May
12
Why Are Roof Installation Prices So High?
That is a very fair question, and it’s certainly a question that’s on the minds of many American homeowners in 2022! If you’ve had a roofing project estimate done recently – or have simply gone online to get a ballpark idea of what roof replacement prices would be right now – the cost may have been higher than you had anticipated. We know this can be frustrating for you, and we can assure you that it’s equally frustrating for us at Skywalker Roofing!
Be Sure to Avoid Shady Roofing Companies
Your first suspicion may be that the roofing company you contacted is just trying to cheat you, or that their pricing is unfair. We get that suspicion, too; there certainly ARE some shady roofers out there who WILL try to take unfair advantage of you. For example, every time a hurricane passes through NC or VA, you’ll immediately start to see “local” roofing services signs pop up along the road from some traveling roofers that are little more than storm chasers. These signs will often feature names you’ve never heard of, and a contact number with an out-of-state area code. We would absolutely encourage you to steer clear of these fly-by-night roofing operations!
So, What’s Causing the Rise in Roofing Prices Among Reputable Roofing Contractors?
The main reason that roofing prices keep going up comes down to the fact that manufacturers are raising their prices on roofing materials. What’s led to this recent trend of accelerated price increases? You probably won’t be too shocked to learn that it started with the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Many (if not most businesses) have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, and some of its effects on the global economy still continue to reverberate throughout many industries, including roofing.
In essence, manufacturer prices continue to rise thanks to the increased cost of the raw materials needed to generate finished roofing products. For example, petroleum costs were already on the rise in 2021, and then went sky-high in 2022. This is partially due to continued supply chain issues in general, but was further exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, followed by a global boycott of many Russian-owned businesses in protest of the war.
These impacts don’t just apply to a select few roofers in the U.S.; they really affect the entire American roofing industry, including all local roofing providers in NC, VA, and everywhere else across the country. But let us also go ahead and provide you with some good news – Skywalker Roofing is still here to serve, we’re still equipped to provide you with a perfect roofing solution, and thanks to our advantageous relationship with preferred manufacturers, we’re well-poised to weather the storm of any ongoing roofing materials challenges!
-Shingle Roofing Material Costs
Crude oil is a primary component of asphalt-based shingles. And since shingles continue to be the most popular roofing material solution in America, demand hasn’t decreased any. Combine high demand with base material price increases, and what you get are increased prices for finished shingle products, as well. And industry experts don’t expect prices to fall back to pre-COVID levels, either. If anything, shingle prices are just expected to continue on an upward trajectory going forward.
-Metal Roofing Material Costs
Petroleum prices aren’t the only things that are rising, either. ALL building materials, including both wood and metal, have become more expensive as well. Some of these prices actually stabilized a bit in 2021 as workers were able to return to factories as the pandemic began to die down, but costs are now on the rise again. Much like asphalt shingle roofing, standing seam metal and corrugated metal roofing costs really aren’t projected to come down again in the foreseeable future. If anything, metal roofing costs will only continue to rise.
-Other Roofing Cost Impacts
Also bear in mind that the issue doesn’t just involve asphalt shingle and metal roofing materials. Prices for everything from slate, to tile, to wood shakes, to synthetics and composites, to rubber-based flat roofing materials have gone up too. The same holds true for metal flashing, roof underlayment, and roof decking as well.
And increasing petroleum costs also mean increased fuel & transportation costs, both for manufacturers and for roofing installers. You probably already know this all too well, as you’re already feeling the pain at the pump whenever you have to fill up your own personal vehicles!
In looking at the roofing industry in particular, it should be noted that recent spring storm impacts have taken their toll as well. Severe storms have rolled across many portions of the U.S., causing untold damage to many homes and roofs. This has only served to further drive up demand for many popular roofing materials, resulting in a greater scarcity of available materials, and an even greater acceleration of roofing material prices. On top of all this, skilled labor costs have gone up too. This is due in part to what economists have described as The Great Resignation among labor forces in a post-pandemic world.
So, What’s Your Best Plan of Action if You Need a Roof Replacement?
If your roof has been damaged by storm impacts, you honestly can’t afford to put off a needed roof replacement – the roof problems you’re currently experiencing simply aren’t going to fix themselves! But what if you’re someone who knows you need a new roof installation, but you’re not currently experiencing any roof leaks that you know of? Would it pay for you to try and “wait it out” for prices to come down in a few months?
Honestly, no it wouldn’t. There’s never really been a time when roofing materials have come down in cost, even when the economy could be considered “good” in the past. Population numbers continue to increase, and there are now more homes and business facilities than ever. And all of those structures need reliable roofs installed, and they’ll also need roof replacements when the time comes. Roofing will always be a high-demand industry, and that fact won’t ever change.
All of that is to say, if you see a required roof replacement anytime in your near future, the best time to schedule your roof replacement project is NOW.
If You Need a New Roof in NC or VA, Skywalker Roofing Has Your Roofing Needs Covered!
By getting your new roof installation on the books now, you can lock in current pricing and avoid any inevitable price increases that are sure to come in 2022, and beyond!
If you’re looking for the highest-rated, most-trusted local roofing company serving both NC and VA, you’ve found it in Skywalker Roofing! We’re proud to serve the North Carolina Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, Lake Norman area, and southern Virginia. In a word, nobody takes better care of you than Skywalker! But don’t just take our word for it – take a look at what nearly 1000 satisfied customers have to say about us on Guild Quality. And once you’ve had a chance to go through some of our many 5-star reviews, just give us a call at +1 (336) 627-5596. Experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!
