Extra, extra! Read all about it! The 2023 Trends Report is here!

By Dani Sheehan. 

The metal market is increasing in both commercial and residential roofing, material availability continues to battle supply chain issues and so much more! See what RoofersCoffeeShop® found in this year’s report and what to expect in 2024. 

Since 2016, RoofersCoffeeShop has surveyed contractors to identify key issues and trends across the country. Don’t miss this CoffeeConversations® sponsored by Beacon Building Products, as Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with industry experts to explore the trends that they’ve seen this year and what to expect in 2024. During this episode, we hear from Lee Lipniskis, owner of Levello Construction in Denver, Colorado; John Kenney, RCS influencer and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group; and Beth Kegley, director of national accounts for Beacon. 

Receiving 210 responses this year, we had 38 states and two countries well represented. For the first time, metal is one of the most popular products being used compared to asphalt and single ply which are typically the largest products used. John shares, “I’ve got to say I was not surprised to see metal finally pull ahead in the lead because I’m really seeing much more of it being used in the industry and I’m really seeing it being embraced especially on the residential homeowner side.”  

One of the questions in the report asked about which materials have been the most difficult for contractors to obtain this year, and while that information changes quickly, fasteners, screws and nails were number one, followed by insulation, shingles, single ply and metal. Beth expects these results to change drastically by next year, particularly in the commercial market. She says, “[On the commercial side], I think that we’ve really come out of those issues. Everyone is back to standard, more normal lead times. I think manufacturers are feeling like they’re in a much more comfortable spot and raw materials have stabilized.” 

However, on the residential side, Beth and Lee both agree that material continues to be a challenge. Manufacturers are struggling to get shingles out the door and raw materials continue to cause supply chain issues. In Lee’s market in Colorado, she says, “Shingles are tough, depending on color and manufacturer. And so, we’ve had to pivot a little bit on either who we’re buying and what we’re buying and being flexible with homeowners on color options and impact resistance, things like that.” 

John agrees that material issues are not over yet, and there is always the concern that other manufacturing sectors will have an impact on the roofing industry. His advice is simple: “The best thing you can do to have your difficulties in materials not be an issue in your business is pre-plan and pre-order as early as you possibly can. Run your business ahead of schedule rather than try to catch up from the rear.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar for other highlights from 2023 and expert advice looking into the next year!