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USA Exteriors replaces aging roofs with premium architectural asphalt roofing systems built for lasting protection, dimensional curb appeal, and the demands of Midwest weather.
Every layer matters. So does who installs it.
The structural foundation beneath the roofing system. Before installation begins, the deck needs to provide a sound surface for the components above it.
A self-adhered waterproof membrane provides additional protection in leak-sensitive areas such as valleys, roof edges, and transitions.
Installed over the roof deck, underlayment provides a secondary moisture barrier beneath the shingles across the roofing system.
The first shingle course helps reinforce the roof at the eaves and rake edges, where wind uplift and moisture intrusion can be especially important concerns.
The primary weather-shedding surface creates the roof’s dimensional appearance while providing everyday protection from the elements.
Hip and ridge shingles complete the exposed roof lines, while properly designed ventilation helps manage heat and moisture within the attic and roofing assembly.
Premium shingles are only one part of the roof. USA Exteriors focuses on the preparation, components, details, and installation that turn those materials into a complete roofing system.
Asphalt roofing ranges from conventional shingles to advanced polymer-modified architectural shingles. Material quality, preparation, and professional installation all influence how the finished roof looks, performs, and protects your home.
Polymer-modified asphalt provides greater flexibility and resilience than traditional oxidized asphalt.
Layered architectural shingles create richer depth, shadow, and a more substantial finished appearance.
Preparation, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and installation work together as one roofing system.
Malarkey shingles are built with polymer-modified asphalt, creating a roofing material designed to stay more flexible, hold its protective granules more effectively, and stand up better to changing weather conditions.
Rubber and plastic polymers help the asphalt remain more flexible as temperatures change.
A reinforced fiberglass mat provides strength, dimensional stability, and structure.
The granule surface provides color and UV protection while helping resist algae growth.
Built for real-world conditions. A more resilient asphalt shingle designed for the temperature swings and changing weather Midwest homes experience.
A premium roof starts with premium materials. USA Exteriors installs Malarkey architectural shingles because their polymer-modified asphalt construction provides a stronger, more flexible alternative to conventional oxidized asphalt while delivering the dimensional appearance homeowners expect from a high-quality architectural roof.
USA Exteriors offers Malarkey Class 4 architectural shingles engineered for homeowners who want more from an asphalt roof. These premium roofing options combine high-impact resistance, enhanced wind protection, Class A fire resistance, and rubberized asphalt construction.
Select Malarkey shingles meet UL 2218 Class 4, the highest UL impact-resistance classification, using 2-inch impact testing.
Depending on the Malarkey product and installation requirements, enhanced wind warranty coverage is available up to 130–140 mph.
Malarkey Class 4 architectural shingles meet ASTM E108 Class A, the highest fire-resistance classification for roof coverings.
Depending on the Class 4 product line, Malarkey reports up to 25–40% greater tear strength, along with enhanced granule adhesion from its polymer-modified asphalt construction.
Asphalt shingles may look similar from the street, but the material inside the shingle can change how the roof responds to impact, temperature swings and years of Midwest weather.
Conventional asphalt can become increasingly rigid as temperatures fall and the roofing material ages.
A more rigid asphalt formulation can be more susceptible to damage when subjected to significant impact.
Protective granules depend on the asphalt surface to remain embedded throughout years of weather exposure.
Repeated expansion and contraction can place additional stress on a more rigid roofing material.
Added polymers help the asphalt remain more flexible and resilient as temperatures and conditions change.
Modified asphalt is engineered to absorb and disperse impact more effectively, helping create a tougher roofing surface.
A tackier asphalt formulation helps hold protective granules more securely to the surface of the shingle.
Greater flexibility allows the material to move more naturally with changing temperatures instead of resisting that movement.
Two asphalt roofing quotes aren't necessarily offering the same roof. The construction of the shingle can make a meaningful difference in how the roofing system responds to the conditions it faces over time.
Shingle Colors, Profiles & Custom Options
Your roof is one of the largest visual elements of your exterior. With a wide selection of asphalt shingle colors, dimensional blends, and architectural profiles available, you can choose a look that complements your siding, brick, stone, trim, and the overall character of your home.
These three homes are only examples. Choose from a wide range of shingle colors, blends, and architectural profiles, and we’ll help you compare options that work naturally with your home.
Bold Contrast
Deep charcoal and darker shingle blends create crisp definition against lighter siding, white trim, brick, and stone.
Soft Harmony
Warm browns and dimensional earth tones work naturally with brick, neutral siding, wood accents, and stone.
Timeless Character
Blended gray and weathered tones add architectural depth while pairing easily with a wide range of exterior colors.
Straightforward answers about asphalt shingles, material options, performance, durability, and choosing the right asphalt roofing system for your home.
The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof depends on the quality of the shingles, installation, ventilation, roof design, and exposure to weather. Architectural asphalt shingles are generally designed to provide better durability and a longer service life than basic entry-level shingles.
The right asphalt shingle depends on your budget, the appearance you want, local weather conditions, and the level of durability you expect. Architectural shingles are a popular choice because they combine dimensional appearance with stronger performance than traditional entry-level shingles.
Three-tab shingles have a flatter, more uniform appearance. Architectural shingles use a laminated construction that creates more depth and dimension while typically offering stronger durability and wind performance. Architectural shingles are now a common choice for residential roof replacement.
For many homeowners, yes. Architectural shingles typically provide a more dimensional appearance, heavier construction, and stronger performance than basic shingles. Upgrading the roofing material can provide meaningful long-term value without changing much of the labor involved in the replacement.
In some situations another layer of shingles may be permitted, but a complete tear-off is often preferred. Removing the old roofing allows the roof deck to be inspected and gives the new underlayment, flashing, and shingles a clean surface for installation.
Several manufacturers produce quality asphalt shingles, but the exact product matters more than the brand name alone. Compare construction, wind performance, impact resistance, warranty coverage, and the complete roofing system being installed.
Impact-resistant shingles can be especially useful in areas where hail and severe thunderstorms are common. They are designed and tested to withstand impact better than standard shingles and can provide an additional level of protection against severe weather.
Look for asphalt shingles with strong impact and wind performance ratings along with a roofing system designed for proper fastening and sealing. Product quality matters, but installation quality is equally important when preparing a roof for hail, thunderstorms, and high winds.
Consider the siding, brick, stone, trim, and architectural style of the home. Neutral colors are versatile, while dimensional blends can create additional contrast and depth. Looking at full-size samples and completed homes is often more useful than choosing from a small color swatch.
Compare more than the total price. Look at the exact shingle, underlayment, ice and water protection, flashing, starter and ridge materials, ventilation work, tear-off, disposal, workmanship, and warranty coverage. Two quotes that both list architectural shingles can include very different roofing systems.
Explore your asphalt roofing options with a team that can help you compare materials, colors, performance, and the details that matter for your home.
Get a Free Roofing Estimate →