Lead times for cement, aggregate and drainage fittings increase

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Major suppliers producers and manufacturers have warned that lead times will be severely effected for plastic drainage products cement, aggregates and many other items which join the list of materials in short supply

These building products have been highlighted as groups of concern for materials in major short supply, including steel, timber, steel, roof tiles, bricks and imported products such as fixings, screws, fixings, sanitaryware, plumbing fixings, shower enclosures, electrical products and many white goods and appliances.

Nationaltrdesmen.co.uk has been reporting on the shortages of materials and price hikes in steel and rises in timber costs that have left many constructors and smaller builders out of pocket.The Builders Merchants Federation and Construction Products Association, said that “Demand for construction products remains high both in the UK and globally and is set to continue throughout 2021 in every sector.

“Unfortunately, this means the availability issues we are currently experiencing are likely to worsen before they improve.”

The shortage of plaster and plasterboard through the pandemic which saw bags of plaster going for nearly £40 a bag by unscrupilius profiteers has now improved but most building materials have now increased in price and lead times due to Brexit and higher import costs.

Many trade bodies said that before the temporary blockage of the Suez Canal, import firms were seeing a levelling of off container costs and delivery times for most building materials apart from timber that imports of timber which will be an issue for the foreseeable future.

“Not enough timber is being produced to meet world demand.  Added to this, other countries are prepared to pay more to secure their supply, pushing the UK lower down the pecking order.

“Steel is also experiencing strong global demand. While supply and demand are likely to rebalance within the next few months, global dynamics will continue to drive prices up, said the statement.

“Raw material shortages constraining polymer supplies are causing production problems for plastics, particularly lower ground drainage.

“Coatings manufacturers are also experiencing raw material shortages beyond their control, at a time when demand is particularly high.  These issues will continue for at least 2-3 months, warn the BMF and CPA.

“All users should plan for increased demand and longer delays, keep open lines of communication with their suppliers and order early for future projects.”