Roofing Supply Materials (2024)

FAQs

Are roofing materials in short supply? ›

Shingle Shortages & Increased Cost

The increased cost of shingles and availability is terrible for business. Roofing contractors want to offer the most variety of colors at fair prices, but it is getting complicated with this shortage and higher costs.

ABC Supply CO, Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United States and one of the nation's largest distributors of siding, windows and other select exterior building products, tools and related supplies.

Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America. Made from a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules or cellulose covered with asphalt, these three-tab shingles are an all-around good choice for most home roofing needs.

Asphalt Shingles

That's for good reason. Asphalt is the cheapest of all roofing materials in the market and will last you between 15 to 30 years. This is the best option for homeowners facing budgetary constraints. It is also widely available and comes in a variety of colors.

Copper, iron ore, steel, corn, coffee, wheat and soybeans, lumber, semiconductors, plastic and cardboard for packaging. The world is seemingly low on all of it.

According to the Portland Cement Association, roughly 43 states are experiencing shortages of the materials needed for concrete. The same is true of drywall, for which allocation has been implemented in most of North America due to shortages of raw materials such as gypsum, vermiculite, latex, wax, and fiberglass mat.

ABC Supply Co., Inc. is a major, private American roofing supply company based in Beloit, Wisconsin. It also sells windows, gutters, and siding for residential and commercial buildings and is the largest roofing and vinyl siding wholesale distributor in the United States.

Local roofing contractors are not just businesses, they are part of your local community. They prioritize maintaining the well-being of their community. Residential roofing contractors want to ensure that all their projects will be in the best interest of the neighborhood.

Tecta America is the largest roofing contractor in the US and is widely considered to be the nation's leading commercial roofing company. Tecta has over 90 locations and employs more than 4,300 roofing professionals nationwide.

Shingle material has the biggest impact on your roof's performance, durability, and cost. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable, while clay tile, natural slate, and solar shingles are the bigger investments.

What is the longest lasting roof material? ›

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.

Now you know that slate is the most expensive roofing material. Like I just said, most homeowners won't be able to afford a slate roof. That's why it's important to learn how much the other popular roofing materials cost so you're able to find the right one for you.

While every roofing material has its unique benefits and drawbacks, two types of roofs are generally considered the easiest to install: these are metal tiles and asphalt shingles.

The Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles can crack – Because of how light they are, asphalt shingles can crack more easily, especially when they are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause shingles to expand and contract, resulting in cracks.

Felt roofing

It is typically used for flat roofs. Strong and durable, it is an excellent choice to provide strength to a flat roof. It is also an affordable option compared to other flat roofing materials.

The roofing industry has been growing at a steady pace since 2012. According to Ibisworld, there were 81,175 Roofers in the United States in 2022, an increase of 1.5% from 2021.

Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.

Slate: 50+ years. Tile and concrete: 50+ years. Foam: 25+ years. Built-Up roofs: 25-30 years.