Monthly News & Updates

July 2021 | Issue 21

For the past 18 months, we have collectively learned the meaning of the word "uncertainty", and unfortunately this word is still very much applicable, especially when looking at steel prices. We've had a lot of questions about the rising metal cost: How much is the next increase? When will the next increase happen? When will the cost start to decrease?

The simplest answer is: No one really knows.

How much is the next increase?

Since the increases first started to take hold in the steel industry in late November 2020, import steel has increased, and within a few weeks, domestic steel increases. We have seen sometimes multiple increases per month ranging from as low as 1% to as much as 25%. Comparatively speaking, import and domestic have stayed relatively even in terms of percentage increase.

When will the next increase happen?

Often times with the current increases, metal suppliers are given little to no notice before the costs jump. Even if there is notice given, the details and specific percentages are typically received no more than a week in advance. This makes things very difficult to gauge how long a material quote is good for. In the current state of the market, the sooner you purchase, the better the price will be. Sometimes waiting even a few days can cause the quoted prices to expire. But, according to Newton's 3rd Law what comes up, must come down... so maybe you can just put off your project for a little while longer, right? Right?!

When will the cost start to decrease?

This question definitely falls under the "No one really knows" answer. Projections have been made, and remade, and remade time and time again. So far, none of them have been accurate. Current projections show decreases in the metal industry will begin sometime in mid-2022, though there is very little information to base it on. Costs rely very heavily on material supply, and unfortunately we have seen more back orders in the past year than were expected. However, you can rest assured that as soon as material prices start to decrease, Metal Mart will pass the news (and the savings!) on to our customers!!

We all know it's dangerous to leave children and pets in the car, but just how hot does it get? On a sunny day of 90°F, in only 10 minutes the interior of your vehicle hits 109°F. 10 more minutes raises that temperature another 10°F. After 30 minutes, it hits 124°F. Within an hour it reaches 133°F. The steering wheel or seat surface temperatures can reach up to 180°F! How many times have you wished you kept a spare pair of oven mitts in the car so you didn't burn your hands pulling out of the driveway? Let's look at some ways to help beat the heat this summer!

• Crack the Windows - Leaving your side windows cracked just a couple inches can decrease the average cabin temperature by approximately 20°F.
• Wind Shield Shades - Shading the front wind shield can reduce the interior temperature by about 15°F.
• Fuzzy Steering Wheel Cover - These won't necessarily effect the inside temperature of the car, but they will keep your hands from burning!
• Metal Mart Carport - Parking in the shade can decrease the UV rays that enter the car, and therefore keep the heat from building up inside. It is summer, so we can't promise it will feel like a winter day when you get in, but the average interior temperature of a shaded car is only 100°F after one hour!