Imagine budgeting for the ultimate building improvement—a roof replacement. Then when you’ve finally saved enough money, disaster strikes and further delays the process. Here’s how you can navigate the supply chain shortage and still get the roof of your dreams.
Beware the Supply Chain Shortage in the Roofing Industry
The roofing supply in St. Louis is running low, and so is property owners’ patience. People looking forward to getting a new roof in 2022 are still navigating the complexities of the ongoing pandemic. In addition to countless other issues caused by COVID-19, it has created local and worldwide challenges as supply chain shortages continue to cause difficulty within the industry.
With consumer demand running high and raw materials running low, the working conditions within the roofing industry have become more stressful and unpredictable. Those who planned on roof installation or replacement this year may be in for disappointment.
How Will the Shortage Affect Project Completion and Prices?
Rising construction material costs and low availability of products are to blame for the downward spiral within the construction industry. With mass sickness and statewide shutdowns, inventory shortages were bound to follow. Additionally, global supply chain shortage issues contributed to the problem in their own way.
Everything that took place as a result of the ongoing pandemic had a direct effect on something else. In 2020, the country was under a mandatory stay-at-home order that lasted at least two months in many major cities. The unemployment rate grew and a truck driver shortage ensued. Of course, this too impacted how soon contractors could receive roofing materials and their ability to stay on schedule.
The supply chain shortage has caused a dramatic construction input price increase of 23.1% over the past year. Until conditions improve, wishful buyers and builders must deal with slower project completion, and many may consider project cancellation. Times like these could make some people feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. However, there may be hope.
What If Waiting on Lower Prices and Better Availability Isn’t an Option?
If your roof is overdue for a replacement, the last thing you want to do is wait any longer for such a vital renovation. However, if things don’t get better soon, many property owners will have no other choice than to wait.
When the roofing industry does improve, contractors can install your new system once and for all. Although the global supply chain is facing a deficit, you’re not entirely helpless. Here’s what you can do while you wait for the light at the end of the supply chain shortage tunnel:
Start With Repairs
If your commercial roof has seen better days, ignoring the issues will only make matters worse. However, in this case, you may believe there’s nothing else you can do. The good news is that roofers can still perform repairs to help your roof weather a few more storms before its time is finally up. Repairs prevent serious problems that could spiral out of control, causing multiple leaks or, in the worst case, a cave-in.
Plan in Advance
Your existing roof structure may not be hanging by a thread, but it could still be nearing the end of its service life. In this case, start planning your roof replacement right away. Because of the severity of the supply chain shortage, there’s no such thing as getting the ball rolling too soon.
Decide what kind of materials you want for your commercial building. If you’re leaning toward something robust with a modern aesthetic appeal, you may be interested in a popular commercial roofing option, such as metal. However, be mindful of the metal roof price increase if you choose this option. Ordering your products in advance will help your project move faster.
Work With a Reliable Roofing Contractor
Choose a roofing contractor that’s known and respected within the industry. Roofers with years of experience and a wide variety of solutions give you peace of mind that your building is in great hands. It may be challenging to navigate the difficulties of the supply chain shortage alone, so it’s best to involve professionals who will guide you along the way.
Kirberg Has You Covered Even in a Supply Chain Shortage Crisis
At Kirberg, we hold ourselves to a higher standard. That means no shingle shortage is going to stand in our way of being the best roofing company in the Midwest. We’re here to serve you and provide a top-tier experience even amid an industry crisis. Kirberg specializes in everything from commercial roof replacement to roof restoration, and our solutions have been evolving for over 100 years.
We are proud to serve St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City, Missouri. We take pride in our professionalism and expertise, which enable us to fulfill the Midwest’s roofing needs one building at a time. Regardless of the events that are out of our control, we vow to be your helping hand in the decision-making process. We’ll ensure you get the repairs you need for the time being and help you schedule your roof replacement in advance. Our crew will make sure you have a safe and efficient roof over your head at all times. Call today to discuss your options with our specialists.
