If you’ve looked into replacing your roof lately, there’s a good chance you noticed something: the prices feel higher than they used to. Maybe a neighbor mentioned the same thing. Or maybe you got two or three estimates and were surprised at the jump from even a couple of years ago.
There are a few reasons for that, but one of the biggest ones making headlines again is tariffs. And while that might sound like something that only matters to Wall Street or Washington, the reality is it’s already affecting how much it costs to roof a home here in Indiana.
Lately, former President Trump has been pushing for a new round of sweeping tariffs, proposals that include a 10 percent tariff on all imports and much higher rates for certain countries. Even though these aren’t law yet, the talk alone is already creating uncertainty in the building industry. Roofing suppliers are watching closely. Some are raising prices. Others are tightening how long their quotes stay valid. And that’s trickling down to contractors and homeowners across the country, including here in Lebanon, Zionsville, Whitestown, and Brownsburg.
Roofing Materials Are Tied to Global Trade
It’s not just metal roofing that’s affected. Sure, steel and aluminum prices are part of the story, especially for homes and buildings using standing seam metal or exposed fastener panels. But even common asphalt shingles aren’t immune. That’s because roofing systems use more than just the visible shingles. Underlayment, nails, flashing, ridge vents, adhesives, ventilation equipment, all of these parts either come from overseas or rely on imported materials. So when tariff threats shake up the supply chain, nearly every part of the roof is impacted.
Even the packaging and pallets that shingles are delivered on are part of the picture. It’s all connected. And when costs rise for the manufacturer, they rise for the distributor, then for the contractor, and finally for the homeowner.
What This Means for Homeowners in Central Indiana
This all matters because roofing already isn’t cheap. And if your roof is due for replacement, waiting too long could mean dealing with another price hike that’s out of your control. We’ve already seen this play out. Back in 2018, when tariffs were first introduced on steel and aluminum, material costs surged. Now, with renewed talk of broad tariffs and even higher percentages, many contractors, ourselves included, are expecting more volatility. Some manufacturers are shortening how long their pricing holds. Others are limiting certain product lines altogether.
If you’re a homeowner in central Indiana, this puts you in a tough spot. You want to get the best value for your investment. You don’t want to rush into a decision, but you also don’t want to be caught off guard if the cost of materials jumps again in a month or two.
That’s why now is a smart time to start planning. Whether you live in one of the older neighborhoods in Lebanon or a newer development in Zionsville, getting a professional roof inspection can give you a clear picture of what shape your roof is in and how soon you may need to act. It also helps you lock in current pricing and avoid the uncertainty that may come with the next round of trade policy changes.
Business Owners Should Plan Ahead Too
Business owners in Brownsburg, Whitestown, and the surrounding area should also take note. Commercial roofing systems use large amounts of insulation, fasteners, and edge metal, materials that are highly sensitive to import pricing. If you’re managing multiple buildings or working within a set budget for capital improvements, it’s worth reviewing your plans sooner rather than later.
Kavlan Helps You Make the Right Call
At Kavlan Contracting, we’ve always taken pride in offering fair pricing and straightforward communication. We don’t raise prices just because others are. But we do keep a close eye on the market and the supply chain so we can give our customers the best possible information when it comes to timing their projects.
If you’re feeling uncertain about how these national headlines might affect your local roofing job, we’re happy to talk it through. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in central Indiana navigate repairs and replacements during unpredictable times. And we’re not going anywhere. We live here, we work here, and we treat every project like it’s our own home on the line.
The big picture is this: roofing prices are influenced by more than just shingles and labor. When national trade policy becomes part of the equation, costs can shift quickly. But with the right contractor and a good understanding of where your roof stands today, you can make a smart, informed decision that protects your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
If you’re thinking about a roof project in the near future, give us a call. We’ll take a look, explain what we see, and help you understand what to expect if pricing or availability changes. No pressure. Just honest answers from a local team you can trust.
