Malarkey Roofing Technology
What Is NEX® Polymer-Modified Rubberized Asphalt?
NEX is Malarkey's proprietary SBS polymer-modified rubberized asphalt technology, used across its four core residential shingle families. Here's what the tear-strength and granule-adhesion data actually shows — and what it doesn't promise.
Malarkey's Proprietary SBS Technology · Across Highlander, Vista, Legacy & Windsor
Quick Answer
What is NEX rubberized asphalt?
NEX is Malarkey's proprietary SBS polymer-modified rubberized asphalt technology, used across its four core residential shingle families — Highlander®, Vista®, Legacy®, and Windsor®, including applicable AR and Cool variants. Malarkey's current product pages list tear-strength improvements of up to 10% (Highlander), 25% (Vista), 35% (Legacy), and 40% (Windsor) greater than the industry-standard asphalt shingle specification, per ASTM D3462, along with up to 65% greater granule adhesion across the lineup.
These are manufacturer-reported comparisons against a testing standard, not a guaranteed service life or a promise about how a specific roof will perform in a storm.
The Basics
Why modify asphalt with polymers, and is it exclusive to Malarkey?
Why modify asphalt with polymers?
Many conventional asphalt shingles are made with oxidized asphalt. Malarkey says NEX® uses SBS rubber and plastic polymers to modify and rubberize asphalt rather than relying on conventional oxidation to achieve the same shingle-grade properties.
Is NEX exclusive to Malarkey?
Yes. NEX® is Malarkey's proprietary SBS polymer-modified asphalt technology. However, SBS-modified asphalt as a roofing-material category is not exclusive to Malarkey. Other manufacturers use SBS formulations in selected products, including GAF Timberline® AS II and Grand Sequoia® AS.
The Published Data
What does Malarkey's tear-strength data show?
| Product | Tear-strength improvement |
|---|---|
| Highlander® | Up to 10% greater |
| Vista® | Up to 25% greater |
| Legacy® | Up to 35% greater |
| Windsor® | Up to 40% greater |
Each figure represents tear strength greater than the industry-standard asphalt shingle specification, as measured per ASTM D3462.
Malarkey also reports that Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor shingles provide up to 65% greater granule adhesion or retention than the industry-standard asphalt shingle specification, as measured per ASTM D3462. This is a manufacturer-reported comparison, not a guarantee that a particular roof will avoid granule loss or achieve a predetermined service life.
Performance & Where It's Used
How does NEX respond to wind and impact, and which products use it?
How does NEX respond to wind and impact?
Malarkey says the rubberized formulation is designed to improve flexibility, elasticity, tear strength, and impact response, helping the shingle manage material stress. These properties support — but do not replace — the product's published UL 2218 classification, wind-warranty requirements, and complete-system installation standards.
Which products use NEX?
Malarkey uses NEX® across its four core residential shingle families: Highlander®, Vista®, Legacy®, and Windsor®, including applicable AR and Cool variants.
Two Things People Mix Up
Where does sustainability fit in, and is NEX the same as Class 4?
What is the sustainability component?
Part of NEX's polymer content comes from upcycled tires and plastics.
Is NEX the same as a UL 2218 impact class?
No. NEX is the asphalt technology; UL 2218 is the separate test that assigns the impact classification. See our Class 3 vs. Class 4 page.
Middle Tennessee Relevance
Why might homeowners compare rubberized asphalt here?
Middle Tennessee roofs can face summer heat, strong winds, hail, heavy rain, humidity, and seasonal temperature changes. A polymer-modified shingle may be worth comparing when flexibility, impact classification, granule adhesion, and complete-system performance are priorities. NEX® does not eliminate storm risk or make every Malarkey product the right choice for every home.
Mr. GoodRoof considers the shingle tier, roof design, ventilation, flashing, deck condition, budget, warranty path, and installation requirements before making a recommendation. Product lines, variants, and colors may vary by region and availability — Mr. GoodRoof can confirm current Malarkey options for your Middle Tennessee roof replacement.
Get Started
Ready to see which Malarkey shingle fits your home?
A Mr. GoodRoof project manager can walk your roof and explain how NEX technology, impact class, and algae protection fit your budget and priorities.
- Free on-site roof evaluation
- Full Malarkey lineup and color range available
- Malarkey Certified Premium Contractor installation
- Straightforward guidance — no pressure to upgrade
Ask About NEX Rubberized Asphalt
NEX Asphalt FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is NEX the same as SBS?
Yes. Malarkey identifies NEX® as its proprietary SBS polymer-modified asphalt technology, using SBS rubber polymers together with plastic polymers, including polymers derived from upcycled materials. The exact formulation and proportions remain proprietary.
Do all Malarkey shingles use NEX?
Malarkey uses NEX® across its four core residential shingle families — Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor, including applicable AR and Cool variants.
Does NEX make every shingle Class 4?
No — Highlander is Class 3; Vista, Legacy, and Windsor are Class 4.
Does NEX guarantee a longer roof life?
No specific service life can be guaranteed from the asphalt formulation alone.
Is NEX exclusive to Malarkey?
No — GAF uses SBS-modified asphalt in select products like Timberline AS II and Grand Sequoia AS, but not across its full line. Malarkey applies NEX across its entire core lineup.
Keep Reading
Related Malarkey & roofing resources
Sources
Where this information comes from
- Malarkey Highlander, Vista, Legacy, and Windsor product pages (source of tear-strength/granule figures)
- Malarkey NEX Polymer Modified Asphalt (general page)
- Malarkey Certified Contractor Program
- GAF Timberline AS II
