Steel and aluminum tariffs are back in the headlines — and they’re hitting harder than ever. At the beginning of June, the U.S. officially doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, and more tariffs went into effect in early August. The ripple effect is already being felt in the home improvement sector, particularly in metal-based roofing accessories like gutter guards.

Contractors nationwide are grappling with price increases, supply chain bottlenecks, and tighter margins. But with the right strategies, these challenges can become opportunities. Contractors can respond by selecting more innovative suppliers and materials that strike a balance between cost, reliability, and availability.

Gutter guards are an often-overlooked casualty of the new tariff environment. Many models, especially those imported from China, rely heavily on aluminum or stainless-steel materials, which are facing steep cost increases.

Historically, low-cost imports gained traction for their affordability. But as many contractors know, cheaper rarely means better. These products often come with higher callback rates, installation frustrations, and shorter lifespans. Now more than ever, contractors need to shift from a low-cost mindset to a total-cost-of-ownership approach, one that prioritizes long-term performance, availability, and contractor support.

Here are strategies to help adapt to the market’s changing demands.

#1: Reassess Sourcing and Design

Now is the time to take a closer look at where and how your roofing accessories, including gutter guard products, are made.

Start by asking your supplier the tough questions:

• Are your materials domestically sourced?
• How are you adapting to rising tariffs?
• Have you made any design or manufacturing changes to reduce material usage or waste?

Some manufacturers are already adjusting. According to Reuters, companies are turning to alternative sourcing agreements or redesigning products to reduce material usage without compromising performance. Smarter designs — such as simplified brackets, optimized mesh patterns, or integrated fasteners — can significantly lower the installed cost per linear foot. These efficiencies become a competitive advantage in an inflationary market.

#2: Choose Long-Lifespan Products That Pay Off

When materials cost more, they need to last longer — it’s that simple. In an environment of rising input costs and economic uncertainty, durability isn’t just a product feature — it’s a business strategy. Roofing accessories, such as gutter guards, that fail to perform can quickly erode profit margins through repeat visits, warranty claims, and unhappy clients.

To avoid these pitfalls, contractors should prioritize gutter guards designed to withstand real-world conditions, including prolonged UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, tree debris buildup, wind uplift, and high-volume rain events common in many U.S. regions.

When evaluating product options, take a close look at:

• Company reputation– Is the product manufactured by a reputable company known for its quality, consistency, and customer service? Choosing a trusted and experienced manufacturer is often a strong indicator of the product’s reliability, durability, and overall performance.
• Installation time – Do the components require special tools, sealants, or multi-step procedures that extend labor hours? Time is money — simplified installations reduce labor costs and jobsite fatigue.
• Proven performance – Does the product meet third-party standards or hold certifications like UL, ANSI, or ICC? Field-tested and certified products typically offer more consistent performance and reliability.

Partnering with manufacturers that invest in product testing, certifications, and continuous improvement signals a commitment to quality — not just cutting corners to hit a price point. These choices result in fewer callbacks, higher homeowner satisfaction, and a better reputation for contractors who install them. When durability and ease of installation go hand in hand, the result is more predictable job site timelines, increased productivity, and long-term savings that outweigh any short-term material cost.

#3: Prioritize Supply Chain Resilience

With tariffs driving up costs, availability becomes just as critical. A product that’s competitively priced but backordered for weeks can stall jobs and damage client relationships. Ask your supplier:

• Do you rely on a single overseas manufacturer?
• Can you guarantee regional delivery within X days?

Look for signs of resilience, such as domestic assembly facilities, diversified suppliers, forecasting systems, or digital tools that help track and expedite orders.

#4: Lean on Contractor Support Programs

In a high-pressure economy, contractors need more than just materials. They need support that drives efficiency and growth. Evaluate suppliers based on the extras:

• Do they offer sales materials or educational tools for homeowners?
• Are there loyalty programs that provide rebates, rewards, or priority services?
• Do they offer installation tools or accessories that reduce labor time?

For instance, some manufacturers now offer pre-cut miters or multi-angle brackets that reduce installation time on valleys and complex pitches, turning what used to be a time-consuming process into a streamlined one.

The Big Picture: Strategic Choices for a Shifting Market

The reality is that tariffs are unlikely to go away, and construction materials will likely remain a target in future trade disputes. But contractors who adapt now will be positioned to lead. That means:

• Asking suppliers the right questions.
• Choosing products based on lifetime value, not just upfront cost.
• Partnering with manufacturers who invest in logistics, innovation, and contractor support.

Tariffs may be outside your control, but how you respond to them isn’t. In today’s climate, profitability depends on more than just price — it’s about choosing partners and products that help you work smarter, reduce callbacks, and protect your reputation. The contractors who come out ahead aren’t necessarily spending less; they’re spending better.

By aligning with suppliers who innovate, adapt, and offer real support beyond the sale, you can not only weather the current cost pressures but also position your business to thrive, no matter what the market throws your way.