Managing a Commercial Roof Project During a Roofing Material Shortage

Many industries have been impacted by supply chain shortages. From agriculture and dairy to construction, many companies and consumers find that it’s harder to purchase items than it used to be. A big reason for changes in supply availability is the pandemic’s lingering effects and other economic factors.

Unfortunately, the roofing industry hasn’t been immune to these roofing material shortages. Various supplies, such as insulation and roofing shingles, are harder to find or take longer to order. So, if you’re planning a commercial roof project, here’s what you need to know about the current supply shortages and how to navigate these challenges.

What to Know About the Roofing Material Shortage

As mentioned above, various factors have contributed to the supply chain shortages in the roofing industry. While it’s difficult to make a list of all the impacts and the specific kinds of materials, it’s harder to find supplies when you need them overall. This fact affects individual consumers as well as roofing companies. In some months, certain roofing materials might be in low supply, while in the next month, they might go back to normal.

Roofing materials are still playing catch up. The manufacturing side of roofing was halted in early 2020, which had far-reaching impacts that still come into play as 2023 gets close. Now, as manufacturers are starting to catch up, they are still running into issues with backed up ports, overwhelmed supply chains, and increased demand.

The other issue is that a roofing material shortage often leads to price increases. When demand is high and supply is low, material prices go up. This means that manufacturers will raise their prices, so contractors and consumers will have to pay more for goods and services.

Is There a Roofing Insulation Shortage?

From what industry experts are saying, the roofing insulation shortage is less about production and more about the supply chain. Cargo ships and long-haul truckin is so backed up right now that some areas are experiencing shortages and much longer lead times.

Roofing insulation is key to a sound roofing system. Without sound insulation, the roof is more likely to leak, incur storm damage, and ruin the gutters. It also plays a vital role in maintaining comfortable temperatures and controlling utility costs. So, finding and using suitable insulation material is critical. Unfortunately, roofing insulation is often tricky to get enough of these days. But, this varies depending on your area and the exact material you’re looking for. Even if it delays a project, you shouldn’t move forward without having insulation installed as part of a new roof install or repair.

Is There a Shingle Shortage?

Industry experts, roofers, manufacturers, and suppliers all agree that there is a shingle shortage right now. Worst of all, they expect them to continue well into 2023. In fact, they’re in such short supply that prices are expected to take a noticeable hike in early spring as roof repairs and replacements begin to rise.

Just like with roofing insulation, selecting proper shingles for your commercial roofing project is vital. While commercial rooftops often employ flat roofing systems, some buildings use asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. Many roofing materials are subject to delays and low supply, so it’s best to plan a project as far ahead as possible.

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Dealing With an EPDM Shortage

Along with materials primarily used in roofing, some materials are hard to find because they are used in many industries. For example, commercial roofers have had trouble getting enough adhesives.

But, one common issue many roofers are noticing nationwide is a lack of EPDM and TPO roofing materials. These plastic and rubber-based materials are often used in commercial roofing projects. So, if you plan to use one of these roofing types, it’s best to prepare and order these items immediately.

How to Avoid Supply Chain Issues for Your Commercial Roofing Project

While supply chain issues are real and impactful, there are still ways you can work around them for your commercial roofing project. At Elevated Contracting, we always do our best to help our clients get the supplies they need, especially during roofing material shortages. We work extra hard to ensure our projects are completed promptly. While we may have to make adjustments in some situations, we will work with you throughout this process to offer cost-effective, efficient commercial roofing. Your satisfaction with our roofing services is what matters most to us.

So, we do suggest keeping these tips in mind when planning your commercial roof for 2023:

Start the project as soon as possible: If you anticipate that you will need commercial roofing services, don’t wait. Instead, reach out to a roofing contractor right away to get estimates on cost, materials, and labor.
Anticipate roofing material shortages: While your roofing contractor will do their best to provide services quickly, some things are out of their hands. It just might take longer for some materials to become available. Factoring in extra time to prepare for longer wait times is essential.
Be flexible: Overall, the best approach is to be flexible. If you give yourself a longer timeline and plan ahead, you will feel more relaxed. It’s better to provide extra time for the roofing project than to wait until the last minute.

With these tips in mind, your commercial roofing project is likely to go smoothly.

Navigate the Challenges of Roofing Material Shortages With Elevated Contracting’s Commercial Roofing Experts

While roofing product shortages are a reality in the roofing industry right now, they aren’t halting projects completely. At Elevated Contracting, we are still doing everything we can to provide the highest-quality products to all of our commercial clients.

We keep you in the loop on the process and always provide timely, thorough roofing installation. We also offer roofing repair services and will work to get these done as quickly as possible.

For more information about material and roofing insulation shortages and your commercial roofing project, reach out to us today. Give us a call to find out more information or to start planning your commercial roof installation.

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