A $65 box of nails now costs more than $300 for some roofing contractors—and it’s just the beginning.
As of April 2025, tariffs on imported steel are sending shockwaves through the construction industry. Contractors are paying hundreds more for key materials like coil roofing nails, underlayment, and metal flashing, with ripple effects that could hit homeowners, remodelers, and developers nationwide.
Why roofing costs are rising in 2025
The spike is being driven by a mix of old and new U.S. trade policies. A longstanding 25% tariff on Chinese steel remains in place, but new layers have drastically widened the impact:
- A 10% blanket tariff on Chinese imports was introduced in February 2025.
- A new 25% tariff under Section 232 took effect March 12, 2025, applying to all foreign steel, not just from China.
While some exemptions remain for Canada and Mexico, roofing nails and related metal products are not excluded. That’s left U.S. contractors heavily reliant on higher-priced imports—or scrambling for scarce domestic alternatives.
Contractors face squeezed timelines, tighter margins
The National Association of Home Builders estimates that material-related tariffs will add roughly $10,900 to the cost of a new home in 2025. Roofing components—from adhesives to fasteners—are among the hardest hit.
Colorado-based roofing contractor Chris Hock says the pressure is immediate.
“Prices are volatile. One day a box of nails is $100, the next it’s $300. We’re adjusting quotes weekly,” he says. “And clients are nervous.”
The Associated General Contractors of America advises builders to use price escalation clauses and stockpile key supplies when possible. But that’s not always feasible—especially for small firms already battling inflation and higher interest rates.
More than just nails: Full systems affected
Nails are only part of the problem. Roofing systems rely on a mix of metal-based components that now face tariff hikes, including:
- Asphalt-based underlayment
- Steel drip edge and flashing
- Fasteners, screws, and plates
The U.S. has limited domestic manufacturing capacity for many of these items, according to the Cato Institute. That leaves builders vulnerable to global price shifts—and domestic supply chain delays.
What’s next for roofing and home construction?
Industry analysts warn that the worst may not be over. Additional tariffs or changes in trade agreements could raise costs even further in the second half of 2025.
Contractors are advising customers to move forward with projects now, before materials rise further.
“Waiting might cost you more,” Hock says. “We’re urging clients to lock in prices today, because we don’t know where this ends.”
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