Disasters Could Have Wide-reaching Effects.
The wildfires in Los Angeles made international headlines this year, destroying land, lives, and making a disastrous mark in the record books. Their effects, however, could reach far beyond Southern California. Whether you’re a roofer in the Midwest, the East Coast, or anywhere in between, these disasters can still impact your business in ways you might not expect.
Supply Chain Disruptions
One of the most immediate effects of large-scale wildfires is the strain on material availability. When thousands of homes and buildings are damaged or destroyed, the demand for roofing materials skyrockets. This sudden increase can lead to delays in manufacturing and distribution, affecting roofers across the country. Shingles, underlayment, metal panels, and even fasteners may see longer lead times and price increases.
Manufacturers often prioritize areas directly hit by disasters, which can mean your regular orders are delayed or diverted. If your supplier relies on materials from California or surrounding states, transportation bottlenecks due to fire-damaged roads and infrastructure can also slow things down. Keeping an eye on lead times and stocking up when possible can help mitigate these risks.
Rising Material Costs
Wildfires contribute to price hikes in roofing materials in two key ways: increased demand and disruptions in production. Asphalt shingles, which rely on petroleum-based products, often see cost increases when natural disasters hit because of heightened demand for raw materials. If manufacturers ramp up production to meet West Coast needs, it could lead to higher costs for the rest of the country.
Lumber is another sector that takes a hit. Many wildfires damage timber supplies, reducing available stock and driving up prices for plywood, rafters, and decking materials. For roofers who rely heavily on wood-based products, keeping an eye on pricing trends and considering alternative materials might be necessary.
Insurance Changes & Client Concerns
Whenever natural disasters become more frequent or intense, the insurance industry reacts. As insurers assess risks, we often see premium increases, changes in coverage, and new restrictions on roofing materials. Homeowners, particularly in wildfire-prone areas, may be required to upgrade to fire-resistant roofing systems.
Even if you’re outside of wildfire zones, expect insurance carriers to adjust their policies in response to these events. Some areas may see stricter codes requiring impact-resistant or fireproof materials, which could influence the products you install. Be proactive in educating your customers about insurance-friendly roofing solutions, such as metal, tile, and Class A-rated shingles.
Industry-Wide Shift Toward Fire-Resistant Roofing
With wildfires causing billions in damages, there’s growing pressure for more fire-resistant roofing options. Some municipalities are considering stricter building codes, which could trickle down to other regions. If you’re not already offering fire-resistant materials, it might be time to consider adding them to your services.
Cool roofs, metal roofing, and treated asphalt shingles with Class A fire ratings are becoming more popular, even in areas that don’t traditionally deal with wildfires. As these materials gain traction, manufacturers may shift focus, making certain traditional roofing options less available over time. Staying ahead of these trends can position your business as a leader in safety-conscious roofing.
While the LA wildfires may seem like a distant problem for roofers outside California, the ripple effects are very real. By preparing now, you can ensure your business remains resilient—no matter what challenges come your way.
To learn more about Marco, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact Marco directly, you can email or call 1-800-800-8590.
