Since 2020, most of us have experienced some sort of supply chain issue or have heard stories from our friends and family about major delays. Items that were typically readily available like new furniture, appliances, and other home items now come with longer wait times and likely, a higher price tag.
Unfortunately, we’re facing the same troubles when it comes to sourcing construction materials. Finding, purchasing, and receiving raw materials has remained difficult for those across the material supply and construction industries. In this blog, we’ll uncover how this is affecting the roofing industry and what you can expect from Big Fish Contracting.
How Supply Chain Issues Are Affecting the Residential Roofing Industry
The supply shortages effecting the roofing industry are a product of several factors that indicate these wait times and costs aren’t going anywhere for a while. While manufacturing took a sustained hit at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic it is not the sole cause of limited supplies and increased costs throughout the market.
Certainly, the COVID-19 outbreak has been one of the biggest contributors to shortages, but it is not the only factor at play. Normally supply chain issues correct themselves over time, however, the troubles we’re facing today are due to a series of events with a cascading negative impact on supply lines everywhere. This has created a perfect storm that has severely limited access to materials and increased costs like we’ve ever seen before.
Shortages, Logistics, & Problems with International Trade
But what are the other factors causing supply chain issues? In short, labor shortages paired with bad weather and poor logistics. Here are a few examples of other factors that have compounded the effects from the pandemic:
Truck Driver Shortages:
The trucking industry moves nearly 71% of goods throughout the United States. There is a severe truck driver shortage, and the industry will need to hire approximately 1.1 million drivers in order to keep up with the current demand.
Global Logistics:
Ports of entry worldwide are experiencing significant delays with unloading cargo ships. Some ports have experienced up to 3-week delays.
Severe Weather Events:
From hurricanes to snowstorms to windstorms and tornadoes, almost every part of the United States has experienced some kind of severe weather event within the past 2 years.
Shipping Containers:
There are currently not enough shipping containers available to service the volume of goods that need to be shipped. Multiple factors have driven this situation including increased demand of consumer products during COVID-19, out of balance trade routes, and inability to produce new units.
Government Stimulus:
With government aid through the stimulus checks, United States’ consumers have ramped up spending which adds to the already significant supply and demand imbalance.
Labor Shortages:
The Labor Shortage that all industries are currently facing has made it increasingly more difficult to find labor, which has affected manufacturing facilities and the ability to obtain raw materials.
Trade Wars:
Analysis completed by Goldman Sachs found that the consumer price index of tariffed goods had increased dramatically compared to non-tariffed goods.
What Now?
There are no current anticipated supply changes, so many are expecting this to continue throughout 2022. If you are looking for a residential roofing company as these supply chain issues continue, consider looking for a company that communicates well with you and keeps you updated on the timeline, status, and progress of getting materials ordered.
If you’re looking to get your roof repaired or replaced this year, reach out to Big Fish Contracting. We’d love to talk to you about how we can fix it, and we’ll always be up front with you throughout the entire process. Contact us through our contact form or give us a call at 262-470-1114 to set up your free roofing estimate.
