The Honest Shingle Breakdown: GAF, CertainTeed, and Malarkey
Not every shingle brand is built the same — and not every contractor will tell you the difference. Here's exactly what we install, why we carry it, and how to choose what's right for your roof.
Why the Brand on Your Shingle Actually Matters
Asphalt shingles from different manufacturers are not interchangeable. The materials, warranty terms, and performance in high-wind and hail conditions vary significantly from brand to brand. Choosing the wrong product for Central Indiana weather — where hail and wind events are a regular occurrence — can mean a roof that underperforms well before its rated lifespan. We carry three brands and are certified installers with two of them, which means we install to manufacturer specification and our customers have access to the strongest warranty coverage available.
Good, Better, Best — The Three Brands We Install
GAF
The Industry Standard
GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, and their shingles are on a significant share of American homes for good reason. Their architectural shingle lineup is reliable, widely available, and backed by a well-established warranty program. We are GAF-certified, which means we've met their installation standards and can offer enhanced warranty options. That said, we are actively transitioning away from GAF as a primary product line. The reason is straightforward: we've found that CertainTeed and Malarkey deliver better material performance and warranty value for what our customers are actually paying. GAF remains an option for homeowners who request it — but it's no longer our recommendation.
CertainTeed
Premium Performance, Backed by Certification
CertainTeed is one of the most respected names in residential roofing, and it's one of our two go-forward brands. We are CertainTeed-certified, and their Landmark and Landmark PRO series are among the best architectural shingles available at their price point. CertainTeed shingles are manufactured with consistent quality control, carry strong wind and algae resistance ratings, and come backed by a warranty program that actually holds up. For homeowners who want a premium asphalt shingle system without moving into specialty materials, CertainTeed is our most common recommendation.
Malarkey
Our Top-Tier Pick for Indiana Weather
Malarkey is the brand we're most excited about, and it's the one we recommend most often for homeowners who want the best protection available. What sets Malarkey apart is their use of polymer-modified asphalt — a rubber-like compound blended into the shingle material that makes it more flexible, more impact-resistant, and more durable over time than standard asphalt shingles. Several Malarkey products carry a Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest available, which is directly relevant to Central Indiana hail events. Their Legacy and Vista series are specifically engineered to perform in climates with significant weather variation. For storm-prone areas and homeowners who want to install once and not think about it again, Malarkey is the answer.
Why Impact Resistance Matters in Central Indiana
Indiana averages several significant hail events each year, and the Indianapolis metro sits squarely in the path of storm systems that move through the Midwest from spring through fall. Standard asphalt shingles carry a Class 3 impact rating at best. A Class 4 impact-resistant shingle — like several products in the Malarkey lineup — is tested to withstand two-inch steel ball impacts at 90 mph without cracking. That's not a marketing claim; it's a standardized test protocol developed by Underwriters Laboratories.
There's also a practical financial benefit: many Indiana homeowners with Class 4 shingles qualify for a discount on their homeowner's insurance premium. It's worth confirming with your carrier before you choose a product.
Do it right the first time.
We're a locally owned exteriors company working in our own backyard. Our reputation lives or dies on the quality of work we leave behind.
Which Shingle Is Right for Your Home?
We don't push one product over another to increase our margin. We carry these three brands because they represent the real range of what a homeowner in this market should be choosing between.
The honest answer is that it depends on your budget, your timeline, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Here's a plain-language summary:
GAF:
Solid, proven product. A reasonable choice if budget is the primary constraint or if you have a specific reason to request it. Not our first recommendation for new replacements.
CertainTeed:
Our recommended standard. Strong performance, excellent warranty coverage, and a price point that makes sense for most full roof replacements.
Malarkey:
Our top recommendation for homeowners who want maximum durability, storm resistance, and long-term value. The right choice if you're staying in the home long-term or if you've had storm damage before.
Certified Installation Makes the Warranty Real
A manufacturer's warranty is only as good as the installation behind it. Both GAF and CertainTeed require contractors to meet specific training and installation standards before they can offer enhanced warranty coverage. We hold certifications with both, which means when we install a CertainTeed or GAF roof, you have access to the strongest warranty tier those manufacturers offer — not just the standard limited coverage that comes with any install. Malarkey also maintains an approved contractor network, and we install their products to their published specifications.
The certification matters because it protects you. If there's ever a warranty claim, a certified installation is not in dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Shingles
What is the difference between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles?
Architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles, are thicker and layered to create a textured, slate-like appearance. They carry better wind ratings and longer warranties than 3-tab shingles, which are thinner and flat. We don't install 3-tab shingles — architectural and premium shingles are the standard for any replacement we do.
Are Malarkey shingles worth the extra cost?
For most Indiana homeowners, yes. The polymer-modified construction gives them better impact and hail resistance than standard asphalt shingles, and they tend to hold up better over time in climates with significant weather variation. The potential insurance discount on Class 4 products can also offset some of the upfront cost difference.
What does it mean that you're phasing out GAF?
It means GAF is no longer our primary recommendation for new roof replacements. We still carry it and can install it if a homeowner specifically requests it. We're moving toward CertainTeed and Malarkey because we believe they deliver better performance and warranty value for what our customers are spending. We'd rather be upfront about that than quietly steer jobs without explaining why.
Do impact-resistant shingles really lower my homeowner's insurance?
Many Indiana carriers offer a discount for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, but it varies by policy and provider. We recommend calling your insurance agent before your roof replacement to confirm whether your carrier offers the discount and what documentation they need. It's a conversation worth having before you choose a product.
How do I know which shingle brand is best for my specific roof?
The best way is to schedule an inspection. We'll look at your current roof condition, discuss your budget and how long you plan to stay in the home, and give you a straight recommendation. There's no pressure to choose the most expensive option — we'll tell you what we'd put on our own homes.
What roofing shingles do you recommend for hail-prone areas of Indiana?
Malarkey's Class 4 impact-resistant products are our top recommendation for homeowners in hail-prone areas. Their polymer-modified construction is specifically engineered to absorb impact without cracking, which is exactly what you want in a Central Indiana storm.
Ready to Choose the Right Shingle for Your Roof?
Schedule an inspection and we'll walk you through your options in person — no pressure, no upsell, just a straight conversation about what your roof needs and what we'd recommend.