Tariffs are driving up roofing costs on some materials far more than others. Roofing material prices have been moving since the U.S. raised tariffs on imported steel, aluminum and other goods in 2025. For an Austin homeowner the practical questions are simple: which parts of a roof are affected, how much it shows up in a quote, and how to avoid paying more than you need to. This guide answers those without guessing at numbers that keep changing.
Where Tariffs Are Driving Up Roofing Costs
- Metal roofing. Standing seam panels, stone-coated steel and metal trim are made from steel or aluminum, so tariffs on those metals affect them most directly, even when the panels are made in the U.S., because domestic metal prices tend to follow imported ones.
- Asphalt shingles. Most shingles sold in Texas are made in North America, so the effect is indirect: higher costs for some raw materials, packaging and freight can still show up in shingle prices.
- Flashing, drip edge, nails and vents. Small metal parts add up across a whole roof.
- Commercial flat roofs. Membranes and insulation boards have seen their own price increases from manufacturers in recent years, separate from tariffs.
How It Shows Up in Your Quote
Labor is usually the largest part of a re-roof, so material price changes move the total less than the headlines suggest. The biggest effect is on metal and stone-coated steel roofs, where material is a larger share of the job. Manufacturers also announce price increases on their own schedule, so a quote from three months ago may not match today's price.
Ways to Protect Your Budget
- Get a written, dated quote and ask how long the price holds.
- Compare like for like. A lower price can mean a lower-grade underlayment or reused flashing; our quote comparison checklist lists what to check.
- Don't wait for a leak. If your roof is near the end of its life, planning the replacement lets you schedule it instead of paying for an emergency job.
- Look at the whole cost of ownership. A metal or Class 4 shingle roof may cost more upfront but can make sense over a long stay, especially in hail country.
- Spread the cost if it helps. Financing for qualified homeowners is available through Acorn Finance, a third-party lender. It spreads the cost rather than lowering it.
Where to Read More
For the policy background, the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M has published analysis of how steel and aluminum tariffs affect Texas construction costs. Our roof cost calculator gives a current ballpark for your own roof.
Get a Current Price for Your Roof
RISE Roofing is an Owens Corning Certified Installer and a certified DECRA and Tilcor installer. We'll inspect your roof for free and send a written quote within 24 to 48 hours based on today's material prices. Replacements carry our 10-year workmanship warranty. Request your free inspection.
Tariffs and Roofing Costs FAQ
Less directly than metal roofs. Most shingles sold in Texas are made in North America, but higher costs for some raw materials, packaging, freight and metal parts such as flashing can still show up in a shingle roof quote.
Only if the roof needs it. If your roof is near the end of its life, planning the replacement lets you lock in a dated quote and avoid an emergency job; if it is healthy, a free inspection can tell you how much time you have.