What Makes the Windsor® Designer Shingles?

Designer shingles, such as Malarkey’s Windsor® line, are produced for homeowners that are especially concerned with the roof’s appearance as well as a reliable asphalt shingle. 

by Malarkey Roofing Products.  

Homeowners make decisions on the exterior of their home based on several factors. In addition to cost and reliability, design elements such as style, color and texture are very important. Design decisions often reflect the taste and even personalities of those who inhabit the home.  

Designer shingles, such as Malarkey’s Windsor® line, are produced for homeowners that are especially concerned with the roof’s appearance as well as a reliable asphalt shingle. The unique cut to the dimensional shingle creates an attractive, dramatic look, modeled after a traditional cedar shake roof. Malarkey’s dimensional shingles are polymer modified asphalt shingles with two layers – a backer and patterned dragon tooth – that are bonded together. With this construction, the Windsor® has an average of 17 percent more exposure than other designer shingles, resulting in a higher-profile, distinctive look that enhances a home’s curb appeal. The added size also allows for three strips of adhesive on the tabs for the exceptional protection against wind and rain. 

For those seeking an even bolder style or with larger roofs, Windsor® XL shingles are an additional 20 percent thicker than Windsor® shingles, with a 17 percent increase in overall mass. This extra thickness creates a more pronounced, elevated appearance to the roof. The thicker shingle also creates more shadowing between the shingles to draw sharp, distinctive lines on the roof.  

With the additional layers and higher profile, the Windsor® is a heavyweight designer shingle fortified with Malarkey’s unique Flexor™ SBS polymer modified asphalt technology. For over 30 years, Malarkey has been engineering and manufacturing our specially formulated blend of polymers and mixing them with raw asphalt at each of our facilities to produce our resilient Flexor™ polymer modified asphalt. This process retains more of the rubber-like characteristics of raw asphalt while adding the enhanced characteristics of the polymers.  

Flexor™ polymer modified asphalt technology provides superior Class 4 impact resistance - the highest rating possible - for roofing shingle protection. Class 4 shingles undergo UL 2218 testing to withstand impacts from a simulated 2" hail stone hitting a roof at speeds seen in severe storms without sustaining damage. This certification defends against impacts to a roof during extreme weather, which can reduce the life of a shingle and lead to water damage. 

This blend of polymer modified asphalt technology also promotes flexibility, easier cold weather installation and superior granule adhesion. With specially engineered algae resistant granules for added security against algae staining, granule adhesion is especially important. Likewise, keeping color granules on the shingle allows the roof, to remain vibrant for longer. 

The Windsor® line is also part of Malarkey’s Secure Choice™ residential roofing system, and come with a 110 mph (177 kph) Limited Wind Warranty. Windsor® shingles are eligible for a 140 mph (225 kph). Enhanced Wind Warranty when Smart Start™ starter shingles are installed, shingles are 9-nailed, and either EZ-Ridge™ (8", 10") or RidgeFlex™ (10", 12") hip and ridge shingles are used. Malarkey performance-driven underlayments – Arctic Seal®, Right Start™ UDL, or SecureStart™ – are recommended for added system protection. 

For homeowners considering designer shingles for their home, Malarkey does not compromise style for substance. The Windsor® line provides aesthetics and protection in a heavy-weight, polymer modified asphalt shingle. In residential communities, the Windsor® line is a popular choice for homeowner associations as well. Malarkey has two designer shingle options – the Windsor® and Windsor® XL to meet association requirements. Inquire with your association about our options for your next roofing project. 

*“Competitor” refers to an average of some comparable competitor products. 

Editor’s note: This article first appeared on Malarkey Roofing Products blog and can be viewed here.  

Save