The federal government needs to be sure their blue roof tarps are well stocked. This issue isn't just Louisiana. This is going to be a countrywide problem with severe storms on the increase.
By Greg LaRose
It won't be until some time next year (click here) that the supply of roof shingles will catch up to demand, according to a homebuilding industry analyst. The shortage is particularly acute in south Louisiana, where two straight years of major hurricane impacts have also stretched the contracting workforce thin.
The shingle shortage has its roots in the COVID-19 pandemic, said David Logan, an economist for the National Association of Homebuilders. The problem grew worse when Hurricane Ida forced multiple refineries to shut down. Shingles are largely made from asphalt and petroleum byproducts.
The shingle shortage has its roots in the COVID-19 pandemic, said David Logan, an economist for the National Association of Homebuilders. The problem grew worse when Hurricane Ida forced multiple refineries to shut down. Shingles are largely made from asphalt and petroleum byproducts.
"You're talking about a huge amount of raw materials that essentially have been lost, that the industry will have to catch up to without any increase in capacity," Logan said.
Even once the shingle supply gets back to normal, Logan said there will be the issue of logistics. Transportation and distribution have also seen labor shortages from the pandemic, and that could delay getting products to markets where demand is highest, he said.
Local homebuilder Frank Morse has most of his crews handling work that involves roof repair in the New Orleans area. He's telling clients not to expect much choice when it comes to shingle options, and he said most customers are willing to sacrifice aesthetics for function.
Morse is on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and said the agency has made it a priority to assist legitimate out-of-state contractors that want to be certified for work in Louisiana. He acknowledged that the process could take weeks, rather than days, but said consumers benefit in the end....
