How much does it cost to replace roof decking & plywood sheathing?
How much does it cost to replace roof decking & plywood sheathing?
$2 – $5 cost per square foot installed
$2,400 – $8,600 average total cost to install
Cost to replace roof decking
Roof decking replacement costs $2 to $5 per square foot or $2,400 to $8,600 on average, depending on the size, pitch, and material. Labor costs to install roof sheathing is $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. Roofing plywood costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot for the materials.
| Roof size (square feet) | Sheets of plywood required | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 30 – 35 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,500 | 45 – 50 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 2,000 | 60 – 65 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 2,500 | 75 – 80 | $5,000 – $12,500 |
| 3,000 | 90 – 95 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,500 | 115 – 120 | $7,000 – $17,500 |
| 4,000 | 125 – 130 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Average cost to replace plywood on a roof
The following table shows the average cost to replace plywood decking on a roof.
| National average cost | $5,500 |
| Minimum cost | $900 |
| Maximum cost | $12,800 |
| Average cost range | $2,400 to $8,600 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Roofing plywood prices
Roofing plywood material prices are $9 to $83 per sheet or $0.30 to $2.60 per square foot, depending on the type, quality, and thickness.
| Sheathing type | Cost per sheet | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood | $16.00 – $64.00 | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | $9.00 – $60.00 | $0.30 – $1.80 |
| Tongue and groove | $48.00 – $83.00 | $1.50 – $2.60 |
*Not including installation.
Labor cost to install sheathing on a roof
Roofing contractors charge $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot or $45 to $75 per hour for labor to re-sheath a roof.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Installation labor | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Total cost to replace | $2.00 – $5.00 |
The following factors affect the total cost:
Roof size, slope, and pitch – Labor prices are typically higher for large roofs and pitches greater than 4:12.
Decking thickness – Decking ranges from ¼" to ⅝" thick, depending on the roofing materials chosen. Thicker decking is more expensive but more durable. Some building codes require ⅝ inch decking, and contractors may recommend replacing anything thinner.
Old roof removal – Removing old roof material costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average.
Rafter replacement – Rafter replacement costs $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on material weight and roof conditions.
Installing shingles – An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed, depending on the roof size and shingle type.
What is roof decking?
Roof decking, or sheathing, is a layer of wooden boards attached to the trusses and rafters of a roof. Decking is a base for shingles or other roofing material, providing support and even weight distribution.
What is radiant barrier roof decking or sheathing?
A radiant barrier costs $0.10 to $0.60 per square foot for materials and is made of heat-reflecting foil. A radiant barrier prevents heat from entering the home and is most effective in hot climates. Some OSB decking comes with a sheet of radiant barrier on one side.
How long does roof decking last?
Roof decking lasts 20 to 40 years on average, depending on climate, insulation, and roof type. Regular maintenance and roof repairs will extend the decking’s lifespan.
When to replace plywood on roof?
Replace plywood on a roof when there is dry rot, sagging, or extensive water damage. If there is no damage to decking when replacing or repairing roofing materials, contractors may recommend leaving decking as is.
A roof inspection costs $100 to $400 and helps determine if a replacement is necessary. Contractors recommend roof inspections annually or after a heavy storm.
Signs of rotted roof decking
Signs of rotted roof decking include:
Flaky or spongy wood
Frequent roof leaks
Discoloration or mold
Strong mildew smell
Sagging roof or ceiling
Moisture or stains on the ceiling, walls, or rafters
What causes roof decking to rot?
Roof decking rots after exposure to moisture, which may reach the decking because of damaged flashing, old shingles, blocked gutters and drains, or humidity in the attic.
Does insurance cover roof decking?
Homeowners insurance may cover decking damaged by an accident or natural disaster. Check your policy for specifics. Some insurance policies do not cover code upgrades, which means ⅜" thick decking may not qualify for reimbursement if city code requires ⅝" decking.
Getting estimates from roofing contractors
Before hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to:
Get three or more quotes to compare.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for companies with a state contractor license, a National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification, and an International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certification.
Select a certified, insured, bonded company with five or more years’ experience.
Be careful with extremely low or high price quotes.
Beware of companies who recommend a full roof replacement if only repairs are needed.
Verify that the roofing contractor has experience with your roof type.
Ask for a clear written estimate and warranty before work begins.
Avoid large upfront payments. Instead, negotiate a payment schedule and save receipts.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Can you provide references for past work?
Are you a member of the NRCA or InterNACHI? What certifications do you have?
Do you offer any discounts for storm damage?
Can you provide a detailed quote?
Does your quote include waste disposal or taxes?
How long will the project take?
Which type of decking do you recommend for my roof?
What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
How will you access my roof?
What additional fees may be required?
Will you obtain any necessary permits?
What does your warranty include?
Do you offer financing?