Adapting to Challenges
Impact of Tariffs & Supply Chain Disruptions in Steep Slope Roofing Designs
by Richard K. Olson, President & Technical Director, Tile Roofing Industry Alliance
(Editor’s Note: Richard K. Olson is president and technical director for the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance. The association represents industry professionals involved in the manufacturing and installation of concrete and clay tile roofs in the United States and Canada, and works with national, state, and local building officials to develop installation techniques, codes, and standards for better roofing systems. Olson can be reached at rolson@tileroofing.org.)
The Tile Roofing Industry (TRI) Alliance, like many construction-based trade associations, continues to closely monitor the unpredictable evolution of tariffs and their impact on material supply lines. In recent months, we have surveyed our members to better understand the realities they face in this rapidly shifting economic landscape. The feedback is clear: the rising cost of construction materials, driven in part by these tariff changes, is creating new challenges across the roofing sector.
As of March, annualized construction costs are reported to have risen by 9.7%, a figure that reflects the compounded effects of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and material scarcity. This dramatic increase has put tremendous pressure on all segments of the construction industry, but particularly on residential roofing where materials and labor availability are critical to timelines and project budgets.
What does this mean for those of us in the design community? It means we must adapt and collaborate more closely than ever with builders and suppliers. Flexibility will be key. Project feasibility is increasingly tied to the availability and cost of materials, and the speed at which those materials can be sourced. Some developments, especially those with upscale price points and strong financial backing, may be able to absorb cost increases and proceed with construction. However, for many mid-range and entry level housing projects, the outlook is less certain.
There is growing concern among housing experts that some current United States trade policies, tariffs included, are unintentionally contributing to a slowdown in new home starts. While the administration has committed to increasing housing supply and improving affordability, the disconnect between policy goals and market realities is becoming apparent. Higher construction costs and rising mortgage rates create an affordability ceiling for entry-level buyers.
For steep slope roofing projects in particular, early planning and supply chain awareness are critical. Architects, specifiers, and builders should collaborate from the outset to identify the full scope of roofing materials required, everything from tiles and battens to fasteners, flashing, and ventilation components. By working closely with suppliers, we can assess timelines, price volatility, and potential alternatives before breaking ground. Waiting until the installation phase may lead to delays or costly last-minute substitutions.
The TRI Alliance has been actively engaging with our members and partners to gather insights into the specific cost drivers affecting steep slope roofing. In addition to the finished roofing tiles, many components essential to the system’s integrity are subject to pricing and availability fluctuations. Metals used in flashing, vents, and fasteners have seen price increases due to global supply constraints. Foam adhesives, high-performance underlayments, and structural wood battens are also affected.
Some of these components are imported or require imported materials to be manufactured domestically. For example, certain coloring pigments used in tile production, especially for vibrant or custom shades, are sourced from overseas, with significant cost increases linked to tariffs on imports from China and Mexico. Cement, both gray and white, is another key input that in many regions must be imported to meet production demand. The long-term goal of restoring manufacturing is commendable and likely to yield benefits for the United States economy, but in the near term, our domestic infrastructure is not yet sufficient to handle the scale of demand without some strain.
Distributors, too, are facing new challenges. These companies play an essential role in transporting materials from manufacturers to job sites. They manage inventory, roof-load products, and coordinate complex delivery schedules. Rising fuel prices, staffing shortages, and increased warehousing costs are compounding the effects of material scarcity. In many cases, distributors are carrying higher overhead to maintain sufficient stock levels, costs which inevitably get passed on to builders and consumers.
It’s important to note that these supply issues are not unique to tile roofing. Shingles, metal roofing, and other steep slope products are experiencing similar constraints. In fact, all construction materials, from framing lumber to electrical systems, are part of this complex global supply web. Tile manufacturers are working hard to maintain production output, but all segments of the industry are feeling the squeeze.
Given this reality, design professionals may need to pivot in the short term to more adaptable specifications. Rather than selecting a highly customized tile color or a niche ventilation system, consider more readily available alternatives that still meet performance and aesthetic requirements.
Builders, for their part, are exploring new construction methodologies and value-engineering strategies to offset rising costs. From framing to finishing, every material choice is under scrutiny. Collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors has never been more important. By staying informed and open to alternatives, we can maintain project momentum and continue to deliver quality homes even in uncertain conditions.
While there’s no single solution to the challenges currently facing the construction industry, coordinated efforts across the supply chain can help soften the impact. Advocacy and open communication are critical. The TRI Alliance will continue to represent the interests of our members, working with policymakers, trade partners, and industry peers to find paths toward greater stability and self-sufficiency in the building materials market.
Tariffs and trade policy will remain a topic of debate, but we can all agree that a stable and resilient supply chain is essential for housing affordability, job creation, and economic growth. Supporting domestic manufacturing is part of the long-term answer, but so is maintaining access to critical imports while our infrastructure catches up.
In the months ahead, we encourage all stakeholders in the steep slope roofing community, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and distributors, to stay engaged, remain flexible, and continue to share insights. Together, we can navigate these headwinds and build a stronger, more responsive industry.
