It has been well documented over the past few months that the UK is facing a roofing materials shortage. Many contractors are calling it a major crisis as they face long delays in obtaining roofing materials, which was previously due to the pandemic, but now with the added issue of Brexit.
Concrete roofing tiles seem to be one of the most affected, with lead times from order to delivery being at least 12 weeks and, in many cases, up to 22 weeks. It is the last thing roofers need at the moment, as they are still making up for lost time due to last year’s busy summer and lockdown restrictions.
Available stock
Crest Nelskamp is a UK supplier of roofing tiles, and has been actively increasing its supply to merchants, distributors, and housebuilders, to help remove the pressure they are all currently facing.
The supplier has ample production capacity and the ability to manufacture more roof tiles to further help the supply chain.
During the first lockdown in March last year, Crest’s European manufacturing partner Nelskamp maintained its production with COVID guidelines in place and official guidance from the German government, unlike many manufacturers in the UK, who were unable to produce and build up stocks at this time.
Crest’s range of roof tiles are specially crafted and engineered by Nelskamp, with six modern production facilities strategically positioned across the country. The company’s roof tiles are recognised for their use of high-quality robust materials and proven manufacturing techniques.
Helping the crisis
Stuart King, Crest’s deputy managing director, told RCI: “With stock on the ground waiting to be despatched from our factories, and the increase to our transport and logistics operation to cope with the extra demand, we are working hard to keep delivery times as short as possible.”
With available stock, Crest continues to push the boundaries in terms of supplying innovative, high quality engineered roofing tiles that have excellent technical properties, all of which are guaranteed for a minimum of 30 years.
Most of the company’s tiles have been carefully designed to reduce both labour and material costs, as well as completion times without sacrificing the quality and overall aesthetics and appearance of the roof, which is obviously important to planning and environmental needs.
Testing times
England’s third national lockdown is now in force as the country suffers a rapid rise in infections, which is attributed to the rapid spread of a new COVID variant. The national lockdown is expected to last until mid-February, therefore, the likelihood of material shortages improving is remote.
UK-based raw materials are under severe pressure, and this will have a knock-on result across the whole of the supply chain, with most issues appearing in spring/summer.
