Polymer-modified asphalt redefines shingle performance

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how rubberized asphalt technology improves durability, flexibility and sustainability in roofing systems. 

Roof performance begins long before the first shingle is installed. It begins at the material level, where the ability to withstand impact, temperature swings and long-term exposure determines how a system performs over time. For contractors and homeowners facing more frequent and severe weather events, that reality is driving a shift away from traditional oxidized asphalt toward polymer-modified alternatives engineered for resilience. Malarkey Roofing Products® has positioned itself within that shift through its use of NEX® Polymer Modified (SBS Rubberized) Asphalt.  

The approach targets a known limitation in conventional shingles. Oxidized asphalt is hardened through high heat, a process that creates initial rigidity but leaves the material prone to brittleness as it ages. Over time, ultraviolet exposure and temperature fluctuations can accelerate cracking, weaken granule adhesion and reduce overall protection. 

By introducing styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) polymers into the asphalt, that performance profile changes. The material becomes more flexible and rubber-like, allowing it to absorb stress rather than fracture under it. This distinction is most visible in severe weather, where impact resistance becomes critical. As Alex Buker of Red Beard Roofing explained, “Malarkey is the only company with all their shingle lines made of SBS rubberized asphalt. We use them because they’re way more durable when it comes to hail and wind. I’ve personally seen roofs we’ve installed in the past withstand baseball hail with no damage.” 

That same flexibility extends beyond impact events into everyday performance. Shingles are able to expand and contract with temperature changes without becoming brittle in cold conditions or deforming in extreme heat. At the same time, the material’s adhesive properties help maintain granule retention, preserving the protective surface layer and slowing ultraviolet degradation. 

Field observations reinforce those outcomes. Reflecting on post-storm inspections, Clayton Shearman of Shearman Roofing and Construction said, “I inspected about 80 roofs in Cheyenne (it seems like the Malarkey capital) after last year's hailstorm. Golf ball and bigger hail, about 30-40 of those roofs were Malarkey. Man, those things are very, very tough, even as they age.” 

Performance, however, is only part of the equation. By incorporating upcycled rubber and plastics into the asphalt mix, the material also contributes to reducing landfill waste, aligning durability with broader sustainability goals. 

Together, these developments reflect a larger shift in roofing, one that prioritizes materials engineered to perform consistently under stress while supporting long-term environmental responsibility. 

Learn more about how polymer-modified asphalt improves durability, flexibility and long-term roofing performance!