As I am writing this, I am cautiously optimistic that I can put away my flannel shirts and rain coat and replace them with short sleeves and a ball cap, but when I look at the calendar I can’t believe how close we are to that time of year where a left hand turns become impossible on the Cape. It is officially roofing season and we have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it in.
The storms that we saw over the course of the past year have made a hefty contribution to the demand for residential re-roofing in the New England market especially in the coastal communities. This along with continued growth forecasted in residential construction should have us all optimistic that we will see a great 2018 roofing season.
The challenges that we see on the horizon in 2018 are related to production and transportation. With new regulations being enforced in the trucking industry and steel prices effecting rail car production as we head into a season were a great deal of freight is allocated to moving perishable goods, reliable transportation for the movement of shingles is going to become less available, increasing lead times and cost. As much as the weather created an immediate need for asphalt roofing, it also created an immediate need for asphalt to repair damaged roadways, causing an asphalt shortage that is already limiting shingle production and causing outages.
To ensure that our customers can capitalize on this roofing season and overcome the challenges facing the broader marketplace Shepley Wood Products has committed to a largest in stock position on CertainTeed asphalt shingles and accessories in Southeastern Massachusetts. Our large delivery fleet allows us to get roofing on site quickly; when and where you need it. As a full service supplier of construction materials, including the largest in stock inventory of Velux skylights, we are a one stop shop for your project. Most importantly our knowledgeable staff is available to work with you and your customer to ensure all your roofing projects are a success.
Andrew Tyner | Shepley Sales Manager | 508-375-5305 | atyner@shepleywood.com