Within just a few weeks in spring 2026, the price of bitumen doubled. Roofing companies are reporting order freezes from manufacturers, retroactive surcharges of 40% on insulation materials, and diesel prices that turn every project calculation into a math problem. The trigger: the ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most important shipping routes for crude oil.
When geopolitical events hit your job site this directly, your business doesn't need theory - it needs clear, practical steps. This guide shows you how to manage a building material shortage, secure alternatives, and communicate price increases professionally to your customers.
What the Iran war means in concrete terms for the roofing market
Since the war began, the price of bitumen has almost doubled according to the German Construction Industry Federation (HDB) - from around 330 euros to over 640 euros per tonne in southern Germany. Roofers feel this immediately: bitumen is the base material for torch-on membranes, waterproofing membranes, and flat roof systems.
At the same time, natural gas prices have temporarily risen by up to 35%, massively driving up the cost of insulation. Individual roofing companies report price increases of up to 40% for bitumen membranes and insulation within four weeks - accompanied by a lack of delivery and price guarantees from manufacturers.
Logistics are also hitting hard: higher diesel prices push up transport costs and, indirectly, the price of every material delivered to your job site.
| Material | Price change | Main cause | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitumen / welding membranes | up to +100% | Oil price increase due to Iran war, Hormuz blockade | ⚠️ Order stops at selected manufacturers |
| Insulation materials | up to +40% | Energy costs, increased gas prices (+60%) | ⚠️ Tight |
| Diesel fuel (logistics) | +35% compared to previous year | Iran war, reduced supply | ✅ Available, but expensive |
| Coniferous sawn timber / roof timber | moderately increasing | EU deforestation regulation, energy costs | ✅ Largely normal |
| Copper / metal components | +6% compared to previous year | Global demand for raw materials | ✅ Stable |
What does this mean for your company? Existing fixed-price projects come under pressure. New projects are almost impossible to calculate reliably without buffers. And the question of how you explain rising construction material prices to customers is becoming urgent for many businesses.
Navigate the crisis in 6 steps
First, get a clear overview of which materials in your business are directly affected by price development. Bitumen and insulation materials are currently especially critical. Create a priority list of your core materials based on price development and availability.
Don't wait for price adjustment notices. Call your main suppliers proactively: ask about current stock levels, potential framework agreements, and price stability. The sooner you secure stock quantities, the better – but factor in storage costs.
Diversify your purchasing. Are there alternative manufacturers for bitumen membranes or insulation materials? Can certain products be replaced by equivalent alternatives? Also talk to your roofers' guild – often bundled purchasing opportunities are coordinated there.
For new orders you should include price escalation clauses in your contracts. This way you can contractually secure subsequent material price changes without bearing the full risk yourself. Have the clause reviewed, preferably by a lawyer or your guild.
Reach out to existing and new customers proactively about the market situation - ideally at least 4-6 weeks before the price adjustment. A clear, honest letter with concrete reasons (Iran war, energy prices, increased material costs) creates understanding and trust.
Check where you can optimize internal processes to cushion the margin decline. Digital tools that save time - such as AI-assisted measurement solutions - help you work more efficiently per job and thus handle more orders in a shorter time.
How to communicate price increases successfully
The hardest part is often not your internal calculation, but the conversation with the customer. The good news: when there are clear macroeconomic reasons - like a war and its impact on the oil market - customers are far more understanding than with purely internal price adjustments.
According to a survey of trade businesses, around 80% stated that they plan to raise prices in times of crisis - and most regular customers accept this when it is communicated professionally. If you have ever wondered how to communicate price increases in a way that customers can accept, these rules will help.
The most important rules for communication
- Inform early: Give customers at least 4-6 weeks' notice before new prices take effect. That creates planning security on both sides.
- Give concrete reasons: Be direct. Explain that the Iran war has driven up oil prices and, as a result, bitumen and insulation have become dramatically more expensive. Customers can understand global events more easily than internal cost factors.
- Explain, don't apologise: You are not responsible for the oil price. Don't justify yourself for higher prices - explain them calmly and factually instead.
- Highlight the value you deliver: Show what customers continue to get for their money: your quality, reliability, adherence to deadlines, and expertise.
- Offer a limited-time window at old prices: Allow existing customers to place already planned projects under the previous terms - this signals fairness.
Sample wording for a customer letter
"Dear [Name], due to the ongoing price increases for bitumen, insulation materials, and transport costs as a result of the Iran war, we are compelled to adjust our material prices as of [date]. Specifically, bitumen products have increased by up to 100% and insulation materials by up to 40%. We are only passing on part of these increases. Projects ordered by [date] will still be invoiced at the previous conditions. If you have any questions, we are happy to help at any time."
Important: include price escalation clauses now! The construction industry is demanding price escalation clauses in public contracts retroactively as of March 1, 2026. Also in the private sector you should agree to corresponding clauses for all new contracts. If in doubt: consult your roofers' guild or a specialist attorney.
Your interactive price increase calculator
Calculate directly how strongly the recent material price surges will affect your next project - and what adjustment you need to pass on in your pricing:
Finding new suppliers: alternatives in times of crisis
When your regular suppliers impose order freezes or extend delivery times indefinitely, you need to act. Here are proven sources for alternatives during a building material shortage:
- Roofing trade associations and professional bodies: Local associations often coordinate collective purchasing or know alternative suppliers for scarce materials.
- Expand your regional building materials network: Check distributors in neighbouring regions as well. Because the supply bottlenecks are often local (southern Germany is particularly affected), there can be regional differences.
- Contact manufacturers directly: For large project volumes, direct contact with producers can pay off - for framework agreements or preferential supply.
- Check product alternatives: Are there equivalent membranes or insulation materials from other manufacturers? Clarify this with your manufacturer's technical advisor or the ZVDH.
Digital efficiency as crisis resilience
When margins are shrinking, every hour counts. Companies that already handle their roof measurements digitally have a double advantage: they save up to 90% of the time compared to traditional methods and can offer more projects in less time - without additional staff.
With the Airteam Fusion Plattform, you create a DIN-compliant 3D model of your project within less than 24 hours using a drone flight. You can then export the data directly into your estimating and planning software - in more than 15 formats, compatible with MF Dach, AutoCAD, SEMA, and other industry tools. That means: fewer errors, faster quotes, more projects won.
When your material and construction material prices are rising, it helps to gain ground on the time side. Digital processes are an underrated tool - not just for day-to-day efficiency, but as a buffer in a crisis.
How roofing companies benefit from digital measurement solutions in practice is shown in our success stories - from solo contractors to large commercial projects. In our article Drone measurement vs. manual measurement you'll find a direct comparison of cost and time.
Conclusion: Act instead of waiting
The current crisis around the Iran war and its impact on bitumen prices, insulation, and logistics costs is not a minor, short-lived issue. Economic experts forecast an average increase in construction prices of 3.3% for 2026 - and that is without fully accounting for the impact of the Iran war.
The companies that take action now will be better positioned:
- ✅ Talk to suppliers and secure alternatives
- ✅ Integrate price escalation clauses into new contracts
- ✅ Inform customers early and transparently about price increases
- ✅ Digitalise internal processes to unlock efficiency potential
Those who act now protect their margins - and will come out of the crisis as stronger, more resilient businesses.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which roofing materials are most affected by the Iran war?
Particularly hard hit are bitumen sheets (torch-down membranes), whose price has nearly doubled since the start of the Iran war according to the German Construction Industry Federation (HDB). Also insulation materials have become up to 40% more expensive due to the higher gas prices. Additionally, higher diesel prices make all deliveries and transports more expensive.
Can I retroactively adjust ongoing orders if material prices rise sharply?
That depends on the contract type. For fixed-price contracts without a price-escalation clause you generally bear the full price risk. However, if there is a price-escalation clause, increased material prices can be passed on proportionally. In unforeseen, extreme price increases there is, in exceptional cases, also the option to invoke § 313 BGB ("fundamental change of circumstances") - seek legal advice from your roofing guild.
How do I communicate a price increase without losing customers?
Transparency and timing are crucial. Inform customers early — at least 4-6 weeks before the effective date. Explain the concrete reasons (Iran war, bitumen shortage, energy prices) in a factual manner and back them up with facts. At the same time, highlight your added value: quality, reliability, punctuality. For existing customers you can offer an 'order deadline at the old price'.
What are price-escalation clauses and how do I use them?
A price-escalation clause is a contractual agreement that stipulates that the final price automatically adjusts in response to certain material cost fluctuations. It protects you against unpredictable cost increases. Important: Pre-formulated clauses must be legally correct as GTC (General Terms and Conditions). Use template agreements from your roofing guild or seek legal advice.
How can digital measurement help cushion rising costs?
AI-powered drone-based measurement saves up to 90% of the measurement time and enables you to take on more projects in less time. This improves your revenue per unit of time and gives you financial leeway to cushion price increases more effectively. It also minimizes expensive planning mistakes through centimeter-accurate 3D models that can be fed directly into your estimating software.
