Rubberized vs. Traditional Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Better for Michigan Homes?
When most homeowners think about a shingle roof, they think of traditional asphalt shingles. But today, there are also rubberized asphalt shingles designed to provide additional flexibility and impact resistance.
For Michigan homeowners, that's worth paying attention to. Our roofs have to handle freezing temperatures, summer heat, high winds, hail, heavy snow, ice, falling branches, and constant temperature changes throughout the year.
So, what's the difference between rubberized and traditional asphalt shingles—and is the upgrade worth it?
Let's break it down.
What Are Traditional Asphalt Shingles?
Traditional asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used residential roofing materials in Michigan.
Modern architectural shingles are typically made with a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with protective mineral granules. They are available in many colors and styles and offer a good balance between cost, appearance, durability, and performance.
Traditional asphalt shingles are popular because they:
Are generally more affordable than premium roofing products
Come in a wide variety of colors and styles
Work well on many different types of homes
Are widely available
Have a proven history of performance
Can provide excellent protection when properly installed
For many Michigan homes, a quality architectural asphalt shingle is a great roofing choice.
What Are Rubberized Asphalt Shingles?
Rubberized asphalt shingles look very similar to traditional architectural shingles, but the asphalt is modified with polymers that make the material more flexible and resilient.
One example is Malarkey's polymer-modified asphalt shingles, which use rubberized asphalt technology.
Instead of relying solely on conventional oxidized asphalt, polymer modification allows the shingle to remain more flexible and better absorb impacts and movement.
From the ground, you probably wouldn't know the difference. Rubberized shingles still have the dimensional appearance homeowners expect from architectural shingles.
The difference is primarily in how the shingle is built and performs.
What's the Biggest Difference?
The biggest difference between the two is flexibility.
Traditional asphalt shingles can become more brittle as they age, particularly after years of exposure to UV rays and changing temperatures.
Rubberized asphalt is designed to remain more flexible.
Think about what happens to a roof throughout a Michigan year. It may experience below-zero temperatures during the winter and hot summer temperatures just months later.
Roofing materials continually expand and contract as temperatures change.
A more flexible shingle can better accommodate that movement.
How Do They Handle Hail and Impact?
This is one of the areas where rubberized asphalt shingles can really stand out.
Because polymer-modified asphalt is more flexible, certain rubberized shingles are designed to better withstand impacts from things such as hail.
Some roofing products are tested for impact resistance and may receive a UL 2218 impact-resistance rating. Class 4 is the highest rating under that particular testing standard.
However, not every rubberized shingle has the same rating, and an impact-resistant rating does not mean a roof is completely hail-proof.
Large hail, falling branches, and severe storms can still damage any roofing system.
If impact resistance is important to you, ask about the specific shingle product and its testing, rather than assuming all rubberized shingles perform the same way.
Which Is Better for Michigan Winters?
Both can perform well in Michigan when properly installed.
However, the added flexibility of rubberized asphalt can be attractive in a climate where temperatures fluctuate dramatically.
Michigan roofs regularly deal with:
Freezing temperatures
Freeze-thaw cycles
Snow and ice
High winds
Heavy rain
Summer heat
Rapid temperature changes
A quality traditional architectural shingle can absolutely handle Michigan weather, but homeowners looking for additional durability may want to consider polymer-modified options.
What About Wind?
Wind resistance depends on much more than whether a shingle is traditional or rubberized.
The specific product, roof design, installation method, starter shingles, nailing pattern, and roof edges all play a role.
Some premium and rubberized shingles offer excellent wind warranties or ratings, but you should always compare the specifications of the actual products you're considering.
This can be particularly important for homes in exposed areas where strong winds are common.
Do Rubberized Shingles Last Longer?
Potentially—but there isn't one lifespan that applies to every shingle.
The life of a roof depends on many factors, including:
Shingle quality
Installation
Attic ventilation
Roof pitch
Sun exposure
Weather
Maintenance
Tree coverage
Moisture
Storm damage
Rubberized shingles are designed with enhanced flexibility and durability, which can help them withstand conditions that contribute to shingle wear.
However, choosing a premium shingle doesn't eliminate the importance of proper installation.
Even the best roofing material can have problems if the roof decking, flashing, ventilation, underlayment, or installation isn't correct.
Which One Costs More?
In general, traditional asphalt shingles are the less expensive option.
Rubberized or polymer-modified shingles typically cost more because you're paying for upgraded materials and performance features.
The price difference will depend on the manufacturer, product line, roof size, complexity, and current material pricing.
That doesn't necessarily mean the more expensive shingle is automatically the better choice for every homeowner.
For someone planning to stay in their home long-term or wanting additional impact resistance and flexibility, the upgrade may be worthwhile.
For another homeowner, a quality traditional architectural shingle may provide exactly what they need at a lower price.
What About Appearance?
You don't have to sacrifice appearance to choose rubberized shingles.
Both traditional and rubberized architectural shingles are available in attractive dimensional styles and multiple colors.
Depending on the manufacturer, you can find options ranging from classic browns and grays to deep blacks and more dramatic color blends.
For most homeowners, the decision between the two is more about performance and budget than appearance.
Are Malarkey Shingles Rubberized?
Malarkey Roofing Products is well known for manufacturing shingles using polymer-modified asphalt technology.
This gives homeowners an option that still looks like an architectural asphalt shingle but incorporates rubberized asphalt into its construction.
Depending on the specific Malarkey product line, additional features and performance ratings can vary, so it's important to compare the exact products when choosing your roof.
For homeowners who want the familiar appearance of shingles but are interested in upgrading the roofing material itself, rubberized asphalt can be a great middle ground between a standard asphalt roof and more expensive roofing systems.
Are Rubberized Shingles Worth the Extra Cost?
For many Michigan homeowners, they can be.
They may be particularly worth considering if:
Your home is exposed to severe weather
Hail and impact resistance are priorities
You want a more flexible roofing material
You're planning to stay in your home for many years
You want an upgraded shingle without switching to metal roofing
You're willing to spend a little more upfront for additional performance features
But traditional asphalt shingles shouldn't be overlooked.
A quality architectural asphalt shingle that's properly installed can provide excellent performance and value for a Michigan home.
Which Shingle Is Right for Your Michigan Home?
There's no roofing material that's perfect for every house.
Your decision should consider your budget, location, roof design, how long you plan to own the home, desired appearance, and the level of performance you're looking for.
For some homeowners, a traditional architectural shingle provides the best combination of affordability and performance.
For others, spending more for a rubberized asphalt shingle makes sense for the additional flexibility and impact-resistant options.
The good news is that you don't have to make the decision based on a brochure. Comparing actual samples, product specifications, colors, warranties, and pricing can make the choice much easier.
Shingle Roofing in Genesee County, Michigan
If you're considering a new roof in Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Burton, Flushing, Fenton, Swartz Creek, Clio, or elsewhere in Genesee County, Murphy Builders can help you compare your roofing options.
We can walk you through different shingle types, colors, manufacturers, and price points so you can choose the roofing system that makes the most sense for your home.
Ready to Compare Roofing Options?
Whether you're interested in traditional architectural shingles or rubberized asphalt shingles, Murphy Builders can help.
Contact Murphy Builders to request a roofing estimate in Genesee County, Michigan and learn more about the shingle options available for your home.
