When Shingles are Limited, Get on Top of Your Roof

With the chaos of Texas storm season upon us, as well as the effects of COVID-19 over the last year, you might be wondering how in the world you’ll get a new roof, specifically new shingles, should you need one. It’s easier than you think: Start now, plan—and remain flexible. 

Materials in Short Supply (Thanks, COVID)

Due to continuing production shortfalls because of the pandemic, the unavailability of materials will continue for the foreseeable future. This shortage means prices will probably go up. So the longer you wait, the more likely the cost will increase. 

SRS Distribution, one of the fastest-growing building products companies in the U.S., sent their contractors the following message:

“…ongoing production shortfalls are projected to continue thru the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2021. This situation has prompted manufacturers to announce a New Construction/Multifamily price increase on January 1st, followed by a Residential/Reroof price increase on February 1st. Expectations are that 3 to 4 more price increases will follow in 2021.”

Read that last sentence? All the more reason not to drag your feet if you need a new roof. Plus, it can take six to eight weeks for companies to fulfill orders. Contact your roofer and start the process now.

What Are My Options, Anyway?

Selecting the right shingles for your home depends on a few things: how you want your roof to look, how durable you want it, and how customized you want it, as well as, of course, the weather that your area receives.

Let’s start with the basics. The three main types of shingles are asphalt, composite and architectural. 

Asphalt shingles are the most versatile, affordable, easy to install, and the most available right now. If you’re in a pinch, you might want to consider these.

Next up, composite shingles. They’re a mixture of fiberglass, recycled paper, and asphalt. They’re stronger, more expensive, and a bit easier to install. Thicker composite asphalt shingles, known as Class 4 shingles, even qualify for insurance discounts. However, there’s no guarantee regarding the power of Texas storms, specifically tornados. These types could be ripped off just as easily as asphalt shingles. And you’ll probably pay more to install them—again.

If you’re really into aesthetics and have the extra coin, architectural shingles are what you’ll want. They include tile, metal, and standing seam. The upside to these shingles, aside from looking pretty, is durability. They have lifespans of 50-100+ years (more than double that of asphalt). They’re also energy-efficient, reduce heat transfer if there’s a fire, and water drains well off of them. 

Standing seams roofs, which are used a lot in new builds, especially modern architecture, create clean lines and give you a huge “wow” factor. They’re also super durable, and some even come with a lifetime warranty. But again, they don’t come cheap.

Try to Remain Flexible

Right now, the custom shingles of your dreams might well be in short supply. Don’t despair. There are workarounds. Colors might be easier to get in specific markets than your desired brand. Solution: Ask your roofer to show you what colors other comparable brands might have. If you want a certain brand, you might have to wait.

If you must have composite or architectural, there’ll likely be a delay. So until the supply chain catches back up, it makes good sense to get your order in today. There’s no time like the present to get exactly what you want.

However, getting a new roof might now even be on your radar. But before storms hit, (it’s not a matter of if, but when), get your roof inspected. You may need a few patches you didn’t know about or a whole new roof. Whatever the case, make sure you choose a reputable roofer, one that offers a FREE inspection, but most importantly, one with a guarantee.