Trade News
Nonresidential Construction Materials and Services Costs Accelerate in May as Steel Prices Surge
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.4 percent in May and 2.2 percent from May 2024, the largest 12-month increase since February 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released in June. Association officials noted that tariffs on steel and aluminum appear to being driving the price increases and warned that additional announced tariff increases would be harmful to needed construction activity.
“The acceleration in the year-over-year rate of increase is alarming, given that most of the tariffs announced so far were not in effect when these prices were collected on May 11,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “It is likely that contractors will be hit with substantial additional price increases shortly, unless the tariffs are postponed or rolled back.”
Steel was the biggest contributor to both the monthly and year-over-year increases, the economist said. He noted that the producer price index for steel mill products soared 7.1 percent in May and 8.8 percent over 12 months. The price index for aluminum mill products also rose 8.8 percent year-over-year, despite declining 3.6 percent in May, Simonson added.
Tariffs on steel and aluminum were hiked to 50 percent on June 4 from the 25 percent rate that took effect on March 12. Domestic steel producers immediately responded to the steel tariff increase by announcing price increases of $60 per ton for rebar and $40 per ton for 20-foot lengths that took effect the next day, Simonson said.
Association officials noted a wide range of additional tariffs that were announced earlier have been paused for now but may go into effect as early as July 9. They warned that the recent jump in steel prices shows tariff increases are likely to have a quick and severe impact on the cost of construction projects and may disrupt supply chains for essential materials.
“Construction firms are in no position to absorb or push back against tariff-driven cost increases,” said Jeffrey Shoaf, the chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. “The Trump administration should abandon plans to impose tariffs on materials that will drive up the cost of construction projects.”
View producer price index data.
PasFiPro '25 CANADA Takes Place in Montreal
Join industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals at PasFiPro ‘25 Montreal, the premier Passive Fire Protection event in Canada. The event takes place at the Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel, in Montreal, Quebec, September 9-11.
The show will benefit attendees with:
- Expert Insights: Hear from globally renowned fire safety specialists.
- Workshops & Panels: Participate in interactive sessions led by industry leaders.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, manufacturers, and decision-makers.
- Exhibition: Explore cutting-edge passive fire protection innovations and solutions from top industry exhibitors.
- Professional Growth: Take the first step to third-party accreditation with the Firestop Exams.
Those that should attend include:
- Passive Fire Protection Contractors
- Special Inspectors
- Architects & Engineers
- Fire Safety Consultants
- Regulatory Authorities
- Facility Managers
- Directors of Engineering
To register for the event, visit fcia.org/EVENTS/Conferences-Symposiums/PasFiPro-25-CANADA/PasFiPro-25-CANADA-REGISTRATION.
Armstrong Energy Saving Ceilings are Now Part of IES Virtual Environment Software
Armstrong World Ind. and Integrated Environmental Solutions have officially launched Templok Energy Saving Ceilings into IES Virtual Environment software, a suite of integrated analysis tools used by engineers and architects around the world to optimize whole-building performance. Innovative Templok ceiling panels use Phase Change Material technology to passively regulate room temperature and can reduce a facility’s energy costs and consumption by as much as 15 percent.*
Since announcing their partnership last fall, Armstrong and IES have completed the validation process necessary to launch Templok in the IESVE Parametric Simulation feature used by architects, engineers, and sustainable design consultants to analyze a range of performance metrics including the prediction of carbon emissions, energy consumption, costs, thermal and visual comfort, and water usage. The launch of Templok is the first time PCM ceilings, specifically, as well as PCM technology, in general, have been incorporated into IESVE software. In addition, the modeling was developed specifically for Armstrong Templok solutions, which are currently available in the Americas. With this full integration, users of the software will experience a fast, streamlined, and easy-to-use method of simulating the effect of the PCM ceilings within their whole-building IESVE model.
“In Armstrong, we have a partner whose decarbonization mission aligns perfectly with ours, and a ceiling solution that—as it becomes widely adopted in the built environment—will contribute more and more to the sustainability of our planet,” said Nathan Kegel, vice president of business development, North America, IES. “This launch is a major turning point for energy modelers as well as for architects, designers, engineers, and facility managers who can now benefit from more accurate energy savings data when incorporating Templok ceilings into their projects.”
Templok validation for the IESVE software came from a combination of laboratory and simulated data. Precise measurements and extensive testing were performed in a controlled environment. In addition, a digital twin of that environment was created to leverage the rigorous simulation capabilities of the IESVE platform. In the first of what will be hundreds of modeling studies—modeling a medium-size office building in Los Angeles—Templok ceilings were shown to generate a 7.2 percent increase in annual cooling savings and a 30.2 percent increase in annual heating savings, compared to the baseline ceiling using standard mineral fiber ceiling panels. (See study details.)
“Until PCM ceiling technology innovation, no one considered ceilings as a source of energy savings—but we now know they can play a key role in lowering energy expenditure and be an attractive alternative to more costly HVAC system upgrades or replacements,” said Alex Waltemyer, Director, Energy Saving Ceilings, Armstrong World Industries. “The launch in the IESVE will introduce Templok to thousands of architects, designers, consultants, and engineers. When you consider everything from rising global warming to increases in extreme weather events, the planet needs collaborations like the one between Armstrong and IES that will expedite understanding and widespread use of solutions proven to make a positive environmental impact.”
The partnership between Armstrong and IES—aiming to advance decarbonization in the built environment through innovation—is a strong example of the Armstrong “Building Better Together” initiative. This effort is focused on industrywide collaboration to advance sustainable solutions in the built environment that address intensifying public health, climate, and equity challenges.
Learn more about Templok ceilings at armstrongceilings.com/energysavingceilings. Learn more about IES at iesve.com.
* Cooling energy savings according to research estimates measured in lab tests. Results may vary
EIMA Welcomes Five New Associate Members, Signaling Strong Industry Momentum
The EIFS Industry Members Association announced the addition of five new Associate Members in 2025: BASF, National Gypsum, Quikspray Inc., Rokamat and Specified Technologies Inc.
“This year’s new associate members represent some of the most forward-thinking companies in construction materials, fire protection, and application equipment," said EIMA President Jose Berlingeri of Sto Corp. “Their decision to join EIMA reflects growing momentum across the EIFS industry as architects, builders, and regulators continue to embrace high-performance, sustainable wall systems.”
The addition of five new companies to EIMA’s associate membership category strengthens the organization's position as the unified voice of the EIFS industry and underscores the sector’s continued growth and innovation in energy-efficient building solutions. With a record-high total of 17 associate members—entities engaged in the sale of components, equipment, supplies, or testing services to the North American EIFS industry—EIMA proudly welcomes its newest members alongside ADFORS Saint-Gobain, Atlas Molded Products, Clark Dietrich Building Systems, Dow, Georgia Pacific Building Products, Intertek, MKS Plastics, New Cast Stone, Rockwool, Tape Tech Tool Company, Wacker, and Wind-Lock.
For more information, visit EIMA.com.
MITER Foundation to Donate $200,000 to Ronald McDonald House
MITER Foundation, the charitable arm of MITER Brands, a residential window and door manufacturer, recently announced a $200,000 donation commitment to the new Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. The donation will take place over the course of five years, with gifting of $40,000 annually.
The opportunity to support the organization was proposed to the MITER Foundation and championed by Steve Rehman, long-time team member of MITER Brands and member of the MITER Foundation board. Rehman has personally supported the Ronald McDonald House Charities for several years and is passionate about the vital assistance the organization provides to families of children who are undergoing life-saving medical treatment.
“Ronald McDonald Houses provide such an incredibly warm and welcoming haven for families in need,” said Rehman. “Staying at one of their houses feels like being at your grandmother’s—where you are provided with the thoughtful attention you’d find at a Ritz Carlton combined with the soothing environment and temporary escape you feel at Disney. I am honored to contribute to the efforts of Ronald McDonald House Charities in both Tampa and Baltimore, and I encourage everyone to consider volunteering at their local Ronald McDonald House to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The new 10,100-square-foot Ronald McDonald House is located on the fourth floor of St. Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa, less than 100 steps away from the neonatal intensive care unit. Featuring 11 bedrooms with private bathrooms, full kitchen and dining area, study area for remote work, parent’s lounge, laundry center, playroom, and fitness and well-being center, the house is designed to accommodate patients and their families for a few days, weeks, or months.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 7 to commemorate the opening. Several team members from the MITER Foundation attended the event, including Rehman.
GMS Announces its 2025 Expo in Southern California
Gypsum Management & Supply is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2025 GMS Expo in San Diego, on Sept. 10-11.
This exclusive event will include an action-packed day-and-a-half of networking, keynote presentations, product demonstrations, and a friendly Forklift Rodeo competition. Don’t miss the chance to connect with key decision-makers from over 300 GMS subsidiary locations and their top customers from across North America.
Register now and be part of this unforgettable experience. Early bird exhibitor rates will end May 31. The deadline for purchasing your exhibit booth is August 1.
The company expects a trade show sell-out.
Expo host hotels are the Grand Hyatt and Marriott Marquis. Visit the Hotel & Travel page for more information. Book your hotel by August 17 to receive group rates.
For more information, visit https://events.gms.com/.
https://www.wconline.com/articles/97281-gms-announces-its-2025-expo-in-southern-california
Spackle by Dave Coverly
People News
Knight Wall Systems announced the appointment of Charles Pleau to the position of material handler and inventory specialist, according to Knight Operations Manager Pat Collins.
