How is the price to replace roof decking set, and how do you keep it fair?
Short answer. Roof decking is almost always priced per 4 by 8 sheet, with the rate covering the panel, cutting out the bad sheet and the labor, and the total depends on how many sheets turn out to be damaged after tear-off. Panel prices move with lumber markets and thickness, so lock the per-sheet price into the contract and require photos and a count of every sheet replaced.
What the per-sheet price covers
- The panel itself, OSB or plywood, matched to the existing thickness.
- Cutting the damaged sheet out back to the rafters and disposing of it.
- Installing the new sheet with proper nailing, spacing and edge clips where needed.
- Framing repairs, such as reinforcing a cracked rafter, are usually priced separately.
Why the total is unknown at signing
Decking is hidden under the shingles. Attic stains, soft spots and sagging give clues, but the real count comes during tear-off. That is why a fair contract states a unit price instead of guessing a total, and some include a set number of sheets in the base price.
How to keep it honest
- Put the per-sheet price and any included sheets in the contract.
- Ask for photos of each bad sheet before it comes out, and a count on the final invoice.
- Ask what thickness will be used and whether it matches the existing deck.
- For a full redeck over old plank boards, get a separate price per square.
Insurance claims
Decking damaged by the storm, or decking that must be replaced for the new roof to meet code, is often added as a supplement once it is found, depending on the policy. Photos and counts are what carriers ask for; see roof supplements explained.
See OSB vs plywood roof decking and roof replacement cost in Georgia.