Quick Takeaways
- Tariffs can quietly raise your roofing costs, even if you’re not using metal roofing. Asphalt shingles also rely on affected materials.
- Delaying your project might cost you more; prices tend to climb when tariffs hit.
- Some brands, like Owens Corning, may offer more stable pricing because they manufacture many products in the U.S.
- Always hire a licensed, trusted roofer because when material prices go up, some contractors may cut corners to keep costs down.
What Do Tariffs Have to Do with Your Roof?
Tariffs are taxes the government adds to goods brought in from other countries. In recent years, we’ve seen big ones, 25% steel and 10% aluminum. That matters for roofing because many roof parts include metal, like:
- Flashing
- Gutters
- Fasteners and nails
Even if you’re using asphalt shingles (which are popular in Michigan), the shingles still rely on fiberglass mats, adhesives, and coatings, some of which may be imported or affected by material costs.
Tariffs raise the cost of raw materials. And when that happens, manufacturers raise their prices. Those costs trickle down to contractors, and then to homeowners like you.
When It’s Happened Before: A Bit of History
Early 2000s Steel Tariffs
Contractors were caught off guard and had to raise their prices. Some homeowners delayed their projects hoping prices would drop, but many ended up paying more later, due to growing demand and fewer available crews.
2018 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
This led to a 6% to 10% increase in material costs for roofing jobs. If you’re planning a $12,000 roof, that could mean an extra $700 to $1,200. That’s not a small change.
What we’ve learned is this: Waiting too long during a tariff hike usually doesn’t pay off. Prices rarely drop quickly, and you might get caught in a seasonal rush.
How Tariffs Hit Michigan Roofing Projects
1. Material Prices Go Up
Michigan homes take a beating, heavy snow, ice, heat waves, and windstorms. That means roofs need to be strong and weather resistant.
When tariffs hit metal parts like flashing or gutters, prices go up. Even nails and screws cost more. Some contractors will try to find ways to absorb the increase, but others may pass it on to you, or worse, use cheaper materials.
2. Asphalt Shingles Are Also Affected
Don’t think you’re safe just because you’re not using metal roofing. Asphalt shingles include several components that depend on foreign-sourced materials, like fiberglass and adhesives. When those prices go up, shingle prices rise too.
In fact, manufacturers have already raised shingle prices several times in recent years, usually between 6% and 10% per year.
3. Don’t Count on “Waiting It Out”
Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting, thinking prices will drop. But tariffs often stick around longer than expected, and once material costs go up, they rarely return to “pre-tariff” levels.
If you’ve got a roof problem, leaks, curling shingles, or visible damage, waiting could cost you more in the long run.
Real Stories from Michigan
Ken the Roofer (Macomb County)
Ken uses top-grade metal flashing. When tariffs raised metal prices, he faced a choice: use cheaper materials or raise his prices slightly. He tested lower-cost flashing, but it didn’t work. He chose to stick with quality and simply explained the cost difference to his customers.
Sara the Homeowner (Southeast Michigan)
Sara noticed her roof quotes went up 8% over the year. She was frustrated, but after researching, she learned it wasn’t just inflation; it was material costs tied to tariffs. Rather than wait for another jump or risk more roof damage, she went ahead and got the work done.
Moral of the story: Contractors and homeowners both have to adapt, but the smart ones focus on long-term value over short-term savings.
Owens Corning: A More Stable Option?
Owens Corning is a well-known roofing brand. They make asphalt shingles and have factories right here in the U.S., including some in the Midwest.
Because they rely more on American-made materials, they might not be hit as hard by tariffs. That means their prices could stay more stable compared to brands that import most of their materials.
But keep in mind, no brand is 100% safe from tariffs. Even Owens Corning needs certain imported components like fiberglass and adhesives. Still, if you’re choosing between brands, domestic production can be a big plus.
Other Home Improvement Projects Affected by Tariffs
Tariffs don’t stop at roofing. They affect a wide range of home improvement materials:
- Decks & Fences – Screws, nails, and chain-link materials may cost more.
- Windows & Doors – Aluminum frames and hardware can see price bumps.
- Siding & Gutters – Especially if you’re using aluminum siding or trimming.
In West Michigan, some contractors are already encouraging customers to “lock in prices” now by pre-purchasing materials. This helps avoid getting hit by future cost increases.
What Happens When the Economy Shifts?
When things slow down, or material prices keep rising, some contractors may start cutting corners to stay in business. That could look like:
- Using cheaper underlayment or fasteners
- Hiring less-experienced crews
- Rushing through jobs to fit in more work
These shortcuts might not be obvious right away, but they can lead to major issues in a few years. That’s why a suspiciously cheap quote should raise a red flag.
Tips to Handle Tariff-Driven Price Hikes
Get Multiple Quotes
Aim for 3–5 estimates. Ask about materials, brands, and why prices vary. The cheapest isn’t always the best deal.
Ask Where Materials Come From
Some contractors use mostly domestic materials. Others rely heavily on imports. If you want to minimize surprise price jumps, pick a contractor with strong U.S.-based suppliers.
Lock in Today’s Prices
Some roofing companies let your secure material pricing early, especially if you’re planning the project within a few months. This can save you hundreds or more if prices rise.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Delaying repairs during high-cost seasons can backfire. Clean your gutters, check for damage, and address issues early.
Hire a Reputable Contractor
Make sure your roofer is licensed, insured, and experienced. Ask about warranties for both materials and labor. When prices go up, quality matters more than ever.
Real-Life Case Study: The Cost of Waiting
The Johnsons – Macomb County
They got a $12,000 quote for a new roof in June. The contractor warned that prices might go up due to tariffs. The Johnsons waited, hoping to save money. By October, the new quote was $12,800, same job, same materials. They paid $800 more just to wait.
The Smiths – West Michigan
They needed a fence and roof patching. After watching a video on tariff risks, they locked in their project cost. A few months later, material prices jumped, but they were protected and could even afford better shingles.
What Should You Do?
Tariffs can make home improvement projects in Michigan more expensive, sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once. Roofing is especially affected because so many parts rely on metal or other imported materials.
But you’re not helpless.
- Brands like Owens Corning may offer more stable pricing thanks to U.S.-based factories.
- Contractors can help you lock in costs before increases hit.
- And regular roof maintenance can help you avoid emergency replacements at the worst time.
Meta Title: How Tariffs Could Impact Roofing Costs and Home Improvements in Michigan
Top Keywords:
- Roofing Tariffs
- Michigan Home Improvements
- Owens Corning Shingles
