Roof sarking is an important element of roof installation. It provides an additional layer of protection against water damage, wind, and other weather-related issues under your roof tiles or roof shingles.
However, many people aren’t really aware of the intricacies of roof sarking, and the latest improvements in the sarking installation space.
Thankfully, we’re here to break down the importance of roof sarking for your roof space.
What is Roof Sarking?
Roof sarking is a layer of protective material that is installed under the roof tiles or shingles of a pitched roof for roofing insulation. It is typically made of moisture-resistant material, such as plastic or fiberglass, and is installed on top of the roof decking or sheathing. The purpose of roof sarking is to provide an additional layer of protection against water damage, wind, and other weather-related issues, meaning your roof will last longer with the effective secondary skin of roof sarking.
Roof sarking is typically used in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, or hail. These weather conditions can cause damage to the roof and lead to leaks, which can cause significant damage to the building itself, like unseen mould growth.
Roof sarking can also be used in areas with cold climates to provide an additional layer of insulation to help keep the building warm. It can be installed under the roof tiles or shingles in the roof cavity and helps to reduce heat loss through the roof, which can save energy and money on heating costs.
Roof sarking is typically installed on the eaves of the roof and along the bottom of the slope, but it can also be used on other parts of the roof as needed.
Roof sarking essentially performs the same role as bulk wall insulation but for the ceiling space in the roof, improving the overall thermal performance of the house.
What Roof Types Use Roof Sarking?
Roof sarking can be used on a variety of roof types, including pitched roofs, flat roofs, and low-slope roofs. It is typically used on pitched roofs, which are roofs that have a slope of at least 10 degrees. Pitched roofs are the most common type of roof and are often found on residential and commercial buildings.
Roof sarking can be used on a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt, tile, and metal roofs.
How to Install Sarking
Installing sarking involves the following steps:
- Measure the area where the sarking will be installed: Measure the area where the sarking will be installed and cut the sarking material to the appropriate size using a sharp knife or scissors.
- Install the sarking underlayment: Lay the sarking underlayment over the roof decking or sheathing, making sure that it is smooth and free of wrinkles. Secure the sarking to the roof using staples, nails, or other mechanical fasteners.
- Install the roof tiles or shingles: Install the roof tiles or shingles over the sarking underlayment, following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. Make sure that the tiles or shingles are properly aligned and that there are no gaps between them.
- Install the flashing: Install flashing at the eaves and along any other areas where the sarking meets the roof to help prevent water from entering the building.
- Check for leaks: Once the roof tiles or shingles and flashing are installed, check for leaks by simulating a heavy rain event using a hose or buckets of water. If any leaks are detected, repair them as needed.
Overall, installing roof sarking involves preparing the roof, installing the sarking underlayment, installing the roof tiles or shingles, and installing flashing to prevent water from entering the building. It is important to follow proper installation procedures and use the right tools and materials to ensure that the roof is properly protected.
You can install it yourself, but consider hiring a roofing professional to ensure the job is done right.
What Are the Latest Improvements in Roof Sarking?
There have been a number of improvements in roof sarking in recent years, including the development of new materials and technologies. Some of the latest improvements in roof sarking include:
- Enhanced moisture resistance: Many newer roof sarking products are made of materials that are more resistant to moisture than traditional materials, such as plastic or fiberglass. This can help to further protect the roof from moisture damage, channel moisture and facilitate drainage more efficiently, and prolong the life of the roof.
- Improved insulation: Some roof sarking products are designed to provide enhanced insulation, helping to reduce heat loss through the roof and improve energy efficiency. These products may be made of materials that have a higher overall total R-value (a measure of insulation performance) than traditional roof sarking materials.
- Easy installation: Many newer roof sarking products are designed for easy installation, with pre-cut lengths and self-adhesive backing that make it easier to install the sarking underlayment. This can save time and labour costs during the roofing process.
- Enhanced durability: Some newer roof sarking products are made of more durable materials that are less prone to tearing or puncturing during installation or use. This can help to extend the life of the roof, protect homes, and reduce the need to repair roof sarking in your roof system.
Overall, there have been a number of improvements in roof sarking in recent years, including enhanced moisture resistance, improved insulation, easy installation, and enhanced durability. These improvements can help to further protect the roof from water damage and improve the performance and efficiency of the roofing system.
What About Energy Efficiency?
Roof sarking does not typically use the sun’s radiant heat in and of itself. Instead, it is typically used to reflect or absorb radiant heat in order to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
Radiant heat is heat that is transferred through the air or through a solid object by electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of heat transfer that occurs when an object or surface is heated, and the heat is then transmitted to other objects or surfaces through electromagnetic radiation.
Roof sarking can be used to reflect or absorb radiant heat in a number of ways:
- Reflecting radiant heat: Some roof sarking products are made of materials that are highly reflective, such as aluminium foil lining. These materials can help to reflect radiant heat away from the building, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed by the roof and helping to keep the building cooler.
- Absorbing radiant heat: Other roof sarking products are made of materials that are good at absorbing radiant heat, such as dark-colored or absorptive materials. These materials can help to absorb radiant heat from the sun or other sources, reducing the amount of heat that is transmitted to the inside of the building and helping to keep the building warmer.
Overall, roof sarking can be used to reflect or absorb radiant heat in order to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
Do You Need Roof Sarking?
According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), all contemporary residential tile roofs with rafter lengths of more than six metres must have roof sarking fitted. It is recommended that roof sarking be installed beneath all tiled roofs. To prevent outside water from entering your home and potentially causing moisture damage in your roof cavity. If you intend to construct a new house or renovate your existing tile or metal roof, you might be required to install roof sarking depending on a number of conditions listed by the BCA, such as:
- Living in a bushfire-prone area
- Local wind speed
- Terrain category
- Roof pitch
Final Thoughts
In Australia, roof sarking is frequently necessary for residential roofs and provides essential protection from the weather during renovation or construction. It enhances thermal performance, provides efficient fire protection, and offers various additional advantages for your roof and home when combined with other crucial roofing elements like insulation and flashing.