A second line of defence beneath your roof tiles.
Sarking is a reflective, water-resistant membrane laid over the roof frame, under the tiles or sheets. It reflects radiant heat, catches wind-driven rain and dust, and helps manage condensation.
- Every job includes
- Reflective foil-faced membrane
- Correct overlaps and drainage to gutters
- Broken tile replacement during relay
- Roof space tidy-up
Understanding roof sarking
Many older Melbourne homes were built without sarking. In a north-westerly or a summer heatwave, you feel it: hot ceilings, dust in the roof space, and the odd drip when rain is blown under tiles.
Sarking is most practical to fit when tiles are already off, during a re-roof, extension or major restoration, but we can also retro-fit it by lifting and relaying tiles in sections. We will explain which approach suits your roof and what it involves before you commit.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- 01Ceilings feel hot on summer afternoons
- 02Dust or leaf matter in the roof space
- 03Drips during storms with no obvious broken tile
- 04Condensation under a metal roof
- 05You are re-roofing or extending
- 06You want to improve comfort alongside insulation
How we do it, step by step
You will know what is happening on your roof at every stage. We share photos as we go so nothing is hidden behind the gutter line.
See our work in the galleryRoof space inspection
We check framing, existing insulation and access.
Lift tiles or sheets
Tiles are lifted and stacked, or sheets removed, in manageable sections.
Lay sarking
Membrane is laid with correct overlaps and drape so water drains into the gutter.
Battens & relay
Battens are fixed and tiles relaid, replacing any broken ones.
Seal & check
Ridges and edges are checked and the roof space inspected from inside.
Good to know
Best with insulation
Sarking reflects radiant heat; ceiling insulation slows conducted heat. Together they work best.
Timing
If you are planning a restoration or re-roof, adding sarking at the same time saves on labour.
Bushfire areas
Sarking forms part of ember protection requirements in some bushfire areas. Ask us about your site.
Roof Sarking FAQs
Can sarking go in without replacing the whole roof?
Yes, by lifting and relaying tiles. It is more labour-intensive than during a re-roof, which your quote will reflect.
Is sarking the same as insulation?
No. It is a reflective barrier and moisture layer, and it complements insulation rather than replacing it.
Does it help in winter?
It reduces draughts and dust through the roof and helps manage condensation.
Book a roof sarking inspection
- 1Send your details
Use the form, call, or message us on WhatsApp. A suburb and a sentence about the problem is plenty.
- 2We get in touch
A real person from our team calls to understand the job and book a time to look at it.
- 3Inspection & written quote
We inspect, show you what we found, and give you a clear written quote. No pressure, no obligation.
Request a quote
Fields marked * are required.
Other services
We work across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Check the areas we serve.