IMPACTS ON ROOFING CONTRACTORS & THEIR CUSTOMERS
As a nation, we are now heading into month six of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s been a ton of up’s and down’s—from toilet paper shortages, to the Tiger King. And let’s face it, if we had a dollar for every time we’ve seen or heard the words, “the new normal,” we’d all be millionaires. From a business standpoint, when we look at the impact that COVID has had on industries throughout the US, roofing and home improvement contractors have been (by comparison) pretty fortunate so far.
Sure, we’ve had to adapt to this and make adjustments to how we do business, but the roofing industry as a whole has really pulled together to ensure we’re able to continue putting out quality work safely and keeping customers satisfied. From sales managers to workers in the field, we pivoted in ways that we never knew we’d need to, and we came out stronger and more versatile for it. However, as businesses locally, regionally, and nationally begin to play catch up during the second half of the year, there are new challenges that we’re likely to face.
A great surge in demand
At the time this article is being written, most US states, including Pennsylvania, are in the process of re-opening businesses in stages. Most importantly for roofing contractors, building product manufacturing facilities, specifically in the Northeastern US, have re-opened. Many of these plants were temporarily shut down for the health of their employees, as well as the uncertainty of the economy and what the demand for building products would be in the wake of national shutdowns. Although some plants remained open in some capacity, employee furloughs occurred and production was significantly reduced.
With businesses are up and running and construction projects restarting, the demand for materials, like shingles and siding, is much higher than anticipated. Contractor suppliers are increasing their orders, and major manufacturers, including CertainTeed, Tamko, and GAF industry are working to play catch-up and make their own adjustments in order to try and meet demands.
For example, CertainTeed has made the decision to stop production on select shingle colors because 85% of demand comes from only five or six main colors. Until they're able to get back to where they need to be, mass production of these main colors will take priority. Similar measures are likely to be taken for other shingle manufacturers, as well as manufacturers of siding and other home exterior accessories.
What exactly does this mean for residential and home improvement contractors like Greenawalt Roofing and their customers?
Right now, it's difficult to predict exactly how and for how long this spike demand in demand will affect the industry. However, based on the issues discussed above, we ask that our customers be mindful of the current events impacting our industry and the effect they may have on project costs, longer production timelines, and the availability of certain types and colors of shingles or siding.
Manufacturers are working hard on implementing solutions, but regardless of what obstacles come our way, we want our customers to know that Greenawalt remains fully-committed to customers, keeping superior workmanship, quality materials, excellent service, and fair prices our highest priorities.
Please feel free to contact us at 717-898-6000 with any questions or concerns. We thank you for your business and continued support!