By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Fire resistance, durability and design innovation are driving new demand. 

Metal siding is experiencing significant growth across residential and light commercial construction, and the reasons go far beyond aesthetics. In 2026, homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing metal wall systems because they solve some of the biggest challenges facing building exteriors today: fire, pests and rot. What is especially notable is that this shift is not just anecdotal; it is backed by steady market growth and changing homeowner priorities. 

Globally, the metal siding market is growing at an estimated five to six percent annually, with steady expansion expected over the next decade. In the United States, growth is more measured, reflecting a mature market, but the real momentum is happening in higher-end residential applications where metal siding is gaining share due to performance, longevity and design flexibility. 

Unlike traditional materials, metal siding is non-combustible, making it an important option in areas where fire risk is increasing. It also resists insects and pests and eliminates the risk of rot caused by moisture exposure. These performance advantages are aligning with a market that is prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance, especially among homeowners investing in remodels and “forever homes.” 

At the same time, the broader siding market continues to grow at approximately four to five percent annually, driven largely by residential remodeling and exterior upgrades. Within that growth, metal siding is carving out a larger role, particularly in premium segments where homeowners are willing to invest more upfront for lower lifetime costs and better performance. 

Equally important is what is happening on the roofing side of the metal market. Metal roofing is not only growing; it is outperforming many traditional roofing materials and is projected to exceed five billion square feet of volume by 2029, with residential applications representing the majority of that demand. This growth is driven by the same factors influencing siding, including durability, sustainability, insurance considerations and long-term value. 

What is accelerating adoption across both roofing and siding is the rapid evolution of color, coatings and profiles. Contractors and homeowners are no longer limited to basic painted panels. Today’s metal systems offer an expanding range of matte finishes, textured coatings and nature-inspired colors such as charcoals, slate grays, greens and patina-style metallics that are seeing the fastest growth in demand. Matte and low-gloss finishes in particular are gaining popularity because they reduce glare, hide handling marks and elevate the perceived quality of both roofing and siding systems. 

Advanced coating technologies are playing a central role in this transformation. Modern coil coating processes create highly durable, factory-applied finishes that bond tightly to the metal surface, improving corrosion resistance and long-term performance. These coatings also enable printed and textured designs that realistically replicate wood grain, stone, tile and even traditional siding profiles, allowing metal to deliver both performance and aesthetics. 

Companies like Sherwin-Williams are leading this innovation with advanced coil coating systems that provide UV resistance, fade protection and long-term color retention while supporting a wide range of architectural finishes. At the same time, manufacturers such as Central States Manufacturing are bringing these innovations to market through finished metal siding and roofing panels that incorporate these new colors, textures and profiles into complete building envelope systems. 

This is an important distinction. While some companies in the supply chain focus on coated coil, manufacturers like Central States are delivering ready-to-install siding and roofing systems that allow contractors and homeowners to take full advantage of these design advancements in real-world applications. 

For contractors and homeowners, metal siding represents a shift in thinking. It is no longer a niche or purely commercial solution. It is a high-performance, design-forward option that meets the demands of modern construction while delivering resilience against fire, pests and moisture-related deterioration. 

As fire resilience, durability and long-term value continue to shape building decisions, metal siding and roofing are positioned to play an even larger role in the future of exterior design. The data supports what many contractors are already seeing in the field. This is not a short-term trend; it is a long-term shift toward better-performing materials that also meet the growing expectations for design and aesthetics. 

To learn more about these innovations, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on MetalCoffeeShop.com and RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Elevating homes through performance, design and outdoor living integration. 

Luxury building and remodeling in 2026 is shifting in a very important way. It is no longer about bigger homes or more elaborate finishes. Today’s luxury is about how a home performs, how it supports daily living and how it holds up over time. And that transformation is starting at the very top — the roof. 

For homeowners, this means roofing is no longer something you think about only when there is a problem. It is one of the most critical systems in your home, impacting everything from energy efficiency to indoor comfort to long-term durability. 

When planning a remodel or a new build, the smartest homeowners are asking deeper questions. How does my roof system improve efficiency and ventilation? What materials will last the longest with the least maintenance? How does the roof contribute to the overall design of my home? Luxury today is about intention, and roofing is a big part of that story. 

One of the biggest trends in high-end homes is the rapid growth of metal roofing. What was once considered a niche or commercial option is now one of the most sought-after residential roofing systems. Homeowners are choosing metal roofing because it delivers on every level that luxury demands. It lasts significantly longer than traditional roofing materials, often protecting a home for decades. It performs exceptionally well in extreme weather, making it ideal for everything from mountain climates to coastal environments. It reflects heat, which can help reduce energy costs. From a design perspective, it offers clean lines and modern aesthetics that define today’s architectural trends. Metal roofing also pairs seamlessly with solar systems and other energy-efficient upgrades, making it a strong choice for homeowners focused on sustainability. 

An often overlooked but critical part of metal roofing performance is the long-term protection provided by coil coatings. High-quality coatings from companies like Sherwin-Williams play a major role in how well a metal roof performs over time. These coatings protect against UV degradation, fading, chalking, corrosion and environmental exposure. For homeowners investing in a luxury home, this means maintaining color, finish and performance for decades, not just a few years. The right coil coating system ensures that a metal roof continues to look as good as it performs, preserving both curb appeal and long-term value. 

Another major driver of luxury building trends is the expansion of outdoor living. Homes are no longer limited to interior spaces. Today’s homeowners are creating fully functional outdoor environments that include kitchens, dining areas, lounges and even workspaces. This shift is placing new demands on roofing systems. Roofs are now being designed to cover and protect outdoor living areas, support rooftop decks and terraces, integrate lighting, fans and heating elements, and manage water drainage across indoor and outdoor transitions. These are not simple additions. They require careful planning, the right materials and a contractor who understands how roofing connects to the entire structure. For homeowners, this is where early planning matters. If outdoor living is part of your vision, your roofing system needs to be designed with that in mind from the start. 

Luxury homes in 2026 are built around systems, not individual products. Roofing is at the center of that approach. A complete roofing system includes high-quality materials, proper ventilation and insulation, waterproofing and underlayment, flashing and drainage components, and integration with solar and energy systems. When these elements work together, they protect your home, improve efficiency and extend the life of the entire structure. This is why choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right materials. A qualified roofing professional will look at your home as a whole system and help you make decisions that support long-term performance. 

Luxury trends offer a clear roadmap for any homeowner planning a roof replacement or remodel. Start by thinking beyond a basic replacement. Consider how your roof can improve your home’s overall performance and lifestyle. Ask about materials that provide durability and efficiency, including metal roofing options. If you are planning outdoor living spaces, make sure your roofing system is designed to support them. Work with experienced professionals who understand how all these elements come together. 

Luxury building trends are showing us something important. The homes that stand out in 2026 are not just beautiful. They are well-built, efficient and designed for how people truly live. Your roof plays a bigger role than ever before. At AskARoofer, we encourage homeowners to see roofing as an investment in performance, comfort and long-term value. When you take the time to plan your roofing system as part of your overall home design, you are not just protecting your home; you are elevating it. 

Visit the Sherwin-Williams directory on AskARoofer to learn more about long-term coil coating protection for your metal roofing system and connect with trusted solutions for lasting performance. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Knowing the source of your roofing materials can make all the difference in project quality.  

When planning a roof replacement, most homeowners focus on choosing the right contractor, selecting shingles and managing budget. Those are all important decisions. But there is another question that often gets overlooked that can have a major impact on the success of your project: Where is your contractor sourcing their materials from? 

It may seem like a small detail, but the supplier behind your roofing project plays a critical role in quality, timing and long-term performance. 

From a homeowner’s perspective, one of the biggest concerns during a roofing project is delays. Material shortages or delivery issues can push timelines out, leaving your home exposed to the elements longer than expected. When contractors work with qualified, reliable distributors, they are better equipped to keep projects on schedule and avoid last-minute substitutions that could impact the final result. 

Consistency is another key factor. Roofing is a system, not just a collection of parts. When materials come from a trusted supply source, there is greater confidence that everything is compatible and designed to work together. This reduces the risk of installation issues and helps ensure the roof performs as intended over time. 

There is also the question of product access. Today’s roofing market is evolving quickly, with new technologies, energy-efficient options and integrated systems becoming more common. Not all suppliers offer the same level of access to these innovations. Homeowners who ask about sourcing are more likely to benefit from contractors who can provide a broader range of solutions tailored to their needs. 

Support and accountability matter as well. Distributors often serve as a bridge between contractors and manufacturers, offering product expertise, training and technical support. When your contractor works with a reputable supplier, it adds another layer of confidence that the materials are backed by strong relationships and industry knowledge. 

For homeowners, this all comes down to one simple idea: the better the supply chain, the better the outcome of your roof. That is why it is worth asking your contractor not just what materials they are using, but where those materials are coming from. 

As you have that conversation, you may start to hear certain names come up more often. One such brand you may hear about is SRS Distribution, a national network known for supporting contractors with consistent supply, strong manufacturer relationships and access to advanced roofing solutions. 

A good example of how distribution impacts homeowners is the partnership between SRS Distribution and Tesla to expand the availability of Tesla’s Solar Roof. By improving access to materials at the local level, contractors can more easily offer innovative systems that combine roofing and energy production, giving homeowners more options than ever before. 

You don’t have to become an expert in roofing distribution, but asking questions puts you in a stronger position as a homeowner. It shows you are thinking about the full system, not just the surface, and you’re invested in finding the best option for your roof. 

So, as you plan your next roofing project, add one more question to your checklist: “Where do you source your materials?” 

And if you want an extra level of confidence, follow it with: “Do you work with SRS Distribution?” 

Because the right materials matter, but where they come from matters just as much. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From expert Q&As to snow retention essentials, here are the top five AskARoofer articles for January 2026. 

Whether you are shopping for a new roof, looking to get repairs on an existing roof or just wanting to increase your knowledge, AskARoofer is the place to be. We have countless articles and podcasts about your roof; in fact we posted over three dozen in January 2026 alone! We know this is a lot of content, so if you’re just looking for the highlights, we're diving into the top five articles of January 2026 here. 

This month, multiple question and answer articles made our top five! These questions are the heart of what we do at AskARoofer — create a space for homeowners to directly interact and get advice from industry professionals. One of the articles on our list answered John’s question, a Maryland homeowner, about his ridge vent caps. The other article focuses on a question about the long-term performance of mechanically attached systems sent in by Tim from Ohio. 

As for our top article from January 2026, it comes from Heidi J. Ellsworth, the president/CEO of The Coffee Shops™ (which includes AskARoofer sister site RoofersCoffeeShop®). In her article on AskARoofer, she dives into the world of snow retention and how products like those from TRA Snow and Sun can save both money and lives.  

The top articles on AskARoofer from January 2026 

5 - Q&A – Mechanically attached versus self adhered 

4 - How often should commercial roofs be inspected? A straight-talking guide for small business owners by Wendy Marvin 

3 - Q&A – Ridge vents and airflow

2 - Craftsmanship meets preservation at the Settlemier House by HER Roofing 

1 - When quality, design and warranty align: Raising the standard for snow retention by Heidi J. Ellsworth

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

SRS Raise the Roof Foundation raising and matching donations for California wildfire relief.

As the new year begins, Southern California faces a devastating crisis. Wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of homes and entire neighborhoods. The toll on residents and first responders has been overwhelming, leaving countless families displaced and communities in dire need of support.

In response, SRS Raise the Roof Foundation and Heritage Cares have launched the One Family, One Fight for Wildfire Relief campaign. This initiative aims to provide critical resources for disaster relief and recovery to those affected by the wildfires. Between now and March 1, 2025, every donation made will be matched, doubling its impact to support individuals, families and first responders in the region.

"We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the California wildfires," said representatives from SRS. "Our Raise the Roof Foundation is committed to standing with these communities to help them rebuild and recover."

Donations raised through the campaign will go directly to trusted nonprofit partners in Southern California, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. From providing immediate relief supplies to long-term recovery efforts, your contribution can make a tangible difference in restoring hope and rebuilding lives.

At The Coffee Shops, we are committed to spreading the word about this cause and any others that come from the roofing, metal and coating industries. Visit our forum today for a free classified promo code to help contractors looking for help, materials or support.

Join the fight today by donating and spreading the word about the campaign. Together, we can provide relief, support and a path toward recovery for those impacted by this catastrophic disaster.

Let’s come together as one family to rebuild homes, lives and communities. Your generosity can bring light to these darkest times. Make your impact today by donating and helping spread the word. Together, we can help rebuild lives and provide hope.

Donate today.

New launches include Unified Steel Material List Generator, Unified Steel Cool Roof Colors, CEU Course on underlayments for architects and e-books and a new DaVinci color exterior support series.

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions will also feature its new Unified Steel Cool Roof Colors, two hues rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). Each color provides high solar reflectivity and high thermal emittance when solar energy hits the roof surface, detracting sunlight and radiating heat off the roof surface. The colors exceed California Energy Code (CEC) Title 24 Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements and, with a Solar Reflective Index greater than 20, meet Los Angeles County’s more stringent SRI requirements. The colors, Harborwood™ and Stirling Gray™, are offered in PINE-CREST Shake and PACIFIC Tile® profiles.

The company is also unveiling its new CEU course on roof underlayments for architects. The Importance of Roof Underlayment for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance course explores the roof underlayment as an integral part of the total roof system design and educates architects on the performance, benefits, fire resistance and weather resilience of various underlayment types. The course is accessible through Hanley Wood University and the AIA. Participants obtain 1.0 CEU credit upon completion. 

DaVinci will also recognize roofers from coast-to-coast who have received the 2023 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor® Project of the Year Awards. Six residential projects and one commercial project have received the prestigious award. Qualifications for DaVinci Masterpiece Contractors to obtain the award include excellence of installation work, outstanding visual impact and ability of the roofing work to transform the look of a home or commercial project.

On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT, RoofersCoffeeShop will broadcast live from the Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions section of the Westlake Royal Building Products booth. Heidi Ellsworth, President of RoofersCoffeeShop, will interview industry leaders on new product introductions at the show, trends taking place in the industry and insights into show floor activities.

To explore the full suite of Westlake Royal Roofing Solution’s clay, concrete, steel, composite, and components roofing solutions, visit westlakeroyalroofing.com.

About Westlake Royal Roofing LLC 

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions is a recognized, national leader in durable and sustainable clay, composite, concrete, and steel roof systems and components. The company’s offerings include US Tile products, a legacy line of premium, stunning clay tile solutions manufactured to the highest standard of sustainability and craftsmanship; DaVinci Roofscapes, beautiful and durable composite slate and shake roofing tiles; Newpoint Concrete Tile Roofing, the enduring line of concrete tile known for its superior strength, Class A fire rating and long-lasting beauty; Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing, the ultra-lightweight roofing system which benefits from the structural strength of steel; and Westlake Royal Roofing Components, a full line of integrated roof components designed to deliver a higher standard of roof installation and performance.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design, and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. For more than 50 years, Westlake Royal Building Products has manufactured high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles, and accessories.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

In looking at the safety of any building, the walls are a defining point of protection.   

According to ROCKWOOL, a manufacturer of stone wool insulation, “Effective metal stud wall insulation can minimize the risk of fire spreading.  This is especially important when a metal stud wall is installed adjacent to a designated escape route.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the United States During 2021, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.35 million fires in the United States. These fires caused 3,800 civilian fire deaths and 14,700 reported civilian fire injuries.  The property damage caused by these fires was estimated at $15.9 billion.  On average, a fire department responded to a fire somewhere in the U.S. every 23 seconds in 2021. 

These statistics show that the threat of fire should always be top of mind for home and building owners.  Unwanted fires can have many additional consequences including property damage, business interruption, environmental pollution and of course, the worst, bodily damage.  Specifying materials that are fire resilient overall is critical.

Stone wool insulation has become one of the top options for fire safety in the built environment.  It is created by spinning molten rock and minerals with steel slag to create a cotton-candy-like wool product.  Pressed into rolls and sheets, stone wool creates an incredibly effective insulation with outstanding fire-resistant properties.

Again, according to ROCKWOOL, their insulation is fire resilient by nature with no added chemical flame retardants.  Capable of withstanding temperatures of over 1,000-degrees Celsius, it works to contain fire and prevent its spread. At the same time, it does not contribute to the emission of significant quantities of toxic smoke.  The natural basalt rock and recycled slag composition of stone wool exhibits a number of unique and valuable characteristics, including its ability to resist fire. 

In looking at the importance of wall insulation and how it can feed a fire, ROCKWOOL insulation stands out since it will not burn or release toxic gases or smoke when exposed to high heat.  It helps delay the spread of fire and may provide the precious extra seconds occupants need to escape.  ROCKWOOL insulation products are often used in dedicated fire protection systems for buildings and industrial equipment.

Have a question? AskARoofer.    

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Heidi J. Ellsworth is the president of RoofersCoffeeShop.

The RoofersCoffeeShop community has been named one of the best of the best in the running for the most prestigious awards in editorial and design across print and digital media. 

RoofersCoffeeShop®, celebrating 20 years as the award-winning website where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business announces it has been named a finalist in the Social Media – Online Community category of the 2022 Eddie & Ozzie Awards, the most prestigious awards program celebrating excellence in editorial and design in the publishing industry.  

“We are thrilled to continue to be recognized as one of the best of the best by the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards,” stated RoofersCoffeeShop President Heidi J. Ellsworth. “As a winner in both 2019 and 2021, we have worked hard each year to continually evolve and add to our digital community to make it a valuable, unique and engaging experience for our audience." 

“In a digital age, content is everywhere. Individuals have more options when it comes to the content they consume on a daily basis,” said Bill Amstutz, publisher, Folio. “The Eddie & Ozzie Awards place the spotlight on leading editorial and design talents for their exceptional work. They are creators of the most thoughtful, in-depth and engaging content that breaks through the noise and their communities are highly engaged. The Eddie & Ozzie Awards is a celebration of their exceptional talent and often inspire innovation in media." 

More than 1,300 entries were received across nearly 170 categories. Finalists represent the highest scoring entries per category, adjudicated by qualified editorial and design professionals.  

About RoofersCoffeeShop 

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Award  

The Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards is the most prestigious recognition program in the publishing community. There’s a place in the spotlight for every digital publication, magazine, regional title, association and brand, recognizing excellence in editorial content creation and design. For information, visit eddie-ozzie.com. 

New podcast series is dedicated to answering home and building owners’ questions about all things roofing.

RoofersCoffeeShop®, celebrating 20 years as the award-winning website where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business announces a new podcast on their sister site AskARoofer.  The AskARoofer Podcast is a natural extension of AskARoofer.com and provides a more in-depth conversation centered around roofing questions. 

“With podcasts being such a popular media form to consume information and learn new things, we really wanted to provide a space for home and building owners to ask questions and understand more about the roofs over their heads,” stated RoofersCoffeeShop President Heidi J. Ellsworth.  “Podcasts are engaging, easy to listen to and most importantly, mobile.  All home and building owners can listen in their cars while they commute, on their phones while on a walk or from their computers while at work or at home." 

The podcast features new episodes each month with experts who discuss home and building owners’ burning questions about their roofs.  Listeners will hear from roofing contractors, manufacturers and service providers about all things roofing. 

Listeners will get to know AskARoofer in Episode 0 — the origins of the site, how to ask a question, who answers the questions, what the site does and who the site serves.  In Episode 1, the most recent episode, the experts from DaVinci Roofscapes discuss how to handle suspected roofing damage after severe weather.  AskARoofer receives questions daily from home and building owners that serve as the inspiration for the podcast.  Questions include: Will a cricket solve my gable drainage issue?  Should my rolled roof have been tarped?  What gutter lining will preserve 110-year-old gutters?  And many more!  If you have a question that you would like to hear discussed on the podcast, please submit a question here. 

The AskARoofer Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and any other streaming service you use for podcasts. 

About RoofersCoffeeShop 

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About AskARoofer 

AskARoofer provides home and building owners with a unique opportunity to connect with contractors for their roofing questions, maintenance tips, product recommendations and more. Originally launched in 2005, AskARoofer was envisioned by a longtime friend of RoofersCoffeeShop, Bob “ShingleWeaver” McCrickard, who expressed his desire for RCS to preserve his legacy and continue helping property owners find answers to their roofing questions. This unique and informative website brings home and building owners and roofing professionals together, allowing site visitors to submit questions that will be answered by professional contractors. AskARoofer is the best place for owners to educate themselves about the roofs over their heads. Have a question? AskARoofer. For more information, visit www.askaroofer.com.  

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS Partner. 

COVID-19 continues to have long-term effect on economics of the roofing industry. 

Since the start of COVID-19 in the spring of 2020, the roofing industry has been affected on several fronts including building material price increases. Roofing companies are seeing increases around the country for all types of building and roofing products.   

The lumber industry continues to see price increases and according to the National Home Builders Association, “Lumber prices increased 14.9% in August, marking the largest four-month gain since such data was first recorded in 1949 and the second-largest gain since seasonally adjusted data became available in 1975.” 

Shingle allocations and price increases have also been prevalent throughout 2020 due to high levels of storm-related re-roofing and limited raw materials. According to a roofing contractor’s website, “This week a roofing manufacturer put out a 4-6% price increase effective August 17 which follows two other shingle manufacturers with 2-7% increases and a fourth manufacturer following with their increase.” 

A key component used by most manufacturers is asphalt, which is seeing its own price increases. According to Bud Polston of United Asphalts, there are widespread price increases with asphalt due to how it is processed. The demand for gasoline has been uneven in 2020 and jet fuel has seen a huge decrease in demand. According to Deloitte Insights, “Demand for gasoline has risen as more cars have returned to the road and as shops, retail stores, and restaurants have reopened. However, demand for jet fuel has remained anemic, with U.S. demand still half of its pre–COVID-19 levels, as many people defer air travel." 

The lack of demand for jet fuel has a trickledown effect on the amount and cost of producing/refining asphalt. According to information gained by United Asphalts from a refinery source, "COVID-related lockdowns nationwide are impacting primarily gasoline and jet fuel (both lower demand and lower pricing). Most refineries cannot make asphalt and resid (oil products that remain after petroleum has been distilled) without also making gasoline and jet fuel and it appears that black oil production across the U.S. has decreased as a result. This is leading to higher market prices for resid and asphalt on account of the decreased production and to incentivize more production. Although the market price has increased, it is still not high enough to offset our incremental production costs of asphalt and resid.” 

This is not something that roofing manufacturers are pleased about, but it is a fact that there will be price increases and building owners should be aware. The Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist, Anirban Basu stated in a recent press release, “This dynamic (of building material price increases) is already observable, for example, in the prices of softwood lumber. As America’s single-family housing construction boom continues, many builders are ordering softwood lumber. With suppliers collectively lacking the near-term capacity to easily fill these orders, prices were spiking for much of 2020. Similar conditions may influence other commodities later this year as global growth accelerates.” 

In November and December of 2020, United Asphalts was hit with significant increases to the price of raw materials. They recently announced, “We are forced to increase our prices by an average of 10% in all markets for many reasons, including the ongoing ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

So, although many manufacturers must pass on price increases, they are more committed than ever to extreme customer service. “We are working with all of our customers for long-term forecasting our roofing asphalts so they can bid and complete jobs profitably,” stated Polston. 

And this is being found in the metal industry too. Roof Hugger recently announced, “As most of you are aware, several costs increase in steel have been announced in addition to some constriction in material availability. Roof Hugger, like many other fabricators, has found it necessary to pass along a portion of these material increases. We have done our best to minimize the increase and we are carefully monitoring our inventory levels.”  

They continue, “Please take note that with the uncertainty of steel costs, pricing will be good for a period of 14 days from the quote date and subject to review, thereafter, please qualify your proposals to reflect these limits. Roof Hugger is still committed to providing the best customer service and product quality as we have always been known.” 

Now more than ever a strong relationship with manufacturers and distributors is essential for contractors. Be sure to ask your contractor about upcoming material shortages, allocations or price increases.  

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.