Malarkey Vista shingles are among the best architectural shingles any brand could offer.
Many homeowners opt for these U.S.-made shingles for their strength, durability, affordability, and color and texture options.
The average cost of Malarkey Vista asphalt shingles for a 2,000-square-foot roof is approximately $2,640 to $2,960, which includes shingles, underlayment, flashing, ridge vent, nails, etc.
Vista shingles are an ideal investment for a homeowner who wants superior protection and curb appeal for their roof without breaking the bank.
Average Cost Of Malarkey Vista Shingles
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Malarkey Vista algae resistant (AR) shingles are more expensive, so installing them on a 2,000-square-foot roof costs between $2,780 and $2,900.
| Cost per Square Foot | Cost per Bundle | Cost per 100 Square Feet | Cost per 2,000 Square Feet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malarkey Vista Shingles | $1.32-$1.38 | $44-$46 | $132-$138 | $2,640-$2,760 |
| Malarkey Vista AR Shingles | $1.39-$1.45 | $46.25-$48.25 | $139-$145 | $2,780-$2,900 |
You can use our Roof Shingles Cost Calculator to estimate the price of installing an asphalt shingles roof on your house.
Vista Shingles Cost Breakdown
The average price of Malarkey Vista roofing shingles per square foot is $1.32 to $1.38.
Since asphalt shingles usually come in bundles, a bundle of Malarkey Vista costs around $44 to $46.
To cover 100 square feet of roof, you’ll need about three bundles of these asphalt shingles, which equals approximately $132 to $138.
The average cost of Malarkey Vista AR shingles ranges from $1.39 to $1.45 per square foot. For a bundle of these shingles, you’ll need to spend approximately $46.25 to $48.25. The cost of covering an area of 100 square feet is around $139 to $145.
Pro Tip: The installation and labor usually comprise around 60% of new roof costs. In addition, roofs with steeper slopes, inaccessible areas, and additional roof elements, such as dormers and skylights, increase the price.
There’s also a difference between the cost of replacing an asphalt roof and installing a new one.
If you or the previous owner has re-roofed the house in the past, there might be multiple layers of old shingles that need removal.
Moreover, there might be damage to the underlayment and other roof structures that need repairing.
You must also consider the amount of product waste, especially if your roof is architecturally complex.
Leftover material debris will require later removal, so keep in mind that the contractor might charge extra for that.
Who Sells Malarkey Vista?
Malarkey shingles, including their Vista shingles, aren’t sold at home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards.
You can find them at local roofing suppliers like ABC Supply, Beacon Building Products, Roof Line Supply & Delivery, Travis Roofing Supply, etc.
You can visit their website and find the closest local dealer by entering your zip code.
What Are Vista Shingles Made Of?
Malarkey Vista and Malarkey Vista AR shingles are laminated architectural shingles reinforced with Nexgen polymer-modified (rubberized) asphalt technology.
This reduces granule loss and enhances protection against weather elements.
Vista shingles are also covered with ceramic granules to resist UV rays and extreme weather conditions, while Vista AR has algae-resistant ceramic granules.
Malarkey Vista Shingles Colors
Malarkey Vista comes in fewer colors than the other shingles, but there are still many attractive options.
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Depending on your location, the color options might vary, but these are the usual:
- Antique Brown
- Heather
- Midnight Black
- Natural Wood
- Sienna Blend
- Silverwood
- Storm Grey
- Weathered Wood
- Black Oak
Malarkey Vista Warranty
Malarkey offers three types of warranties for their products: Standard, Emerald Pro, and Emerald Premium warranty.
Standard Warranty
For Vista products, the Standard shingle warranty guarantees limited lifetime coverage against manufacturing defects, a term of 40 years for non-primary residences, and a non-prorated period (also called Malarkey’s Right Start Period) of 15 years.
Malarkey offers this warranty regardless of your contractor or additional accessories.
The Standard warranty also has two wind warranties that protect your shingles for 15 years.
The Limited Wind warranty promises protection against winds up to 110 mph, while the Enhanced Wind warranty covers your roof from winds up to 130 mph.
You can also ask for a “Your Choice” Standard warranty that uses the terms and conditions of a competitor for similar products.
Emerald Pro Warranty
The Emerald Pro warranty offers limited lifetime coverage for Vista product manufacturing defects, at least three more Malarkey accessories, and a 50-year non-prorated period on your family home roof.
This warranty also includes a 45-year warranty for roofs on other structures and a 15-year wind warranty coverage for winds up to 130 mph.
With this warranty, you can get an Emerald Pro-certified contractor with at least three years of roofing experience.
Emerald Premium Warranty
The Emerald Premium warranty is the best Malarkey has to offer.
It includes lifetime coverage for manufacturing defects of Vista products and at least four other Malarkey accessories for a Secure Choice roof system.
Other aspects of the warranty are the same as in the Emerald Pro.
However, with the Emerald Premium warranty, you also get 25-year coverage for contractor workmanship.
With this warranty, Malarkey offers contractors trained in Malarkey products with at least five years of roofing experience.
Transferability
All three warranties are transferable only once during the warranty’s lifetime.
For the transfer to be valid, you must notify Malarkey and submit the application by email, online form, or downloadable PDF within 60 days of the property changing hands.
If the owner transfers the warranty during the Right Start Period, the same coverage applies to the new owner.
However, lifetime coverage only applies if the new owner uses the building as their primary residence.
The warranty lasts only two years if the transfer happens after the Right Start period.
Did you know? Wind warranties for most roofing companies that sell shingles with self-sealing strips, including Malarkey, don’t apply if the shingles aren’t installed properly. This requires conditions that allow the adhesive to activate and properly attach the shingle to the decking.
For most shingles, the lowest temperature necessary for the adhesive to activate is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The higher the temperature, the greater the chance the shingles will attach adequately and securely.
Malarkey Vista Installation
Before installing Malarkey Vista roofing shingles, ensure they comply with the local building code and amendments.
Along with proper installation, compliance with building codes is crucial to ensure that your roof is under warranty coverage.
Once you’ve checked the requirements, make sure that you install your roof during a period when it’s warm enough.
Malarkey’s shingles have a sealant strip that activates under prolonged exposure to the sun and seals the shingles. Otherwise, the wind can blow the newly-installed shingles off.
Now you can get your fall protection gear and instructions and start roofing.
- If your roof doesn’t already have them, install roof vents at ridges and eaves to allow ventilation and prevent condensation and heat buildup.
- Attach the decking if there’s none, replace the old one if it has deteriorated, or just clean and dry it if it’s in good condition.
- Fasten the underlayment over the entire roof deck parallel to the eaves. Malarkey offers several types of underlayment, so choose one according to your location, weather, roof slope, and other factors.
- Install the drip edge along the eaves and rakes of the roof.
- Start installing Malarkey shingles from the bottom of the roof by aligning them with the drip edge. Malarkey has Smart Start starter shingles that provide a clean edge and increased wind resistance. Malarkey recommends the diagonal application procedure, but only on roofs that allow such application.
- Install the first row of full-length shingles over the starter row.
- Cut the shingles by 8 inches and install the second row. Shingles should be progressively shorter by 8 inches from rows three through five. The sixth row should feature full-length shingles, and then the next five rows should be installed like the first five rows.
- Place the shingles along the valley.
- Install flashings where the roof meets the sidewall to prevent moisture intrusion. Malarkey recommends 28-gauge, metal step flashing, 8×8 inches. Install vent pipe, chimney, and cap flashings.
- Set hip and ridge shingles. Malarkey recommends using their factory-produced hip and ridge shingles that enable expanded warranty coverage.
Pro Tip: In climates where it’s uncertain whether the sealant will activate, you might need to seal the shingles yourself. You can do this by applying tab adhesive to the back of the shingles or asphalt roof cement.
Malarkey recommends that the shingles, including starter shingles, are attached by six nails in high-wind areas. The National Weather Service and many building codes also mention this tip.
Malarkey Vista Shingle Reviews
Malarkey Vista shingles are their newest line, and are still finding loyal customers.
However, rarely is there a bad review about the Malarkey shingles, and the same goes for their Vista line.
Here are some of the reasons why they’re a trusted brand.
When choosing a shingle, one of the main aspects homeowners look for is the shingle weight.
Weighted shingles prevent blow-offs, especially in windier areas.
Malarkey Vista roofing shingles are heavier than most competitor shingles, and many customers claim that their shingles have remained intact even after heavy storms.
Another good point of all Malarkey shingles is their nailing zone.
A wide and marked nailing zone enables easier and quicker installation that won’t leave you worrying about whether the shingles have been properly attached.
With asphalt shingles, the problem is usually granule loss, leading to higher sun exposure and other weather elements.
Those who purchased Malarkey Vista rarely complain about this issue, and most brag about clean gutters and no discoloration of their roofs.
Other good aspects of Malarkey Vista are their sustainability, algae resistance, strength, and durability.
Malarkey is generally a great choice for your roof because it offers other roofing products that are compatible with each other.
In addition, it provides training for contractors to familiarize them with their products and ensure proper installation.
Malarkey Vista vs Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a famous brand that homeowners usually consider when giving their house a new look.
Owens Corning has many product lines, but its Duration shingle line is the most popular.
Compared to Malarkey, this also means more differentiating qualities, durability, color options, textures, etc.
Owens Corning shingles cost around $0.70-$1.40 per square foot, slightly less expensive than Malarkey Vista.
However, their premium products can cost up to $3 per square foot, higher than most Malarkey product prices.
Both companies offer several limited lifetime warranties, 15 years wind warranty for winds of 110-130 mph, and a one-time ownership transfer.
Owens Corning’s Standard warranty has a shorter non-prorated period, but with extended coverage, it can be increased to 50 years, which is the same as in Malarkey’s Emerald warranties.
Both roofing systems have an excellent solution for secure nailing that makes installation quick and easy, and both have algae and UV-rays resistance options.
Regarding sustainability, Malarkey Vista shingles might be a better option, considering they reduce landfill waste by incorporating them into their products.
Did you know? Malarkey’s shingles have 3M smog-reducing granules made from materials that react with UV rays and transform the nitrogen oxides in smog into nitrogen that plants can use. This way, they “plant” two trees with each roofing project and help clean the air from pollutants.
What Is The Difference Between Malarkey Legacy And Vista?
Malarkey Legacy shingles are their most popular and highest-performing series.
They have some similarities with the Vista line, but there are also reasons why they’re considered better.
Both series have a Class 4 impact resistance rating and a Class A fire rating.
Their granule adhesion rating is the same, 65% better than the industry standard.
In addition, their design is similar, with better adhesive bonds, rain seals, nailing area, and backing shim than other shingles on the market.
The difference is in their tear strength, sustainability, warranty, color options, and price.
The Legacy series has 35% better tear strength than the industry standard, while the tear strength of the Vista series is 10% lower.
Each Legacy shingle roof upcycles approximately six rubber tires and 4,000 plastic bags, while around five tires and 3,200 plastic bags are upcycled for a Vista roof.
The warranty is a limited lifetime for both, with the Standard offering a 15-year non-prorated period for Vista shingles and a 15-year non-prorated period for Legacy shingles.
However, there are more color options for the Legacy series than for Vista shingles.
Lastly, Legacy shingles are more expensive than Vista shingles, at approximately $1.35-$1.65 per square foot, which makes the installation cost for an average roof around $2,700-$3,300.
What Is The Difference Between Malarkey Vista And Highlander Shingles?
Highlander Shingles are another, more economical line of Malarkey’s architectural shingles.
They offer the same craftsmanship as Vista and Legacy shingles but are slightly lower in performance, sustainability, and warranty.
While both have the same granule adhesion and fire resistance class, Vista shingles offer better impact resistance against hail.
In addition, they also have 15% better tear strength than the Highlander line.
Vista shingles are more sustainable than Highlander ones.
They upcycle one more rubber tire and approximately 300 more plastic bags from landfills in their production.
As for the warranty, both shingle lines offer the same, limited lifetime warranty, but Vista shingles provide five more years of the non-prorated period than Highlander.
However, Highlander shingles have more color options than the Vista line and are more affordable.
The average cost of Highlander shingles per square foot is around $1.20-$1.27, which brings the total cost of an average roof installation to $2,400-$2,540.
Still, the price for Highlander shingles with algae resistance is similar to regular Vista shingles.
Is Malarkey Vista A Class 4 Shingle?
Malarkey Vista roofing shingles are Class 4 on the impact resistance scale.
How Long Will Vista Shingles Last?
Malarkey Vista shingles can last up to 30 years, which is an impressive service life for asphalt shingles.
When To Replace Malarkey Vista Shingles
The usual lifetime of an asphalt roof is around 15-20 years, but if your Malarkey Vista roof shows no signs of damage, it doesn’t necessarily require replacement. This will depend on factors such as climate, maintenance, and installation quality.
The most obvious sign that your roof needs replacement is leakage through the walls inside your house.
Leakage can usually be solved by replacing the roof parts where leaks happen.
However, chances are that the structures under the roof are damaged as well. So if your roof is relatively old, it might be a good idea to replace it altogether.
Some of the most common signs that your roof needs replacement is granule loss, which can be seen as patches of color different than the original roof color.
If you can’t see your roof from the ground, you can check for granule loss in your gutters.
This doesn’t necessarily cause leakage but can expose your roof to UV rays and lead to other issues.
If your roof is exposed to extreme weather conditions, your shingles might start curling and become brittle over time.
The exposure damage may cause them to lose their wind-resisting properties and get blown off your roof.
Did you know? Although Malarkey Vista has algae resistance that deals with this problem, moss and fungi growth are another common issue with roofs.
This is usually solved by removing the moss and using a stiff brush to clean the shingles. However, if the moss has been long-standing and started growing under the shingles, it might cause leakage.
Are Malarkey Vista Shingles Right For You?
Malarkey might not be the best-known brand out there, but there are many reasons why you should consider Malarkey Vista roofing shingles for your home.
They’re strong, durable, and made with sustainability in mind, and they give your house a fresh and modern look.
In addition, Malarkey offers some of the best warranties in the industry and provide excellent customer service to their clients.
Malarkey Vista is a high-performance shingle line that will keep your interior safe while maintaining its original appearance for many years.
It won’t just give you peace of mind but also helps the environment with its sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
