How Oil, Resin, and Asphalt Are Quietly Reshaping Your Material Budget in 2025
Contractors and distributors are seeing it firsthand—material prices are up again, and it’s not always obvious why. While labor shortages and logistics delays often grab the headlines, some of the biggest cost drivers in 2025 are buried deep within the supply chain. Specifically, rising prices in crude oil, resin, and asphalt are reshaping what builders can expect to pay for essential materials—particularly in roofing.
At Continental Materials, we believe in transparency. That’s why we’re opening up the conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how we’re helping customers adapt.
The Upstream Impact of Crude Oil
Crude oil is the starting point for many construction products, including the asphalt used in roofing underlayments and the polymers found in synthetic materials. When oil prices rise, these downstream products typically follow. Over the past two years, oil markets have experienced major volatility—driven by geopolitical tensions, supply restrictions, and refinery disruptions. That volatility doesn’t just impact the energy sector—it trickles down into material pricing in ways that often catch buyers off guard.
The Role of Resin in Roofing Products
Resins are key ingredients in adhesives, underlayment coatings, and waterproofing membranes. A large portion of the global resin supply comes from Asia, and any disruption—whether a plant shutdown or shipping delay—can trigger price spikes. Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen multiple resin-related cost increases. While some have stabilized, the supply chain remains under pressure.
Asphalt: A Hidden Cost Driver
Asphalt pricing is another under-the-radar factor that significantly affects roofing products. Felt, rolled goods, and certain adhesives rely on refined asphalt. As refineries prioritize higher-demand petroleum outputs, asphalt availability can tighten—leading to price increases with little warning. Few contractors actively track this metric, but its impact is real.
What This Means for Roofing Contractors and Distributors
In short, you need a supplier who sees the full picture—and communicates early when market conditions shift. At Continental Materials, we’ve built long-term relationships with suppliers and developed forecasting capabilities to help our customers stay ahead.
We closely monitor raw material indices and adjust our procurement strategies in advance of anticipated changes. That proactive approach allows us to limit price shocks and give our customers the time they need to adjust bids and material plans.
We also work with contractors to find value in product selection. That might include:
- Switching to a next-gen underlayment like AeroTech15™
- Substituting alternative fasteners
- Consolidating freight to reduce per-unit shipping costs
Our team doesn’t just move materials—we help you build smarter strategies.
Regional Impacts and a National Perspective
The markets we serve—especially Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas—have all experienced different pressures. But the common thread is uncertainty. Whether it’s fuel volatility, overseas resin shortages, or shifting refinery outputs, market conditions change fast.
That’s why working with a supplier who gives you clear visibility into what’s ahead is critical to protecting your margins and staying competitive.
Let’s Talk Pricing, Planning, and Protection
If you’re seeing unexpected increases in your material quotes, don’t guess. Reach out to us. We’ll walk you through what’s driving the changes—and how we can help you navigate them.
Visit https://www.continentalmaterials.com or call 1-800-247-6637 for support, pricing forecasts, and product guidance.