What's behind the surge in lumber prices?

There are many reasons, but the big answer is - the pandemic. No one expected the folks that bought out all of the toilet paper and cleaning products to be cleaning all year long. Millions of people stuck inside decided it was a good time to take on home improvement projects. They built home offices, renovated their kitchens, and refinished their basements. The demand for lumber never slowed and people wanted more material than there was to go around.

There is no shortage of jobs in lumber right now when the industry is playing catch up. Today sawmills are doing their best to increase production and meet the increased demand for wood products. Surprisingly, no one anticipated these sky-high prices, including lumber industry executives. 2019 was a historically bad year for lumber, so when the pandemic first hit, decision-makers in the industry assumed that business was going to take a nosedive. The companies that shut down entire mills and sold off inventory were sorely disappointed when the demand for their products tripled just a few months later.

How does the rising cost of lumber affect roofing companies?

Roofing companies are making their purchases sooner than they would have before the pandemic. prices are fluctuating daily and there's not a lot of clarity on building material availability. Purchasing agents at roofing companies are spending hours on the phone negotiating with suppliers and managing material shortages. The roofers that can obtain a decent supply of materials are having to increase security to combat rising thefts. Specifically, plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) are highly desired wood products that are used for the roof decking.

What is roof decking?

Thinking about the anatomy of a roof, you have your asphalt shingles which are nailed into wooden boards called roof decking. Roof decking, also known as sheathing, is made of either Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or half-inch construction-grade plywood. It is strong enough to hold your roofing crew and the weight of the installed shingles. When exposed to moisture these boards weaken over time and need to be replaced.

How do I know if my roof decking needs replaced?

Roof decking isn't visible, so it's difficult for both the homeowner and the roofer to know if it needs to be replaced. Any damage to the roof decking is revealed during the tear-off so you must be prepared to pay for the added expense. Once the old shingles are removed, any water damage done to the roof decking can be seen. Exposure to moisture often leads to what we refer to in the roofing world as "roof rot." In over two-thirds of roof replacements, we identify at least one area of decaying wood boards that require replacement plywood or OSB panels.

What causes roof rot?

Roof leaks! When your shingle roof reaches 25 years. It's likely to lose its watertight qualities. One roof leak is unlikely to lead to rot, however routine water exposure may. Never let a roof leak go too long without a repair. Once the leak progresses to the point where mold and fungi start to grow, it becomes hazardous. Being proactive about roofing issues like roof leaks will help you avoid paying for lumber when it's finally time fo ra roof replacement.

How much does roof decking cost?

The price of roof decking has gone up over 250% since 2019. For homeowners, this means that you want to avoid damage to your wood decking so you won't have to replace it during your roof replacement. You can do this by reporting leaks to your roofer as soon as you notice them. Waiting too long to fix a leak can cause irreversible damage and toxic mold growth. Contact Virginia Roofing Corporation for roof leak repair services here.

Are there any roof decking alternatives?

There are only 3 manufacturer-approved materials that can be used for roof decking: Oriented Strand Board (OSB), plywood, and wood boards. As of 2021, there are no non-wood alternatives to use for roof decking. Know that if your roofer uses anything other than these materials it can void your roof warranty. This means that the manufacturer of your shingles will no longer honor your warranty when you have a warrantable roofing issue. Unacceptable materials that could potentially void your warranty if used for roof decking include cementitious wood fiber, gypsum plank, lightweight concrete, and insulation boards.

When are lumber prices expected to fall?

It's been the burning question on everyone's lips. Homeowners want to see a steady decline before they start new projects. We finally saw some relief in June when the price of lumber fell just below $1,000 for the first time in months, but we can't expect to see pre-pandemic prices anytime soon.

Summer is the busy season in the construction industry so the price drop that we're all hoping for is unlikely. The good thing is, the mills are not waiting around for trees to grow. There is plenty of raw materials and prices will stabilize once the sawmills catch up to meet the current demand. patience and strong product in the mills is what it will take to get back to normal.

Should I wait to replace my roof?

Having a home where you feel safe and secure feels more important than ever. No one deserves to live or work under a roof that leaks so it's important to consider all aspects when making a big-ticket purchase such as a new roof. Given the current environment, you may feel like you want to wait a little longer before getting your roof replaced. Consult with a roofing estimator and take advantage of a free roof estimate before committing to the wait. While you may want to put off a roof replacement, you don't want to wait to repair roof leaks. A persistent roof leak can be pricey to repair once it's caused interior water damage.

Know that a good roofer won't pressure you into getting your roof replaced. Instead, we'll work with you to set up a timeline for when your roof needs to be replaced. For some it is overwhelming to think about saving up several thousand dollars for a roof replacement, but it can help if you have a plan in place. Another option is to look for a roofer that offers flexible financing options such as Virginia Roofing Corporation.