As a homeowner, the last thing you want to hear is that another home maintenance expense is about to get more expensive. Unfortunately, that's exactly what's happening in the roofing industry. At Best Roofing Now, we've been closely monitoring industry trends, and it's becoming clear that roofing material prices are set to increase significantly in the coming quarter.
But don't worry – we're not just here to deliver bad news. This article will break down why these price increases are happening, which materials are most affected, and most importantly, what you can do right now to minimize the impact on your wallet.
The Perfect Storm: Why Roofing Costs Are Climbing
Several market forces are converging to create what industry insiders are calling "the perfect storm" for roofing material price increases. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions about your roofing needs.
1. New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Perhaps the most significant factor driving upcoming price increases is the implementation of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, scheduled to take full effect in 2025. This policy change is already sending ripples through the construction materials market.
"These new tariffs are a game-changer for the roofing industry. Materials that contain metal components – which is nearly all roofing products to some degree – will see price adjustments as manufacturers absorb these new costs," explains James Turner, owner of Best Roofing Now.
Metal roofing products are obviously the most directly impacted, but the effects extend beyond just metal roofs. Even asphalt shingles contain metal components in their production process and packaging.
2. Persistent Supply Chain Challenges
While we've moved past the worst of the pandemic-era supply chain disruptions, the roofing materials industry continues to face logistics challenges. Manufacturers are still struggling with:
- Raw material shortages for key components
- Transportation delays and increased shipping costs
- Warehouse staffing challenges
- Production capacity limitations
These supply chain issues are particularly problematic for specialty roofing materials and higher-end products, which often require more specialized components that may come from overseas suppliers.
3. Skilled Labor Shortages
The construction industry as a whole is facing a significant skilled labor shortage, and roofing is no exception. With fewer qualified roofers available, labor costs have increased substantially.
This labor shortage affects material prices in two ways:
- Manufacturers need to pay more for factory workers, increasing production costs
- Installation labor costs are rising, affecting the total project cost even if material prices remained stable
4. Seasonal Demand Surge
Roofing work typically follows seasonal patterns, with demand peaking in late spring through early fall. As we approach this high-demand period, prices naturally trend upward. This seasonal effect, combined with the other factors mentioned above, creates a compounding effect on price increases.
Which Materials Will See the Biggest Price Jumps?
Not all roofing materials will be affected equally by these market forces. Here's what homeowners can expect for different roofing options:
Asphalt Shingles
As the most common roofing material in America, asphalt shingles are unfortunately not immune to price increases. Petroleum is a key component in asphalt production, and petroleum prices remain volatile. Industry analysts predict a 7-12% increase in asphalt shingle prices in the coming quarter.
Standard three-tab shingles will see the smallest percentage increases, while premium architectural and designer shingles (like those in our Landmark and Presidential lines) will experience somewhat larger price jumps due to their more complex manufacturing processes.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing materials will be hit hardest by the upcoming tariffs. Expect price increases of 15-25% on steel and aluminum roofing products. This includes:
- Standing seam metal roofing
- Metal shingles and tiles
- Stone-coated steel roofing
If you've been considering a metal roof, acting before these price increases take effect could save you thousands of dollars on larger homes.
Other Roofing Materials
Other materials will see varying degrees of price increases:
- Clay and Concrete Tiles: 5-8% increase due to manufacturing and transportation costs
- Wood Shakes and Shingles: 10-15% increase due to lumber costs and limited supply
- Synthetic Roofing Products: 8-12% increase due to petroleum-based components
Impact on Total Project Costs
It's important to understand how material price increases affect your total roofing project cost. For an average 2,000 square foot home, here's how the coming price increases might impact your bottom line:
| Roofing Material | Current Avg. Cost | Projected Cost Next Quarter | Potential Savings by Acting Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $6,000 – $10,000 | $6,420 – $11,200 | $420 – $1,200 |
| Metal Roofing | $12,000 – $20,000 | $13,800 – $25,000 | $1,800 – $5,000 |
| Clay/Concrete | $15,000 – $25,000 | $15,750 – $27,000 | $750 – $2,000 |
| Wood Shakes | $14,000 – $23,000 | $15,400 – $26,450 | $1,400 – $3,450 |
These figures don't include potential increases in labor costs, which could add another 5-8% to the total project cost.
Smart Strategies for Homeowners
Now for the good news: with proper planning and quick action, you can minimize or even avoid these impending price increases. Here's our expert advice:
1. Lock In Current Pricing Now
The single most effective strategy is to secure your roofing project at current pricing. Many roofing contractors (including Best Roofing Now) offer price-lock guarantees that can protect you from upcoming increases.
"We're offering price guarantees for customers who sign contracts before the end of this quarter. This lets homeowners secure today's material pricing even if their actual installation happens later in the year," notes Turner.
Even if you're planning a roofing project for later in the year, getting quotes and contracts finalized now could save you thousands.
2. Consider Roofing Material Alternatives
If your heart was set on a particular roofing material that's facing steep price increases, this might be the time to explore alternatives:
- Instead of premium metal roofing, consider high-end architectural asphalt shingles that mimic the look of slate or wood
- Look into synthetic roofing products that offer similar aesthetics to natural materials at lower price points
- Explore energy-efficient options that might qualify for tax credits or rebates to offset higher material costs
Our team at Best Roofing Now can walk you through all your material options and help you find alternatives that meet your aesthetic and performance needs while staying within budget.
3. Explore Financing Options
If you can't pay for your entire roofing project upfront, financing can help you lock in current pricing while spreading payments over time:
- Home equity loans or lines of credit typically offer the lowest interest rates
- Manufacturer financing programs often provide promotional periods with 0% interest
- At Best Roofing Now, we offer flexible payment plans to help make your roofing project more affordable
4. Get Multiple Quotes
It's always wise to get several quotes for any major home improvement project, but it's especially important when prices are rising. Different roofing companies may:
- Have different supplier relationships and pricing structures
- Offer varying price-lock guarantee periods
- Provide different material recommendations to maximize value
Make sure to get detailed, written quotes that clearly specify materials, quantities, warranties, and price guarantees.
5. Consider Partial Repairs Instead of Full Replacement
If your roof isn't at the end of its useful life, targeted repairs might be a smart option to extend its lifespan until material prices potentially stabilize:
- Replacing damaged shingles or sections
- Addressing leaks and water damage
- Reinforcing weak areas
A professional roof inspection can help determine if repairs are a viable option for your situation.
How Best Roofing Now Can Help
At Best Roofing Now, we're committed to helping our customers navigate these challenging market conditions. We're taking several steps to minimize the impact of rising material costs:
- Bulk Purchasing: We're increasing our inventory of commonly used materials to lock in current pricing
- Supplier Relationships: Our long-standing partnerships with suppliers help us secure preferred pricing
- Efficient Installation: Our experienced crews can complete projects more efficiently, reducing labor costs
- Waste Reduction: Precise ordering and careful installation minimize material waste, saving you money
We also offer free consultations to help you understand your options and develop a plan that works for your home and budget.
Act Now to Beat the Price Increases
The writing is on the wall – roofing material prices are going up, and waiting will almost certainly cost you more. By understanding the factors driving these increases and taking proactive steps now, you can protect yourself from paying premium prices later.
If your roof is showing signs of age or damage, or if you've been planning a roof replacement in the near future, we strongly recommend accelerating your timeline. Contact our team at Best Roofing Now for a free consultation and quote, and let us help you lock in the best possible pricing before these increases take effect.
Your roof is too important – and too significant an investment – to leave to chance. Let's work together to get ahead of these industry changes and ensure your home stays protected for years to come, without breaking the bank.
