The latest statement from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has warned of 24–30-week average lead times on concrete roof tiles, as the industry struggles with ongoing materials and haulier shortage.
While product supply has in fact improved slightly, timber battens, chipboard, steel lintels and PVC products still remain in short supply, according to a statement by John Newcomb and Peter Caplehorn, co-chairs of the CLC’s Product Availability Group.
Meanwhile, despite some easing in the shortages of bulk and bagged cement in August – with additional cement brought from abroad – delivery has been particularly constrained by the lack of domestic haulage capacity.
The extended delivery times will therefore likely continue until the end of the year, and some allocation will likely remain in place.
What’s more, global shipping capacity has been reduced by 25% since the start of the pandemic, leading to delays and high container prices, with little sign of relief in the near future. The British Ports Association expects challenges to continue until at least the second quarter of 2022, which is exacerbated by the shortage of HGV drivers.
However, while the level of price increases for many products has moderated, this may be short-lived due to continued pressure on costs of raw materials, labour and transport.
Meanwhile, energy prices, particularly the doubling of the wholesale cost of gas, is also a critical factor for manufacturers, along with higher carbon prices related to the increased use of coal-fired power stations. This is likely to be exacerbated following a fire at a power facility in Kent shutting down, which is a crucial link between the British and French power grids.
Despite these challenges, John and Peter write: “We are not out of the woods yet. While many factors could still cause disruption, we are currently in a better position than three to four months ago.”
