The Benefits of Upcycling in Enhancing Roofing Shingles

Malarkey’s dedication to innovation primarily aims at continually developing superior roofing shingles. Our exploration in this area revealed chances to evolve into a greener manufacturing entity. Consequently, we introduced NEX® polymer modified asphalt, a product crafted using polymers derived from repurposed materials.

Pioneering Excellence in Performance

Since 1976, Malarkey has been at the forefront of advancing asphalt technology, particularly through the exploration of SBS polymers in roofing materials. This innovation was driven by the need to address the shortcomings of traditional oxidized asphalt shingles. These shingles, once installed, continue to oxidize, or ‘bake’, under the influence of heat and UV light. Despite the protective role of granules, the continual expansion and contraction of the asphalt causes these granules to loosen and detach, exposing the asphalt to faster aging. Consequently, roofs can appear and function as if they have aged decades, only a few years post-installation.

Malarkey’s R&D team made significant strides by identifying unique, specialized polymers that enhance the flexibility of asphalt without compromising other essential qualities. Their efforts led to the creation of a distinct formula for modifying asphalt. This innovation gave birth to the widely recognized Flexor™ Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) asphalt. Present-day technologies further refine the physical properties required for high-quality shingle performance, simultaneously aligning with sustainability objectives.

Addressing the Plastic Dilemma

At Malarkey, our appreciation for the lush, open spaces that enrich our lives is profound. As an Oregon-based family business, Malarkey Roofing Products is deeply committed to preserving both our business’s integrity and the environment for the generations to come.

We are acutely aware of the issues posed by single-use plastics and rubber, which are prevalent in our waste systems and are a significant source of litter on our planet. These materials are commonly found in landfills and oceans globally, representing a critical environmental challenge.

“Malarkey’s dedicated research has uncovered that specific plastics hold valuable polymers beneficial for roofing shingles. Furthermore, our team has developed methods to extract these polymers from waste materials, enabling their upcycling into our advanced, polymer-modified asphalt.”

Crafting a Superior Solution

Recycling transforms waste into a reusable form, but upcycling elevates this concept by converting waste into a higher quality material or product. By incorporating upcycled polymers into asphalt, Malarkey significantly enhances the durability and performance of our roofing shingles over a more extended period. Given the wide range of synthetic polymers used for asphalt modification, each with unique properties and structures, many of the most advantageous polymers for roofing shingles are sourced from upcycled materials like plastics and rubber.

Malarkey’s approach includes the addition of polymers to, among other benefits, increase the asphalt’s softening point. This enhancement not only makes the asphalt more flexible and resistant to UV damage but also prolongs the roofing shingle’s lifespan and effectiveness in various conditions, including during cold weather installations.

Using NEX® shingles for a 3,000 square foot roof repurposes about 5.5 rubber tires and 3,200 plastic bags. At the end of their lifespan, these shingles can be recycled for road paving, significantly reducing environmental impact

Enhancing Roof Longevity, Reducing Waste

Malarkey’s advanced roofing solutions, including our NEX® polymer modified asphalt shingles, significantly outperform traditional oxidized asphalt products in durability and lifespan. This extended durability helps prevent early disposal in landfills. NEX® shingles’ remarkable flexibility, enhanced by SEBS seal-down adhesive, offers superior wind resistance and minimizes waste due to shingle blow-off. With a longer lifecycle than conventional materials, NEX® products also boast Class 3 impact resistance, capable of withstanding impacts from simulated hail up to 1 ¾ inches in diameter, thereby reducing damage, tear-offs, and subsequent waste.

Malarkey Roofing Products focuses on crafting shingles that endure extreme weather conditions and last longer on roofs. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our use of upcycled polymers. This approach represents the next step in our ongoing innovation to produce top-quality roofing shingles, a mission we have been dedicated to since 1956 and will continue into the future.