OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
CMI Tariff Calculation Update & Information
Dear Valued Customer, It has come to our attention that a number of our nail competitors may be utilizing an incorrect calculation for steel nail tariff costs. They are attempting to segregate and apply the tariff only to the steel portion of the finished product, excluding costs associated with manufacturing the nails, galvanizing, labor, packaging, and profit. Some may even be using just the cost of the steel coil (FOB their supplier) as their basis of calculation, this is also incorrect. Our Customs legal counsel has consulted with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Enforcement, who have clearly stated that these methods are inaccurate. Key Compliance […]
Read MoreWhen “In Stock” Isn’t Enough: The Real Value of Consistency in Material Supply
Every contractor knows that materials being “in stock” doesn’t always mean they’ll actually arrive on time. The construction world runs on timing, and a single missed shipment can send an entire project into chaos. It’s one of those frustrations that never makes the bid sheet but always costs money in the end. That’s why consistency, not just availability, is what separates an average supplier from a great one. At Continental Materials, we’ve built our reputation on reliability — not just in the quality of our products but in the dependability of our supply chain. When a contractor places an order, they’re […]
Read MoreThe Green Building Movement: What Builders Need to Know in 2025
Sustainability in construction isn’t a passing trend anymore — it’s the new foundation of how we build. Cities and states across the country are tightening environmental standards, and customers are asking more questions than ever about the materials going into their homes and buildings. Green building is no longer a niche conversation; it’s a practical business reality. At Continental Materials, we’ve seen how this shift has changed the way contractors, architects, and developers approach their projects. What used to be a marketing feature has become a compliance requirement and a competitive advantage. Building with sustainability in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing durability […]
Read MoreFrom Blueprint to Build: How Material Quality Affects the Entire Construction Timeline
Every builder knows that no matter how strong the schedule looks on paper, one weak link in the supply chain can bring the entire project to a halt. It might be a shipment delay, a product failure, or a miscommunication between the architect and the installer. In most cases, these issues all trace back to the same root cause — inconsistent material quality. At Continental Materials, we’ve seen how small choices early in the planning stage shape everything that follows. The difference between a smooth, on-time build and a job plagued with delays often comes down to product selection and supplier […]
Read MoreBuilding for Longevity: How to Choose the Right Materials for Every Climate Zone
Not every roof, wall, or foundation faces the same challenge. The environment you build in has just as much influence on performance as the design itself. What stands up perfectly in Arizona’s heat can fail quickly in Florida’s humidity. Materials behave differently depending on temperature swings, rainfall, sun exposure, and even salt in the air. That’s why choosing the right construction materials for your climate isn’t just about preference—it’s about survival. At Continental Materials, we’ve spent decades working with contractors and distributors across the country, learning how different regions test materials in ways you can’t always see on paper. A roof […]
Read MoreCMI Tariff Update on Synthetic Underlayments
Dear Valued Customer, Dear Valued Customer, On August 7, CMI announced an increase in our tariff surcharge, as the U.S. government adjusted most reciprocal tariffs, and many have been finalized. This amount varies by country of origin. It’s more important than ever to deal with a global supplier with the scale and scope of CMI, which has multi-origin flexibility for supply, freight, and tariff optimization. CMI can pivot for our customers to bring the best value to support the market. Our underlayments are produced in multiple countries with strict adherence to our specifications and third-party testing, all carrying audited certification […]
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs of Cheap Construction Materials
Cutting costs is a natural instinct in construction. Every project has a budget, and with tight margins, it can be tempting to chase the lowest bid on materials. But what looks like a savings up front often turns into one of the most expensive decisions you can make. Cheap materials might help a project pass inspection today — but they rarely survive the real test of time, weather, and performance. At Continental Materials, we’ve seen it all: roofs that needed full replacement after only a few years, adhesives that failed under high temperatures, and “budget” underlayments that couldn’t withstand a single […]
Read MoreCMI Price Increase Announcement: Mechanically Attached Underlayments
Dear Valued Customer, Effective with container shipments on August 7th, 2025 The White House has announced significant tariff increases on nearly all imported products into the US. The amounts vary based on origin and some are subject to additional changes creating an air of uncertainty. CMI continues to uphold our firm belief in full transparency and we work to give our customers, and contractors that use our products, full line of sight into these actual cost pressures. Beginning with container shipments on August 7th we have revised our mechanically-attached synthetics surcharge to reflect the new rates which are on average […]
Read MoreReciprocal Tariffs – August 7th, 2025 – Impact
Dear Valued Customer, As is detailed in the attached link, the well-publicized Executive Order from the White House regarding the reciprocal tariffs, the recent rates for most countries took effect on August 7th, 2025. This continues to be a fluid situation and while the cost of materials is relatively level, the additional tariff will be handled through a line-item charge to reflect the tariff impact in effect at time of arrival as we have been doing since this tariff was initially implemented. In this case the new tariffs are effective with shipments from the Country of Origin on August 7th, […]
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