Introduction
If you’re thinking of putting on a new roof, one big part of the job is installing the roof sheathing. Roof sheathing is put on before the shingles to make the roof strong. But roof sheathing ads to the cost of the whole project.
It’s smart to understand roof sheathing before starting any home repairs. This helps you make a budget for paying for the work.
Average Cost to
Install Roof Sheathing
$1.50 – $3 /sqft
$38,00 – $12,000 Average Cost to Install 200 sqft
This guide will show what sheathing is used for. It will also show you what will be the roof sheathing labor cost in 2024. We’ll share average prices for sheathing materials for different sized roofs. By planning ahead means you can select the best material options for your needs and budget.
Average roof Sheathing Installation Cost
Plywood Installation Cost
| Cost Type | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Material Cost | $500 | $2,000 |
| Labor Cost | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Permit | $25 | $100 |
| Total Cost | $5,500 | $10,000 |
Oriented strand board (OSB) Installation Cost
| Cost Type | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Material Cost | $300 | $1,500 |
| Labor Cost | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Permit | $25 | $100 |
| Total Cost | $3,800 | $7,500 |
Metal Sheathing Installation Cost
| Cost Type | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Material Cost | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Labor Cost | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Permit | $25 | $100 |
| Total Cost | $6,500 | $12,000 |
Concrete Sheathing Installation Cost
| Cost Type | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Material Cost | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Labor Cost | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Permit | $25 | $100 |
| Total Cost | $11,000 | $20,000 |
Types of Roof Sheathing
Plywood
Plywood is a durable wood sheet made by joining thin layers of wood veneer. It is very durable and can withstand tough weathers over long periods of time. For a standard 1,000 square foot roof, the average cost ranging from $5,500 to $10,000.
This average cost includes the material costs which is $500-$2,000 and roof sheathing labor cost which is $1,500-$3,000 to install it. Plywood also requires a building permit that cost you $25-$100 depending on your location.
Plywood among the popular options for roof decking. It provides both strength and protection against harsh weather conditions. Its durability and good cost make plywood a good value to money option.
OSB
Oriented strand board (OSB) is made of wooden strands pressed together in a overlapping pattern. Since it is not strong as plywood, OSB still provides great structural support for a roof. The average total cost ranging from $3,800 to $7,500 for a 1,000 square foot roof.
The cost of low because of lower material costs of $300-$1,500 as compared to plywood. OSB roof sheathing labor cost range is $1,500-$3,000 for installation plus a permit. Its lower price makes it a good budget-friendly option for a roofing project.
Metal Sheathing
Metal sheathing is generally made of 26 gauge steel panels. The fire resistance is much better than wood-based materials. However, metal sheathing comes in a higher price bracket. For a 1,000 square foot roof, costs can be $6,500 to $12,000 on average.
The cost of material is $1,000-$3,000 and metal roof sheathing labor cost range is $2,000-$4,000. Standard permits are also required which add to the fees. Special screws and seals must be used to firmly hold and weatherproof each metal sheet.
Concrete Board
Concrete board is a long-lasting, fire-resistant material. It protects against strong winds and impacts from snow or debris well. These features make it a good choice for areas with heavy snow or high winds. However, concrete boards also have the highest prices.
For a standard 1,000 square foot roof, the cost range is $11,000 to $20,000. Much of this cost comes from expensive material prices of $2,000 to $5,000 per roof. Concrete roof sheathing labor cost range from $3,000 to $5,000. Its labor cost is high due to the heavy, rigid nature of concrete boards.
Why Installing Sheathing Correctly is Important
The sheathing does three big jobs to help your roof. First, it adds strength so your roof frame stays sturdy above your head. Metal or wood sheathing gives support to hold up your roof.
Next, sheathing protects against weather damage. Rain, snow, wind and sunlight can hurt an unfinished roof over time. Sheathing blocks moisture and gusts from getting inside your home. This preserves your roof for many years.
Finally, sheathing choice affects how well your house stays comfortable. Wood sheathing usually lets less heat escape than metal. Properly putting down plywood or OSB helps your place stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. That means lower bills for heating and air.
Getting the sheathing set up just right is important. It helps shield your ceiling and saves you money on energy costs down the road. Any roof work needs strong, long-lasting sheathing installation from the beginning. Doing it correctly the first time prevents future problems.
Potential Strategies to Reduce Roof sheathing labor cost
- Use lower-cost sheathing materials like OSB instead of plywood or metal. OSB is cheaper.
- Do some of the work yourself if you have skills. Helping with easier tasks can lower the roof sheathing labor costs contractors charge.
- Ask contractors if you can get a discount for paying with cash instead of credit. Some will lower the price a little bit.
- Consider doing the project in spring or fall when contractors have fewer work. You may get a better deal in the less busy times.
- Shop around and get quotes from 3 or more roofing companies. Picking the contractor with the lowest bid saves money.
- Schedule the sheathing work before any other roof phases. Doing it first is usually cheaper than adding it on later.
- Contractor offers volume discounts if you use them for multiple house projects. Their price may go down the more work they get from you.
Ways to Know if Sheathing Needs Fixing
There are some clear signs that the sheathing under your roof could use replacement. Here’s what to look for:
Checking your sheathing every few years helps to understand issues earlier. Replacement is important if any of these issues show up.
Ways to Fix Sheathing Problems
There are things you can do to stop sheathing problems from happening. You can also fix issues that come up. Check for leaks right away if it rains a lot. Fix any leak spots before wood gets mushy. Keep sheathing edges sealed with roof coating. This protects the wood from too much sun and rain damage over time.
Look for damaged spots yearly. Fix creaky boards or rusted panels before they let water through to your ceiling below. Drive screws back into place if they wiggle loose. Tight fasteners keep sheathing from flopping around in storms.
Replace rotten areas even if small. Wet wood spreads fast and lets more water inside your walls. Add extra ceiling insulation if sheathing is thin. Thick insulation helps block noise and keeps your rooms warmer in winter.
Call a roofing company if major repairis required.Professionals have the right tools and skills to do job of fixing roof sheathing issues. Regular checks and quick fixes help your roof last a long time.
Conclusions
In conclusion, roof sheathing labor cost make the most of the roof budget. Roof sheathing gives strength and support so your whole ceiling does not cave in. Sheathing protects against rain, wind, snow and sun too. This keeps your home insides from getting wet and damaged over time.
Installing and taking care of your sheathing the right way can save you money in a couple ways. It keeps your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. That means lower electric and gas bills. It also finds small problems before they get really bad.
Expensive roof repairs cost a lot more to fix than little issues. Picking good materials and fixing things when needed helps your roof last a long time.
FAQ’s
How much does it cost to install sheathing?
Cost for sheathing install is usually $1.50-$3 per square foot. Total for a 1,000 square foot roof is $3,800-$12,000.
How do you calculate roof sheathing?
To figure sheathing for a roof, count the square feet by multiplying length by width. Then choose the right amount of boards or panels to cover that area.
What is the average roof sheathing?
Common sheathing types are plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and metal panels. Plywood and OSB each cost around $40 per sheet to cover most roof sections.
How do you calculate roof cost?
To find roof costs, know the roof size and sheathing type. You need that and the install price per square to figure the whole job cost from sheathing to shingles.