More Price Increases Coming on Roofing Products

Asphalt roofing manufacturers have notified suppliers, distributors and wholesalers that another price increase is expected within the next seven to 10 days. They pointed to the disruption in the oil supply caused by Hurricane Ike as the reason. The asphalt used inasphalt roofing is a byproduct of oil refining.

Manufacturers and distributors will continue to price the cost of asphalt roofing products at the time of shipment, so suppliers and contractors will
have a difficult time pricing long-term contracts currently out to bid.

With the cost of crude oil continuing to fluctuate, the Roofing and Siding Contractors Alliance (RSCA) recommends that roofers and contractors update
their pricing frequently. The RSCA also recommends that contractors protect themselves by modifying their contracts to explain the likelihood of further
price increases and pass through any increases that do occur.

"If you're bidding on high-end custom homes or commercial contracts, it is a no-win situation for the supplier and contractor," said RSCA President Jim
Compton. "If you bid on a project with long-term projections, your price will be distorted and you won't be competitive; and if you bid with the
current price, chances are the contract will only be good for a couple of weeks. This is a very unfortunate situation for everyone including the
building contractor," he said.

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