If you look at the building code of Australia, you will notice that there is a new requirement governing the installation of roof tiles and ceiling insulation. We are, of course, referring to roof sarking installation.
However, many people are, understandably, still unfamiliar with roof sarking and do not know whether they need it or not. This article will deal with all there is to know about roof sarking.
If you are getting ready to build your new home and you are asking yourself “What is roof sarking?” you have come to the right place. Read on to find out more!
What Is Roof Sarking?
Roof sarking is a roof installation term used to describe the pliable but strong membrane that is installed under a metal or tile roof. It is an aluminium foil lining that protects the roof cavity and the rest of your home from dust, moisture, and draughts.
In most cases, the sarking sheets have a reflective foil layer either on one or both sides. This is why roof sarking can reflect radiant heat away from the house helping to keep it cool even on hot days.
Is Sarking the Roof System the Same as Insulating?
In many ways, roof sarking can be described as a form of roof insulation. The installation process is similar in many ways. In terms of function, like insulation, sarking help keep the inside of the house warm during winter and cool during summer.
Speaking of insulation, there is something called R-values, which is how well insulation resists summer heat flow. Sarking increases the R-value of a roof space significantly. When combined with other roof insulation materials, roof sarking improves the energy efficiency of residential roofs.
Six Roof Space Benefits of Sarking
When you install roof sarking to your roof, the roof space or roof cavity receives a lot of benefits, such as:
Fire Protection
Bush fire embers have been known to fall on houses and cause serious fires. Roof sarking is required to protect homes from such situations and is mandatory for all buildings built in areas prone to bush fires from BAL12.5 to 40.
Protective Second Skin During Construction
During the construction phase, before the tile roof or metal roof sheet is installed, sarking protects the roof frame from damage that may be caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as dust, heat, and rain.
Better Thermal Performance
One of the main reasons to install roof sarking is to improve thermal performance. Due to the reflective foil layer on the roof sarking sheet, the thermal performance of your roof will increase when the sarking reflects radiant heat away from the building which in turn increases energy efficiency.
Wind, Driven Rain, and Dust Barrier
Apart from radiant heat, your roof is also exposed to dust, driven rain, and wind which may damage the roof cavity if left unchecked. Rain, especially, can result in expensive water damage. Roof sarking acts as a second skin to protect the roof space.
Improved Moisture Control
Most roof sarking has effective moisture and vapour barrier properties that prevent unseen mould growth in your roof space.
Control of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Roof sarking is essentially a membrane beneath the actual roof material and as such, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the ceiling space into the atmosphere.
Why You Need Roof Sarking for Tile and Metal Roofs
Besides the increase in thermal performance through the reflection of radiant heat, the other main reason to install sarking to both metal or tiled roof systems is that is a requirement of the building code of Australia.
Roof sarking is mandatory in certain areas, such as bushfire-prone areas and places that regularly experience high local wind speeds.
Installing Sarking to a New Building Structure
Before metal or tile roofs are installed on your house, you need to install sarking directly onto the roof frame over the roof cavity.
The type of roof sarking you use has to comply with the building code of Australia and also be suitable for the type of roofing material you have.
Also consider other relevant issues, such as air gaps, ventilation, vapour barriers, and thermal bridging. In short, roof sarking should only be done by an experienced professional roofer.
You Can Install Roof Sarking to an Existing Roof
Roof sarking can also be installed on an already existing roof although this is a lot trickier than when you simply install sarking before placing the roof. The complexity of the process usually depends on various factors, the main one being whether you have metal or tiled roofs.
Although you can install sarking on an existing roof on your own, it is good building practice (and the safer option) to hire professionals.
How Much Does Roof Sarking Cost?
There are different types of roof sarking that you can buy, and each has its costs. Heavy-duty roof sarking with higher thermal insulation will cost a lot more than regular roof sarking. In general, you can expect a 60 x 1.35-metre roll of roof sarking to cost between $180 and $300.
Can You Repair the Roof Sarking?
Yes, in most cases the material used in the manufacture of roof sarking can get torn either during the installation or through wear a tear. In such cases, repairing the roof sarking is vital to keep your house energy efficient by properly reflecting the sun’s radiant heat.
Holes in your roof sarking can also allow in a lot of dust, moisture, and draughts into the roof cavity. The same roof repair specialist who installs roof sarking should are also able to repair it when needed.
Cut Back on Energy Costs by Installing Roof Sarking Today!
The importance of roof sarking cannot be overstated, especially if you live in warmer climates. If you want to effectively protect your building frame from extreme weather, such as the sun’s heat and storm-driven rain, you need to invest in roof sarking.
Call Fremantle Roofing Services today, and ask for a free quote to install or repair roof sarking!
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