Malarkey vs. Owens Corning vs. GAF Shingles: Which Roofing Brand Is Best for You?

Choosing the right shingle brand can feel overwhelming. You’re caught between making a choice among three industry leaders: Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF, each claiming to be the best. But how do you know what’s really worth your money?

At Hoel Roofing, in our over nine years of operations, we’ve inspected thousands of roofs across East Central Indiana. We install both Owens Corning and Marlarkey Shingles, but we don’t install GAF shingles; however, we’ve seen plenty of them in the wild, and we want to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.

In this article, we’ll cover what the most prominent features and selling points of these shingles are, how much they cost, and the real pros and cons.

By the end of this article, you will know enough about the real performance, cost, value, and reputation of each of these shingles so you can feel confident about your roofing decision.

What Criteria Did We Consider When Comparing Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF Shingles?

When evaluating roofing shingles, it’s not just about the brand name; it’s about performance, cost, and long-term value. Here are the key criteria we use to compare these three top brands:

1. Cost per Square (Upfront Investment)
   
   • Knowing what you’ll pay per 100 sq. ft. helps you budget accurately. Lower-cost shingles may work for certain homeowners, while others may consider the higher-priced shingles.
     
2. Durability and Performance
   
   • This includes wind resistance, hail and impact resistance, and algae protection. Strong shingles reduce the risk of leaks, storm damage, and repeated repairs, saving you money and stress over time.
     
3. Warranty Coverage
   
   • A longer or more comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind and protects your investment if problems arise. Different brands offer different levels of coverage and extended options.
     
4. Environmental and Material Quality
   
   • Shingles vary in materials, recycled content, and eco-friendly features. For homeowners who value sustainability or energy efficiency, these factors can influence both performance and environmental impact.
     
5. Aesthetics and Style Options
   
   • Shingles affect your home’s curb appeal. Choices in color, texture, and design can complement your home’s architecture and increase resale value.
     
6. Installation Considerations
   
   • Some shingles are thicker or use specialized nailing zones, affecting how easily they’re installed and the quality of the final roof. Proper installation is critical for ensuring performance claims like wind and impact resistance actually hold true.
     

By using these criteria, we focus on what really matters to homeowners: value, durability, protection, and long-term satisfaction. This approach helps you make an informed decision rather than just picking based on brand popularity or marketing claims.

How Do Owens Corning, Malarkey & GAF Shingles Compare on Cost?

In East Central Indiana, here’s what you can expect to pay per roofing square (100 sq. ft.), fully installed:

• Malarkey Highlander®: $500–$600
• Malarkey Vista®: $600–$675+
• Malarkey Legacy®: $675–$750+
• Owens Corning Duration®: $450–$600
• GAF Timberline HDZ®: $350–$550
• GAF Royal Sovereign®: $250–$350

If your priority is affordability, GAF’s Royal Sovereign® (a basic 3-tab shingle) is the lowest-cost option.

If you want a balance of performance and price, GAF Timberline HDZ® and Owens Corning Duration® both fall in the mid-range and are well-known for solid warranties and wide contractor availability.

• Malarkey’s Vista® and Legacy® are the most expensive options. We’ll cover later why this is.

Bottom line: Owens Corning and GAF tend to offer more competitive pricing upfront. Malarkey may cost more, but it could provide better long-term value due to its performance and eco-benefits.

Durability and Performance: Which Shingle Lasts Longest?

Here’s how Malarkey, Owens Corning, and GAF compare in real-world durability:

How Owens Corning, Malarkey & GAF Shingles Compare on Wind Resistance

All three top brands offer up to 130 mph wind resistance when properly installed:

• Malarkey Legacy®: Reinforced nailing zones make it especially secure in high-wind areas.
• Owens Corning Duration®: SureNail® strip helps improve grip and nail placement.
• GAF Timberline HDZ®: LayerLock™ technology offers strong bonding.

These features help your roof stay intact during storms, reducing leaks, damage, and costly repairs. 

All are solid here, but Malarkey tends to outperform slightly when it comes to staying put in extreme winds.

How Owens Corning, Malarkey & GAF Shingles Compare on Hail & Impact Resistance

If hail is your biggest concern, these three are virtually tied on paper. However, Malarkey’s use of SBS polymer-modified asphalt often makes it slightly more durable over time in the freeze-thaw cycles common in Indiana. Class 4 is the gold standard (the highest UL impact rating):

• Malarkey Legacy®: Class 4 due to rubberized asphalt that holds it in place.
• Owens Corning Duration FLEX®: Also Class 4, with modified asphalt for flexibility.
• GAF Timberline AS II: Class 4, designed specifically for impact resistance.

How Owens Corning, Malarkey & GAF Shingles Compare on Algae Resistance

All three brands offer algae resistance, but take different approaches:

• GAF and Owens Corning: Use copper-based granules.
• Malarkey: Adds zinc; arguably more effective and longer-lasting.

For long-term curb appeal (especially in shady, damp areas), Malarkey gets the slight edge here, too.

How Owens Corning, Malarkey & GAF Shingles Compare on Fire Rating

No worries here: all are Class A fire-rated, which is the highest safety rating for residential roofs.

So Which Shingle Lasts the Longest?

If you’re looking for maximum longevity and performance, especially in Indiana’s mix of wind, hail, and algae-friendly conditions:

• Malarkey Legacy® takes the top spot. Its Class 4 impact rating, high wind resistance, polymer-modified asphalt, and enhanced algae protection give it a performance advantage over time.
• Owens Corning Duration FLEX® is a strong second, with great impact and wind resistance, especially for homes with proper attic ventilation.

GAF Timberline HDZ® offers dependable durability at a lower price, but some older models have had issues with granule loss over time.

Comparing Malarkey vs. Owens Corning vs. GAF At A Glance

Which Brand Is Best? Our Honest Take

The “best” shingle for you ultimately depends on your budget, design preferences, and long-term goals. We’ve worked with all three brands, and each brings something valuable to the table.

Choose Malarkey if:

• You value sustainability
• You live in a hail-prone or high-impact area
• You value reliability 
• You’re investing for long-term durability

Choose Owens Corning if:

• You want a reliable, balanced option
• You’re price-conscious but don’t want to sacrifice quality
• You need a product line with flexible options

Choose GAF if:

• You want maximum curb appeal
• You’re interested in enhanced warranties
• You want one of the most widely trusted names in roofing

If you’re in the market for an installer, we are registered installers of Owens Corning and Marlarkey Shingles. Contact us here for a consultation and personalized quote. However, we do not install GAF shingles. If you’re curious about why, please read our guide on GAF Shingles, which includes pros and cons.