Part of a months-long trend, roofing materials remain in short supply nationally, according to a survey just released by the National Roofing Contractors Association.
Writing in its Industry Issue Update, the association notes that “manufacturers are reporting anticipated lead times for fulfilling newly placed orders for some materials and products of four months or more.”
The publication adds that for large orders the lead times may be as long as 12 months.
Contractors have been additionally hit by detrimental pricing, with some manufacturers basing their pricing at the time of shipping, rather than when an order is placed. “This puts roofing contractors in the position of not having actual material and product pricing at the time of offering a proposal or bid.”
Also in shortage: glass mats used for asphalt shingles and the steel rods vital for the manufacture of fasteners.
While the roofing shortage challenge is expected to continue well into 2022, notes the NRCA, so is the increase in prices first seen earlier this year.
In a letter to Jennifer Granholm, Department of Energy Secretary, Reid Ribble, NRCA chief executive officer, said the roofing material supply chain challenge is “unparalleled in modern times and shows no indication of easing soon.”
Ribble goes on to ask for federal help designed to increase both speed and capacity at the nation’s ports.
“Providing urgently needed repairs to many homes, schools, hospitals, and other vital buildings in many parts of the nation depend on swift action of both the private and public sectors working together to address this emergency,” Ribble adds.
By Garry Boulard