable proving ground for shingles and other building materials. The area receives an average annual rainfall of 70-100 inches, and wind speeds regularly approach gale force, over 30 mph. In neighboring Astoria, the United States Coast Guard training facility is based there to test their mettle in giant surf and howling winds.

Coastal homes are constantly exposed to strong winds, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall. Malarkey’s Legacy® Scotchgardshingles are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, featuring:

  • Enhanced NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt, which makes shingles more flexible and durable.
  • Superior adhesive bonds, ensuring shingles stay in place even during high-wind storms. Legacy® Scotchgardshingles feature a Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Adhesive between the laminate layers. Six bonds (3 laminate, 2 rain, 1 wind) of the synthetic rubber adhesive resist dry-out and deliver extreme protection from high winds, wind-driven rain, and shingle delamination. Compared to standard shingles, Legacy® Scotchgardshingles have up to 50% more adhesive bonds and twice the rain seals.
  • ASTM D3161 Class F wind rating, protecting roofs from wind speeds up to 110-130 mph, perfect for coastal storm zones.

Unlike standard asphalt shingles, which can crack or blow away in high winds, Malarkey’s  NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt technology enhances shingle resilience, making them a top choice for coastal residential roofing.

2. Impact Resistance and Durability

Malarkey offers shingles classified as Class 4 impact-resistant roofing materials, the highest rating available. This means they can withstand hail, flying debris, and falling branches—common issues in coastal storms. The NEX® polymer-modified asphalt allows for exceptional flexibility, reducing the risk of cracking or breaking under stress.

Additionally, coastal air contains elevated levels of moisture and salt, which can accelerate roof deterioration. Malarkey shingles include innovative 3M granule technology that enhances algae resistance, preventing staining and mold growth, and keeping your residential roof looking new for years.

3. The Industry’s Most Sustainable Shingle

Malarkey is also one of the most sustainable roofing brands on the market. Our shingles are made using:

  • Upcycled rubber and plastics, reducing landfill waste.
  • Smog-reducing granules, which help filter pollutants from the air.
  • Longer-lasting materials, decreasing the need for frequent replacements.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, choosing Malarkey shingles means investing in eco-friendly roofing without compromising performance or aesthetics.

4. Aesthetic Appeal and Variety

Coastal homes often feature unique architectural styles, from beach cottages to modern waterfront estates. Malarkey offers a wide range of architectural and designer shingles with beautiful color blends and textures. The premium options, such as Windsor®, Legacy® Scotchgard, Vista®, and Highlander® shingles, provide a stunning look while ensuring top-tier protection.

Accessories Address Issues with Reroofing Cedar Shakes

The original roof in Warrenton was cedar shake – and in rough shape, according to Hamon. 

“Around 3/4 of the roof was on plywood decking, so we needed to install plywood on a section of the roof. Most of, if not all, of the eave/rake overhanging plywood was in rough shape and required replacement. In doing so, we replaced and installed all-new, primed, 2×8 fascia boards on the entire roof,” said Hamon. “We also hand-sealed each shingle with roofing caulking; this took extra time but since the roof was so close to the water, we wanted to get the roof enhanced wind protection,” he added.

This method was recommended by Malarkey’s Technical Services team, who consulted with Hamon’s team on the project. 

While the Legacy® Scotchgardshingles are most prominent in the reroofing project, several other Malarkey products were utilized: Secure Start® Plus underlayment, Arctic Seal® self-adhering underlayment, and RidgeFlex® 10″ ridge cap shingles. Used in combination, CedarTech was able to meet the Emerald Pro Warranty requirements for the new roof.

  • Secure Start® Plus Underlayment

Malarkey’s most popular underlayment, Secure Start® Plus is a lightweight, synthetic underlayment designed with anti-skid technology, which securely holds the underlayment in place and provides a more walkable surface for greater installation safety. Secure Start® Plus also works well for mechanically-fastened roof tiles, wood shakes/shingles, and metal roofing applications.

It is especially water-resistant, too – making it a great choice for the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest. Made from recyclable polymerized polyolefin, in five unique layers, Secure Start® Plus is a synthetic, water-resistant membrane applied to the wood decking of the entire roof as the initial layer of water penetration protection and backup to the shingles.

  • Arctic Seal® Ice & Water Barrier

To provide an extra layer of leak protection in areas of the roof most susceptible to leaks, Arctic Seal® is a durable, waterproof, self-adhering, ice and water barrier. 

Made with Malarkey’s proprietary NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt for extra strength and durability, Arctic Seal® protects critical areas like roof valleys, roof edges, and roof-to-sidewall transitions where rain, snow, and ice are more apt to accumulate. The modified asphalt sheets are constructed with an underside of aggressive, asphalt-based adhesive to ensure adhesion and a sand surface to improve walkability and safety. The sheets are reinforced with rubber and plastic polymers on a non-woven fiberglass mat to deliver greater tear strength than conventional felt membranes for lasting durability.

  • RidgeFlex® Ridge Hip & Ridge Shingles

The ridge is the highest and most exposed point on a roof and can therefore experience greater damage from events like hail and storm debris. Hip and ridge shingles provide extra impact protection in these vulnerable areas. Made with NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt and UL Class 4 rated for impact resistance (highest rating possible), RidgeFlex® Hip & Ridge Shingles provide extra impact protection at the high points of the roof and come in a low profile that adds slight roof dimension for subtle, enhanced curb appeal.

 

All-Weather Resilience for Coastal Homes from Malarkey

When selecting the best roofing material for coastal homes, Malarkey shingles stand out due to their high wind resistance, impact durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly benefits. Designed to handle extreme weather while maintaining curb appeal, Malarkey shingles provide homeowners with a reliable, long-lasting, and sustainable roofing solution.

Founded and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Malarkey roofing products are designed to withstand all conditions. Whether your home is on a rugged Pacific Northwest coastline, deep in the Alaskan interior, or under the blazing Arizona sun, Malarkey Roofing Products® manufactures a shingle suitable for your climate. Explore our website, malarkeyroofing.com for more details or find a contractor in your area for immediate assistance.