The latest increase puts overall construction input prices 8.9 percent above their level from a year ago. Nonresidential construction input prices are up 8.8 percent year over year.

Energy prices were mixed during August. Crude petroleum prices increased 5.2 percent, while unprocessed energy materials rose 1.5 percent. Natural gas prices declined 11.6 percent for the month.

ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu said the latest price increases were widespread across construction materials. Prices for iron and steel, softwood lumber, switchgear, copper wire and cable, and several derivative metal products are now more than 10 percent higher than they were a year ago.

“Construction input prices surged again in August, and the increases were widespread across materials,” Basu said.

For wall and ceiling contractors, continued escalation in steel, lumber and other material categories could place additional pressure on project pricing and margins, particularly on longer-duration jobs where contractors have less ability to absorb unexpected cost increases.

ABC's Construction Confidence Index indicates contractors remain optimistic about their profit margins, but Basu cautioned that sustained material inflation could challenge that outlook during the coming months.

The latest numbers also arrive amid renewed trade tensions with Canada and higher oil prices, two factors ABC believes could contribute to additional construction input cost pressures.

For roofers already navigating labor costs, tight schedules and competitive bidding conditions, August's data provides another reminder of the importance of monitoring material prices when estimating projects, negotiating contracts and planning procurement.