Top 3 Asphalt Shingles According to Reddit Users

For homeowners and contractors on Reddit’s r/Roofing and r/HomeImprovement, the search for the “best” shingle isn’t based on glossy brochures, but on “field-tested” reality. The consensus has coalesced around three specific products that dominate recommendations: Malarkey Legacy, Owens Corning Duration, and CertainTeed Landmark.

Here is an analysis of why these three were chosen and the specific trade-offs Reddit users associate with each.

How Reddit Decides: The “Burrito Test” and Field Reports

Reddit’s ranking system is unique because it combines feedback from three distinct groups:

1. Installers: They favor shingles that don’t tear under nail guns and are easy to align.

2. Insurance Adjusters: They report which shingles are still standing after a 2-inch hail storm while neighbors’ roofs are being totaled.

3. Homeowners: They focus on long-term curb appeal and how well the manufacturer handles a warranty claim 10 years later.

One famous community benchmark is the “Burrito Test”: a user rolls a shingle into a tube (like a burrito) and stomps on it. While standard shingles often crack and lose granules, polymer-modified shingles like Malarkey frequently remain undamaged, proving their flexibility.

1. Malarkey Legacy: The “Technical” Gold Standard

Malarkey Legacy is almost universally regarded by Reddit’s professional community as the highest-quality asphalt shingle on the market. Its reputation is built on NEX Polymer Modified Asphalt, which uses upcycled tires and plastic to create a rubberized shingle.

The Pros:

• Unmatched Impact Resistance: Legacy is a Class 4 rated shingle. Adjusters on Reddit frequently share stories of Malarkey roofs surviving “monster” hail storms that decimated every other brand in the neighborhood.

• Thermal Flexibility: Because it is rubberized, it doesn’t become brittle in freezing temperatures or crack easily during thermal expansion.

• Eco-Friendly: It features smog-reducing granules that help clean the air and incorporates recycled materials.

The Cons:

• Limited Availability: This is the most common complaint. Malarkey is a regional powerhouse (primarily out of Portland) and can be difficult to find in many parts of the East Coast or Midwest.

• Price Premium: It is often the most expensive architectural option, sometimes costing $1,800 to $2,500 more for a standard home.

• Heat Sensitivity: In extreme summer heat, the SBS rubber can become soft, making the shingles susceptible to “scuffing” or marring if installers aren’t careful with their boots.

2. Owens Corning Duration: The Installer’s Choice

If Malarkey is the “Cadillac,” Owens Corning (OC) Duration is the “reliable workhorse.” It is the most frequent recommendation for homeowners who want a high-performance roof without the search or expense of a boutique brand.

The Pros:

• SureNail Technology: This is OC’s “killer feature.” It is a visible fabric strip in the nailing zone that prevents nails from blowing through the shingle during high-speed installation.

• Wind Performance: Due to the SureNail strip, Duration shingles carry a robust 130 mph wind warranty and are highly trusted in “hurricane alley”.

• Aesthetics: OC is frequently praised for having the most vibrant and high-contrast color palettes (TruDefinition).

The Cons:

• Lighter Construction: While technically durable, OC shingles are lighter in mass than CertainTeed, leading some old-school roofers to view them as “thinner”.

• Brittleness Over Time: Some Reddit users have noted that standard oxidized Duration shingles can become prone to cracking as they age past the 15-year mark compared to SBS-modified options.

3. CertainTeed Landmark: The “Heavyweight” Aesthetic

CertainTeed’s Landmark series (Pro and Premium) is the choice for homeowners who want the “thickest” look possible and the most reliable manufacturer support.

The Pros:

• Material Mass: CertainTeed relies on “heft.” Their shingles typically contain more asphalt and weight per square than competitors, which many users equate to a longer lifespan.

• Algae Resistance: The StreakFighter technology (copper-infused granules) is highly rated on Reddit for preventing the black streaks common in humid climates.

• Warranty Reliability: CertainTeed has a strong reputation on Reddit for actually honoring warranty claims and paying for labor/materials without a fight.

The Cons:

• Installation Difficulty: Being heavier makes them more physically demanding for crews to install.

• Scuffing Issues: Like Malarkey, Landmark Pro shingles are known to get “soft” on 90°F days. Installers on Reddit warn that you must wear foam-bottom shoes or wait for a cooler day to avoid ruining the look.

• Batch Consistency: Some recent Reddit threads have complained about “diagonal streaks” or color variations between different manufacturing plants.

Summary Table: Pros and Cons

Ultimately, Reddit’s most frequent advice is that the installer matters more than the brand. A “builder-grade” GAF shingle installed by a master craftsman will often outlast a Malarkey Legacy installed by a “fly-by-night” crew.