PolyMod shingles is a useful homeowner search term for polymer-modified asphalt shingles. When we are talking about Malarkey, the manufacturer’s actual name is NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt. That technology is used across the Malarkey residential shingle lines Faith Home Improvement discusses for Louisville and Kentuckiana roofs.
1. Rubber-like flexibility instead of relying only on oxidized asphalt
Conventional asphalt is typically oxidized to make it workable for shingle manufacturing. Malarkey modifies its asphalt with rubber and plastic polymers. The manufacturer says this makes the asphalt core more flexible and resilient through temperature changes and weathering. In practical terms, flexibility helps a shingle absorb and disperse stress rather than behaving as a brittle surface.
2. Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant options
Malarkey currently lists Highlander® AR as UL 2218 Class 3. Vista® AR, Legacy® Scotchgard™ and Windsor® Scotchgard™ are Class 4. Class 4 is the highest UL 2218 impact classification. No rating makes a roof hail-proof, but a higher tested impact classification is meaningful when comparing products for hail-prone areas.
3. Granule retention and UV protection
The mineral granules on an asphalt shingle are not cosmetic only: they help protect the asphalt from ultraviolet exposure, scuffing and weathering. Malarkey says its NEX® asphalt improves granule adhesion. Vista®, Legacy® and Windsor® product literature reports up to 65% greater granule retention than the ASTM D3462 industry-standard specification. Keeping more protective surface granules in place is one of the practical reasons polymer-modified asphalt is attractive for long-term roof performance.
4. Tear strength and flexibility
Malarkey currently reports up to 25% greater tear strength for Vista®, 35% for Legacy® and 40% for Windsor® compared with the ASTM D3462 industry-standard specification; Highlander® literature reports a smaller but still improved tear-strength margin. Tear strength is relevant around fasteners and during severe weather, but correct fastening and deck preparation remain essential.
5. Wind testing, sealant bonds and warranty coverage
Malarkey lists ASTM D7158 Class H wind-test compliance for its residential shingles. Class H is often described as a “150 mph” wind-resistance test classification, but the test classification is different from warranty coverage and should not be sold as a 150 mph no-damage guarantee. Current Malarkey warranty materials list 110 mph standard wind coverage; enhanced coverage is up to 130 mph for Highlander®, Vista® and Legacy®, and up to 140 mph for Windsor® when the manufacturer’s enhanced-wind requirements are met. NEX® rubberized asphalt and the roofing system’s adhesive, fastening and accessory details are part of the performance story, but correct installation remains essential.
6. ASTM E108 Class A fire rating
Current Malarkey technical data lists its residential shingles as meeting ASTM E108 Class A fire rating. That is the highest roof-covering fire classification under the test. It is a valuable product characteristic, but “Class A” should not be translated into “fireproof.” Roof-deck construction, underlayment and the rest of the building assembly also matter.
7. Algae resistance and 3M™ Copper Granules
Blue-green algae can create dark streaks on asphalt roofs. Malarkey’s AR and Scotchgard™ products are designed to reduce that staining. Legacy® Scotchgard™ and Windsor® Scotchgard™ use Scotchgard™ Protector with at least a 10% blend of 3M™ Copper Granules. The granules release copper ions that inhibit blue-green algae. Highlander® AR and Vista® AR also carry product-specific algae coverage; check the current warranty for the exact duration and limitations.
8. 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules
Malarkey includes 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules in its current shingles. Their photocatalytic coating is activated by sunlight and helps convert nitrogen-oxide pollution into water-soluble ions that can rinse from the roof. You may hear this described as a “smog-eating roof.” The scientifically safer description is that the granules help reduce certain NOx emission pollutants through a photocatalytic reaction.
9. Upcycled rubber and plastics
Malarkey incorporates upcycled rubber and plastic into its shingles. The sustainability feature is paired with the performance design rather than used as a substitute for it. For homeowners comparing products, this gives the roof a material-reuse benefit alongside impact, granule-retention and weather-resilience features.
10. Possible insurance savings — ask before you buy
Some insurance carriers offer discounts for impact-resistant or FORTIFIED roofing. Kentucky’s Strengthen Kentucky Homes site publishes a current list of companies offering a FORTIFIED discount in the state. However, discounts differ by carrier and policy, and a Class 4 shingle by itself does not necessarily meet the FORTIFIED standard. Ask your agent what rating, documentation and complete roof-system requirements apply before choosing a shingle based on expected insurance savings.
PolyMod / NEX® comparison at a glance
| Product | Style | Impact | Wind test | Enhanced wind* | Algae |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander® AR | Architectural | Class 3 | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | 15 years |
| Vista® AR | Architectural | Class 4 | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | 25 years |
| Legacy® Scotchgard™ | High-profile architectural | Class 4 | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 130 mph | Limited lifetime |
| Windsor® Scotchgard™ | Designer | Class 4 | ASTM D7158 Class H | Up to 140 mph | Limited lifetime |
*Subject to Malarkey enhanced-wind warranty requirements and current warranty terms.
Frequently asked questions
What does PolyMod mean in roofing?
PolyMod is common shorthand for polymer-modified asphalt. Malarkey’s official name for its technology is NEX® Polymer Modified (Rubberized) Asphalt.
Why does Malarkey use polymer-modified asphalt?
Malarkey says its NEX® formulation adds rubber-like flexibility, improves all-weather resilience, helps disperse impact forces and improves granule adhesion compared with conventional oxidized asphalt.
Which Malarkey PolyMod shingles are Class 4?
Malarkey currently lists Vista®, Vista® AR, Legacy® Scotchgard™ and Windsor® Scotchgard™ as UL 2218 Class 4. Highlander® and Highlander® AR are Class 3.
What are 3M smog-reducing granules?
They are photocatalytic-coated granules that use sunlight to help convert nitrogen-oxide air pollutants into water-soluble ions that can rinse away with rain.
How do 3M copper granules help with algae?
On Malarkey Scotchgard™ products, copper granules release copper ions that help inhibit blue-green algae associated with dark roof streaks. Scotchgard™ lines use at least a 10% blend of 3M™ Copper Granules.
Can PolyMod shingles qualify for an insurance discount?
Impact-resistant roofing may qualify for discounts with some insurers, but qualification varies. Kentucky also publishes insurers offering FORTIFIED discounts. A shingle choice alone does not guarantee a discount or a FORTIFIED designation; ask your carrier for its requirements before installation.
Keep reading
- Impact-Resistant Roofing Guide: Class 3 vs. Class 4
- Highlander vs. Vista vs. Legacy vs. Windsor
- What Is NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt?
- Malarkey Roofing Shingles in Louisville