Lumber is not the only commodity experiencing rapid price rises this year.
Roofing material prices are also jumping. One reason: reduced production of gasoline and jet fuel. COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced demand and prices of the petroleum products, and therefore production is down.
Most refineries cannot make asphalt and residual oil products that remain after petroleum has been distilled without also making gasoline and jet fuel. This is leading to higher market prices for asphalt—commonly used as a roofing material.
Couple less production with higher demand due to a housing boom, and you get price spikes.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2020
Virginia makes GCs liable for subs employee wages
New law allows workers to sue GCs for wages in class action.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2020
Designers, owners reinventing restaurants to cope with COVID-19
Options include rearranged seating, mobile ordering, designated flow spaces.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2020
How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines
Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2020
AIA releases new, updated sustainable project documents
Streamlined sustainable design and construction process included.
Codes and Standards | May 28, 2020
USGBC outlines how it will support pandemic recovery efforts
Includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2020
Office market could be COVID-19 casualty
As companies get used to work at home, post-pandemic office market could collapse.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Architectural Reuse Council will step up efforts to reuse construction waste
Cabinets, appliances, lighting, and lumber diverted from landfills to be repurposed.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Is CLT really a green solution?
Sustainability depends upon forest stewardship, product manufacturing process.
