What’s Happening with Roofing Material Costs? Your Early 2026 Market Update

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

If you’ve been putting off a roof replacement or a major exterior renovation, you’ve likely been watching the headlines. At Stand Up Roofing & Construction, we know that price transparency is the foundation of a good partnership.

New data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) shows a bit of a "mixed bag" for roofing material costs as we head into 2026. Here’s a quick breakdown of what this means for your home and your budget.

The Good News: A December Dip For Roofing Material Prices

For the first time in a while, we saw a slight breather in the market. In December 2025, overall construction material prices dropped by 0.6%.

• Softwood Lumber: Prices fell 0.5% in December and are down 8.2% year-over-year. This is great news for structural repairs and residential framing.

• Fuel Costs: Crude petroleum fell 2.7% in December. Lower fuel costs eventually help stabilize the delivery fees for the heavy materials we bring to your job site.

The Challenge: Why Some Quotes Are Still Rising

While the monthly dip is a "welcome decline," as ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted, certain "key inputs" are still climbing fast—especially those affected by trade policies and tariffs.

• Steel & Iron: These rose 5.2% in just one month and are up 12.3% for the year. If you are considering a metal roof or specialized commercial gutters, these are the numbers we’re watching closely.

• Copper: Copper wire and cable prices jumped 4.6% in December and are up a staggering 22% year-over-year.

• The Big Picture: Overall, materials are still 42.4% higher than they were in early 2020.

What This Means for You

At Stand Up Roofing & Construction, we don’t believe in "wait and see." Because prices for metals and specialty materials are still trending upward, the best time to lock in a quote is often now before the next seasonal surge.

Pro Tip: If you're planning a project involving asphalt or crushed stone, those prices are currently "tame" due to softer demand. Now might be the perfect window to get those projects on the calendar.

Why Choose "Stand Up"?

Market volatility is exactly why you need a contractor who "stands up" for you. We use this data to:

1. Source Smarter: We track these trends to buy materials at the best possible windows for our customers.

2. Quote Fairly: We provide honest, data-backed estimates so you know exactly where your money is going.

3. Prioritize Quality: We never cut corners on material quality, even when the market gets bumpy.

Ready to see how these market shifts affect your next project? Contact Stand Up Roofing & Construction today for a free, transparent estimate.