What Is Sarking? Do I Need It?

 

Read on to find out how sarking during your building process can help protect your home.

Sarking is a flexible laminated film that is placed under the roof during installation by the builder and is rolled out in sections parallel to the eaves with an overlap between each layer to help prevent wind, dust and rain from getting into the roof cavity. Sarking is held down with the wooden battens in the roof. 

What type of roof can it be used on? 

Sarking can be used on either metal or tiled roofing. 

Benefits of Sarking during construction

  • Protects the building structure from the weather prior to installing the roof, limits water damage to internal structure.

  • Improves on-site work flow efficiency by allowing some internal trades to commence before roof is installed.

Benefits of Sarking once house is built 

  • Improves thermal performance by shielding home from up to 97% radiant heat when combined with an air-space, provides more of an energy efficient home

  • Reduces the risk of condensation forming by allowing the water vapour to safely drain away 

  • Protects your home from unseen mould growth or ceiling stains caused by rain getting into the roof cavity

  • Limits dust entering the house by gaps through downlights etc caused by dust blown into the roof cavity

Cost of Sarking 

The cost of Sarking will vary depending on what builder you use and square meterage of your roof.

Although Sarking is not mandatory it is strongly recommended by builders as it can provide long term environmental benefits to your house as well as protection against water damage. Roofs are a very vital part of a house and purchasing Sarking while you're in build stage might save you a lot of money down the track.