What is Roof Sarking?

Roof sarking is a type of membrane that is installed underneath the roofing material and above the building's structural framing. It is typically made from a thin, pliable material such as foil, paper, or synthetic fabric. Roof sarking serves as an additional layer of protection against the elements and can help to increase the energy efficiency of a building.

Improved weather protection

Roof sarking helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the roof, reducing the risk of damage to the building's structural framing and other components.

Increased energy efficiency

By reflecting radiant heat away from the roof, sarking can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters the building, which can lead to lower cooling costs in the summer.

Enhanced fire protection

Some types of sarking are designed to be fire-resistant, which can help to reduce the risk of fire damage to the building.

Noise reduction

Depending on the material used, sarking can help to reduce the amount of outside noise that enters the building, providing a quieter interior environment.

Advantages of Roof Sarking

Roof Sarking Products

PerformINS Metal Roof Sarking

PerformINS Metal Roof Sarking is manufactured to the highest industry standards. Our specialised manufacturing process bonds together Aluminium Foil to a high strength reinforcing Polymer mesh using a flame retardant adhesive. Our Reinforcing Polymer Mesh is purposely treated blue in colour to reduce reflective glare problems when installing roof products.

  • Satisfy BCA specifications and requirements for Reflective Foil Laminates

  • Complies with the specifications and requirements of AS/NZS 4200.1 for “Pliable Building Membranes” which is a manual recognised by the BCA Part 3.5 Roof and Cladding

  • Low Flammability Index in accordance with AS 1530.2 < 5

  • Satisfy BCA Part 3.7.1 Fire Hazard Properties

  • Satisfy Health & Safety Regulations

Sisalation Roof Sarking Products

Sisalation® Metal Roof Sarking

  • Sisalation® Metal Roof is a reinforced, pliable building membrane designed for use as sarking under residential and commercial metal roofs.

  • Manages condensation in roof spaces, improving the overall moisture control of a building.

  • By acting as an effective secondary skin, Sisalation® Metal Roof minimises draughts and allows bulk wall insulation to perform more effectively.

  • The foil-paper composition of Sisalation® Metal Roof Sarking reduces the level of noise generated in metal roofs, improving the acoustic ambience of the building.

  • When sealed, Sisalation® Metal Roof protects the building frame by minimising the amount of rain and dust wind blows into the roof.

  • When installed adjacent to an air cavity, Sisalation® Metal Roof contributes to the overall Total R-value of a building, providing increased comfort to building occupants.

  • Sisalation® Metal Roof is suitable for use in bushfire areas with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 0 – 40 in accordance with AS 3959-2009.

Sisalation® Tuff Wrap

  • Sisalation® Tuff Wrap is a renowned reflective wall wrap membrane designed to protect homes and buildings against radiant heat.

  • Sisalation® Tuff Wrap is exceptionally strong, providing reliable protection against radiant heat.

  • When installed adjacent to an air cavity, Sisalation® Tuff Wrap contributes to the overall Total R-value of a building, providing increased comfort to building occupants.

  • Sisalation® Tuff Wrap minimises the amount of moisture absorbed by the frame during construction, helping to maintain the integrity of the building.

  • By acting as an effective secondary skin, Sisalation® Tuff Wrap minimises draughts within wall cavities, allowing bulk wall insulation to perform more effectively.

  • Sisalation® Tuff Wrap allows internal building works to commence once the roof has been installed, allowing for expedited project completion.

  • Sisalation® Tuff Wrap is suitable for use in bushfire areas with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 0 – FZ in accordance with AS 3959-2009.

Sisalation® Tile Roof Sarking

Sisalation® Tile Roof Sarking is a pliable building membrane that provides robust protection under concrete and terracotta tile roofs, excluding slate.

  • It shields buildings against radiant heat

  • Enhances the overall Total R-value of a structure, and improves comfort for occupants when installed next to an air cavity.

  • This sarking also resists puncturing and tearing during roof tile installation, preventing rain ingress, especially when tiles are cracked or damaged.

  • Safeguards against moisture content fluctuations of timber trusses, minimising the possibility of nail plate pull-out.

  • Acts as a secondary skin for buildings to reduce draughts and maximize the effectiveness of bulk wall insulation. Sealing the sarking provides further protection to the building frame by preventing the wind from blowing in rain and dust.

  • It is suitable for use in bushfire areas with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 0 – 40, compliant with AS 3959-2009 standards

  • Australian made

Sisalation® Foam Cell Multipurpose

  • 3-in-1 multipurpose sarking solution: insulation + thermal break + vapour barrier with Group 2 fire hazard property rating

  • Advanced thermal performance reflecting up to 95% radiant heat, allowing for cooler internal conditions in hot and humid climates.

  • Assists in condensation management in roof spaces.

  • Suitable for use as a thermal break for steel framed constructions in accordance with NCC requirements.

  • Appropriate for use in a range of commercial and residential building applications including applications where a Group Number is required, and fire test results are needed for compliance.

  • Maximum durability and increased tear resistance.

  • Aids in the prevention of condensation.

  • Allows for easy and rapid installation.

  • Includes a 150mm foil flap to maximise coverage and minimise taping.

  • Multipurpose sarking is suitable for use in roofs with a bus.

Sisalation® Foam Cell Multipurpose LT

  • Multipurpose sarking is an ideal solution for residential and commercial applications where a Group Number fire hazard property rating is not necessary.

  • The advanced thermal performance of multipurpose sarking reflects up to 95% of radiant heat, allowing for cooler internal conditions in hot and humid climates.

  • Multipurpose sarking aids in the prevention of condensation, helping to maintain the integrity of the building.

  • Multipurpose sarking allows for easy and rapid installation, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.

  • The anti-glare coating on one side of the sarking provides added safety during installation.

  • Multipurpose sarking includes a 150mm foil flap to maximise coverage and minimise taping, ensuring maximum durability and increased tear resistance.

  • Multipurpose sarking is suitable for use as a thermal break for steel framed constructions in accordance with NCC requirements.

  • Multipurpose sarking is suitable for use in roofs with a bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sarking the Same as Insulation?
No, roof sarking and insulation are not the same thing. While both products can help to improve a building's energy efficiency, they serve different purposes. Roof sarking is installed directly underneath the roof covering to provide an additional layer of protection against the elements and help reflect radiant heat away from the roof. Insulation, on the other hand, is typically installed in the walls, ceiling, or floor of a building to help regulate the temperature and reduce heat loss or gain.
Does Sarking Reduce Heat?
Yes, roof sarking can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters a building by reflecting radiant heat away from the roof. This can help to keep the interior of the building cooler in the summer, which can lead to lower cooling costs. Additionally, some types of sarking are designed to be thermally reflective, which can further enhance their heat-reducing properties.
Does Roof Sarking Insulation Have an R-value?
If you're looking to improve the insulation of your building, it's recommended to use a combination of sarking and traditional insulation materials for the best results.

‍Roof sarking is not typically considered insulation, so it doesn't have an R-value like traditional insulation materials. R-value is a measure of the material's ability to resist the flow of heat, and it's commonly used to rate the effectiveness of insulation products. However, some types of sarking materials can provide some thermal resistance, which can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters the building.
Is Roof Sarking Necessary?
While roof sarking is not always required by building codes, it can provide several benefits for your building. Sarking helps to provide an additional layer of protection against the elements, including wind-driven rain and moisture. It can also help to reflect radiant heat away from the roof, which can lead to lower cooling costs and increased energy efficiency.

Furthermore, some types of sarking materials can provide added benefits such as fire resistance and noise reduction.
Can You Put Sarking in an Existing Roof?
Yes, it's possible to install sarking in an existing roof. However, the process can be more complicated than installing sarking in a new roof, as it may require removing the existing roof covering to access the roof framing. It's recommended to consult with a professional roofing contractor to determine the feasibility of installing sarking in your existing roof, and to ensure that the installation is done correctly to provide maximum benefits.