why are shingle prices still high??? Oil has been down for a while!

At least the prices have stabilized so everyone is in the same boat. However when we had a back log of work and they increased the price at least 10% every month it made it difficult. Wouldn't it be nice if the prices came down and we made a little extra>>>

I cant remember when shingle prices ever went down; after they get you paying it. Been contracting since 1982; maybe i just have bad memory. I just hope prices level off as to not eat up the profits. The '08 roofing season for us here in Northern Illinois was record sales; record material costs; below average equip purchases and record low profits. Lost more than a few jobs due to the material increases. Tough sell trying to get more loot after a couple of increaces; ate it most times. '08 will go down as one of the toughest years for me. Now just trying to survive this nasty Winter; relax; have a few cold ones and look forward to the upcoming roofing season. >>>

We are still in the roof contracting business but in order to survive in some of these domestic markets, one must venture forth with better niche marketing efforts in order to pay the freight. Anything and everything pertaining to the exterior of a home: from gutters to window replacements, chimney repair to siding repair, etc. Whatever it takes but I still love roofing, residential shingle roofs are what we do best.>>>

If the BamBamMan puts his economic stimulus road building, bridge building, programme into action then asphalt is gonna keep going up so don't expect too much of a break on anything at all.>>>

johnnya - We are the watch dog. Too bad we are usually asleep. :(>>>

Is there a watch dog on the manufacturer's? Any organizations that monitor shingle prices and make sure there is not any gouging going on?>>>

The shingle manufacturers have been in hog heaven for the last two years. GOOD TIMING-maybe they can suffer a little and drop the prices back lower before they all kill the goose that lays the golden egg.>>>

At present 25 yr 3 tabs have moved from 71 to 65 a square, 30 yr Dims holding strong at 79.>>>

Supply and demand baby. There is a big supply now and no demand to speak of so they should drop. On the other hand, there is no demand so no reason for anyone to drop prices. They are not selling anyway. When the demand goes up (in the spring) I belie>>>

They tell us here in Tampa that in January they are going to come down. We are now $20 SQ less than we were at the peak of their high prices but still 40% higher than prices at te beginning of the year.>>>

Ok, who makes the none bitumen shingle? I think it Cornnell, not much used up here. never the less it has no oil based prodoct.>>>

I think Jeff makes a good point.>>>

Hey John. I'm so with you, i'v signed up clients last season, and i've gotten hit with the situation, my profit margin, if there is going to be one is minamul, you are so right drop the freak'n price...i priced out my estimates at the going rate i sho>>>

The prices will not come down till one manufacture starts cutting the others throats,the price increase is blamed on an asphalt shortage not oil prices.With only Louisiana and Texas doing any signifcant amout of roofing i believe they will be cutting each>>>

I think the prices are so high because there is still a large inventory of shingles sitting in the wearhouses that were produced when the price of oil was still over $100 a barrel. They must sell off all of that inventory before prices come down>>>