Glass, Window Shortages Delay Home building

Glass is joining the list of building materials in short supply. A range of industries, including shower door manufacturers and window installers, are reporting glass shortages.

Nearly two-thirds of home builders said that windows are their biggest material shortage, according to a recent survey from John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Rounding out the top four in additional shortages are umber, engineered wood products, and concrete, according to the survey.

Window delays could range from four to 15 weeks, though some are stretching even up to 45 weeks, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

An international logistics backlog is leading to shortages of glass and other materials, experts say. Many glass manufacturers have moved operations overseas. China, Mexico, and India have traditionally exported the most glass and stone to the U.S. The glass shortage has especially affected the supply of glass jars and bottles, driving up the price of some grocery products lately.

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Reprinted with permission