The steep slide in construction materials costs that began in 2008 pulled up during the fourth quarter of 2009. They ended the year with a 2 percent decrease, significantly less than the 8 percent decrease that had been the pace midyear.
After its precipitous fall in 2009, asphalt is expected to increase by 6 to 10 percent in 2010. Due to the downward momentum of the housing market, gypsum board continues its decline, while batt insulation, which had fallen 1 to 2 percent in 2009, may turn upward this year. A continuing slowdown in the demand for iron ore will result in reduced prices for ductile iron pipe in 2010. Known for price volatility and a curve of its own, PVC piping is headed upward in the early months of the year.
