(985) 641-6960
A message from Drake Bergens, recorded at our Slidell warehouse:
Why Roofing Material Prices Are Tied to Oil
Most homeowners don’t realize this, but a large percentage of the components that go into a fortified roof system are petroleum-based products. When the price of oil moves, the price of these materials moves with it — sometimes within weeks.
This includes:
- Ice and water shield — the waterproof membrane installed at vulnerable roof areas
- Synthetic underlayment — many of which are manufactured in Middle Eastern countries and shipped overseas
- Starter strip — the first row of shingles installed at the eaves
- Adhesives, caulking, and sealants
- Even the asphalt in the shingles themselves
When you hear about oil price volatility on the news, that volatility flows downstream into roofing materials within weeks. Distributors raise prices. Contractors either absorb the increase or pass it on to homeowners.
Right now, we’re in one of those volatile windows. Our distributors raised prices about three weeks ago, and they’ve already let us know another increase is likely within the next 60 days. During COVID, we watched material pricing get out of control — increases that compounded month after month and dramatically raised the cost of every new roof being installed.
We don’t want our customers to pay for that volatility. So we did something about it.
What We Did About It: Stocked the Warehouse
Rather than wait for the next price increase to hit and pass it on to customers, we made a significant investment in advance. We bought every component of a fortified roof system in bulk and warehoused it here at our Slidell facility.
That includes:
- Ice and water shield
- Synthetic underlayments
- Starter strip
- Roofing nails
- Ridge vent
- Appliance vents (for plumbing stacks, bathroom exhausts, etc.)
- Caulking and sealants
- Essentially every component except the shingles themselves
The shingles we order job-by-job through our GAF supply line, but everything else — the components that have been most affected by oil price volatility — we already have on hand. Stored, accounted for, and ready to install on the next fortified roof we build.
This isn’t a marketing claim. It’s a warehouse full of materials in Slidell, Louisiana, that we bought before the next price increase hits.
What This Means For You
If you’re considering a roof replacement or a new fortified roof system, the next couple of months is genuinely a good time to act. The materials we’ve already purchased let us hold our pricing stable in the short term, even if our distributors raise their prices again.
We can’t promise this forever — eventually our stockpile will run down, and at that point our pricing will reflect whatever the market looks like. But for now, we’re protected from the next price increase, and so are our customers.
If energy prices stabilize in the coming months, great — that’s the best outcome for everyone. If they don’t, we’ve already done the work to absorb the impact.
Either way, our commitment to you stays the same: honest pricing, no surprise increases mid-project, and a fortified roof system that’s built like it’s our own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are roofing prices going up right now?
Roofing material prices are closely tied to oil prices. Components like ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment, starter strip, sealants, and the asphalt in shingles are all petroleum-based products. When oil prices rise — as they have recently — the cost of these materials rises within a matter of weeks. Distributors then raise their prices, and contractors either absorb the increase or pass it on. We’re choosing to absorb as much as we can by stockpiling materials in advance.
How long can Bergen's hold pricing stable?
Our current stockpile is expected to cover the next couple of months of fortified roof installations. After that, our pricing will reflect whatever the material market looks like at that point. We can’t promise stability indefinitely, but for the immediate term we are protected from the next price increase our distributors are signaling.
Does this mean my roof will be cheaper if I book now?
It means your price won’t go up due to material increases that take effect during the next couple of months. We won’t quote you a price and then ask for more later because materials went up — that’s the whole point. If you’ve been considering a fortified roof, this is a stable pricing window.
What is a fortified roof system?
A fortified roof is a roofing system installed to the IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety) FORTIFIED standard — the highest level of hurricane and severe weather resilience available for residential roofing. Bergen’s Roofing is an IBHS FORTIFIED Roofing Contractor, and Louisiana homeowners may qualify for substantial insurance discounts and the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grant when upgrading to a fortified roof. Learn more about IBHS Fortified Roofing.
What if oil prices come down?
If energy prices stabilize or decline, that’s the best outcome for everyone — homeowners and contractors alike. Our investment in stockpiling materials simply means we’re protected against further increases. Either way, our commitment to honest, stable pricing for our customers stays the same.
How do I get a quote?
Schedule a free inspection with our team. We’ll evaluate your roof, look at your ventilation and flashings, walk you through the warranty options, and explain the different shingle systems available. You’ll have all the information you need to make a confident decision — with no pressure and no obligation. Or call us directly at (985) 641-6960.
Recent Reviews from our Customers
We’d Love to Meet You
If you’re in need of a roof repair, roof replacement, or considering a fortified roof, we’d love to come out and give you a free inspection. We’ll look at your ventilation, your flashings, the works. We’ll explain the warranties and walk you through the shingle options available. You’ll have all the information you need to make a great decision.
No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about your roof.
Or call us directly: (985) 641-6960
— Drake Bergens
