Sarking is a pliable membrane that sits under your roof tiles, like a protective second skin. It helps insulation work more efficiently, and protects the things you value from storm driven rain and dust, condensation and bush fire ember attack.

Is sarking the same as insulation?

Is Sarking the Same as Insulation? Sarking is classified as a type of insulation and will help increase the total R-Value of your home when installed properly. R-Value refers to how well the insulation resists the flow of heat.

Is wall sarking necessary?

Apart from requirements for bush fire prone areas or unless required by the manufacturer of a particular cladding system, there are no regulations that require wall wrap (sarking) to be used. Provided sheet joins and flashings around openings have been installed correctly the cladding should remain weatherproof.

Should I get sarking?

Even though sarking is not strictly compulsory, installation is highly recommended by us to prevent and avoid a large number of future problems for your home. Installing sarking protects your roof against bushfires and storms, provides a dust barrier, enhances roof cavity protection, and acts as a vapour barrier.

What is the purpose of Wall sarking?

Wall sarking is a flexible, pliable membrane which acts as a ‘wall wrap’ (which it is sometimes called) to help protect against the elements and provide greater insulation.

Is sarking breathable?

The sarking is the underlay of the roof, and a strong roof needs a strong sarking. Pay attention to that. Heat Protection: the sarking must be breathable. This means that must allow the vapor from the heating to get outside, but at the same time protect from cold/heat from outside.

How is sarking installed?

Installing sarking is a two-stage process. First the sarking is installed and then battens are laid over the sarking. The battens are important because they provide a layer of air between the roofing and the sarking. Without this layer of air, the sarking would not provide effective insulation.

Where is sarking used?

Sarking is used as a lining under both tile and metal roofs to help insulate your home from the scorching heat of summer and helps to insulate during the colder winter months. Sarking not only acts as an insulation membrane, it is also a great way to protect your home from strong driven rain and dust.

Do you need sarking under tiles?

Also, it is recommended that any tile roof with a pitch lower than 20 degrees should contain sarking. Today, though, many roofers offer sarking with all of their roofs, regardless of the size of it for extra moisture protection and other benefits.

Do I need sarking for colorbond roof?

When it comes to metal roofs, sarking is considered to be important as it prevents condensation that can cause rusting. … While COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel roofing is already thermally efficient, the reflective quality of sarking will further improve thermal performance and keep your house cooler in summer.

Article first time published on

What is sarking made of?

In modern usage of the term in Australia, sarking refers to a laminated aluminium foil layer, or reflective foil laminate (RFL), that is installed on the roof trusses, beneath the battens, supporting a tile or metal deck roof.

Can I install sarking on an existing roof?

Installation of sarking into the existing roof is an added benefit. You get to have an extra layer of protection against harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, you can try to do it yourself.

What year did Sarking become compulsory?

This installation was the standard practise by builders and carpenters back in 1996, prior and onwards.

Is Sarking required in brick veneer?

In a brick veneer home, sarking or sisalation would be normally included . . . .if only to keep the batts within the frame space. This would be a normal procedure.

Is Sarking required in NSW?

It is mandatory under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) that all tiled residential roofs, regardless of roof pitch, with a rafter length greater than 6 metres must be sarked.

What is Sisalation insulation?

Sisalation® Multipurpose A reflective membrane designed to protect homes and buildings against radiant heat. … When installed adjacent to an air cavity, Sisalation® Multipurpose contributes to the overall Total R-value of a building; thereby providing increased comfort to building occupants.

What is the best wall wrap?

In this instance the Bradford Thermoseal range of reflective foil wall wraps is the best option. Bradford Thermoseal Foil acts as a vapour barrier which stops the water vapour reaching the condensation-prone interior. So they’re best used in warmer climates, and in homes that are artificially cooled.

Is wall wrap insulation?

It is the insulation that wraps around the outside of the home and it is also commonly referred to as Sisalation. Sisalation acts as an effective secondary skin to your home or building to minimise draughts, therefore allowing bulk wall insulation to perform more effectively. …

Does sarking go under roof battens?

It is considered good building practice to install roof sarking parallel to the eaves (horizontal roll-out) and affix under the battens to allow water to cascade down the lap joints and provide a drying passage between the sarking and roof sheet.

Do Metal Roofs need insulation?

Does a metal roof need insulation? Yes, it is highly recommended to use insulation with your metal roof. Insulation helps improve your home’s energy efficiency, keeping you warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

What is a roof blanket?

Knauf Insulation Roof blanket (unfaced) provides thermal and acoustic insulation for commercial roofs. Condensation control can be achieved when the product is faced with foil of the appropriate duty classification.

Is Sarking a Vapour barrier?

Thermoseal reflective foil roof sarking is a non-permeable, vapour barrier product designed to reduce the transmission of moisture into the home and contribute a reflective air gap R-Value to the roof system when positioned to adjacent to an inward or outward facing air cavity.

Do tiled roofs need sarking?

Do you need to sark a tiled roof – well technically no – however in some areas its use is mandated due to the new BAL ratings for bushfire prone areas as well as cyclone prone areas.

Does sarking reduce noise?

Noise reduction In addition, sarking also reduces the amount of noise that comes from your metal roof.

Are roof blankets Sarking?

During metal roof insulation, sarking is installed first, providing some protection against the rain during the installation process. Combined with a protective waterproof cover, sarking ensures that your property is kept dry while your roof installer executes your metal roofing installation.

Does Colorbond roof need insulation?

Whilst we know your Colorbond roof is known to be the most thermally efficient roofing material on the market, however, the effectiveness of the Colorbond roof relies heavily on the insulation, just like other metal roof structures.

What type of wood is Sarking?

Sarking boards are softwood boards, generally about 150 mm wide, that are attached to the rafters of a pitched roof to give extra strength to the overall structure of a building.

Why do you insulate a roof?

By acting as a barrier to heat flow, insulation in roofing provides a wide range of benefits for your home, from helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home to improving energy efficiency.

What material is under roof tiles?

Roofing felt, otherwise known as roofing underlay, sits underneath the tiles or slate on your roof and secures them in place. The felt is laid on the top of the supporting rafters and beneath the tiles or slate battens.

Can sarking be retrofitted?

Retrofitting Sarking Not only does it help your roof thrive in climate changes, but it also improves the overall thermal comfort indoors. Any job that involves working on heights along with accurate measuring and installation requires extensive skills and experience.

How much does it cost to replace roof sarking?

Sarking: $8-$10 per square metre. Concrete tiled roofing: $40-$60 per square metre. Steel roofing:$50-$70 per square metre. Terracotta tiled roofing: $80-$110 per square metre.