Sarking and green building

roof-sarking

Sarking and its role in roofing systems

Sarking as an Insulation Layer

Breathable Sarking Materials

How Sarking Contributes to Green Building

Use sarking in your future projects

Sarking and its role in roofing systems

Sarking is a layer of material that is installed under roofing tiles to provide an extra layer of protection for the roof structure and the interior of the building. The material used for sarking can vary, but common options include fiberglass, polyethylene, and foil-backed paper.

The role of sarking in roofing systems is to provide an added barrier against moisture, heat, and cold. It helps to prevent water from penetrating the roof structure and causing damage to the rafters, trusses, and other structural components. Sarking also helps to improve the energy efficiency of the building by acting as an insulation layer, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Additionally, it can help to reduce the noise inside the building, by helping to dampen sound from outside.

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of green building, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of buildings by using fewer resources and reducing energy consumption. Energy efficiency can be achieved with energy-efficient appliances and systems, passive design, and renewable energy. The importance of energy efficiency in green building is that it helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, improves comfort for occupants and can save money on energy bills. It also helps to achieve the goal of net-zero energy buildings by producing as much energy as consumed.

Sarking as an Insulation Layer

Sarking is a layer of material, such as foil or fabric, which is applied to the underside of a roof. It acts as an insulation layer by reflecting heat in the summer and trapping it in the winter, reducing both heat loss and heat gain. This helps to keep the interior of a building at a more consistent temperature, which can lead to energy savings and increased comfort. Additionally, sarking can also provide a barrier against moisture, helping to prevent damage to the roof and the building’s structure.

The energy savings that can be achieved with sarking can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of sarking used, the climate, and the building’s construction. However, some estimates suggest that using sarking can lead to significant energy savings. For example:

Using reflective sarking can lead to a reduction in cooling energy use of up to 20% (Australian Government’s Your Home guide).
A study by the Building Science Corporation found that using reflective sarking in a hot-humid climate can reduce cooling energy use by up to 30%.
According to the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, using reflective sarking in a cold-temperate climate can reduce heating energy use by up to 15%.

A professional energy assessment of the building will provide more correct information on the energy savings that can be achieved with sarking.

Breathable Sarking Materials

Breathable sarking materials are designed to allow moisture vapor to pass through them, which can help prevent moisture build-up and condensation inside the building. When a building is not properly ventilated, moisture can become trapped inside, leading to condensation on walls, ceilings, and windows. This can cause mould, rot, and other types of damage. Breathable sarking materials allow moisture vapor to pass through the material, so that it can escape to the outside. This can help to prevent condensation from forming inside the building and can help to keep the interior of the building dry and free from moisture-related damage.

It’s important to note that breathable sarking materials should be used in combination with proper ventilation and air sealing to achieve optimal results. A building that is properly ventilated will help to prevent moisture build-up, and air sealing will help to prevent drafts, which can lead to condensation.

Breathable sarking materials can help to improve indoor air quality and overall comfort by allowing moisture vapor to pass through the material and escape to the outside. This can help to prevent moisture build-up and condensation inside the building, which can lead to mould, rot, and other types of damage. It also helps to keep the interior of the building dry, which can make it feel more comfortable.

Additionally, breathable sarking materials can also help to improve indoor air quality by allowing fresh air to enter the building. This can help to reduce the levels of indoor pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to human health.

Furthermore, when used in combination with proper ventilation and air sealing, breathable sarking materials can help to balance the indoor air pressure and prevent drafts, which can lead to discomfort and high energy consumption. All these factors can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

How Sarking Contributes to Green Building

Insulation: Sarking can act as an insulation layer, trapping heat in the winter and reflecting it in the summer, reducing both heat loss and heat gain. This can help to keep the interior of a building at a more consistent temperature, which can lead to energy savings and increased comfort.
Reflectivity: Reflective sarking materials can reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof, which can help to keep the building cooler in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Moisture protection: Sarking can provide a barrier against moisture, helping to prevent damage to the roof and the building’s structure, as well as reducing the risk of mould, rot, and other types of moisture-related damage.
Ventilation: Breathable Sarking materials can improve indoor air quality by allowing moisture vapor to pass through the material and escape to the outside, which can help to reduce the risk of condensation and mould. This can help to improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.

Economic Benefits of Green Building

Reduced building costs
Added market value
Increased water efficiency
Increased economic activity
Energy efficient practices
Longer lasting buildings

Certifications and building standards

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): LEED is a certification program that recognizes buildings that are designed and built to be energy-efficient and sustainable. Sarking materials can contribute to a building’s LEED certification by reducing energy consumption and improving indoor air quality.
Passive House: Passive House is a building standard that focuses on energy efficiency and comfort. Sarking materials can contribute to a building’s Passive House certification by providing insulation and reducing heat loss.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): BREEAM is a certification program that recognizes buildings that are designed and built to be energy-efficient and sustainable. Sarking materials can contribute to a building’s BREEAM certification by reducing energy consumption and improving indoor air quality.
BEEC (Building Energy Efficiency Certificate): BEEC is a document that provides information about the energy efficiency of a building. It is typically needed for commercial buildings in Australia, and it demonstrates that the building meets certain standards for energy efficiency.

Use sarking in your future projects

Sarking can help to reduce energy consumption, increase comfort, improve indoor air quality, and protect the building from moisture and other types of damage, which are all key aspects of green building and energy efficiency.

Incorporating sarking in future construction projects can be beneficial for both the environment and you, by reducing the building’s carbon footprint and energy consumption.

Additionally, using breathable sarking can also promote natural ventilation which can lead to further energy savings and a reduction in the use of mechanical systems.

Overall, using sarking in future construction projects is a smart choice for improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Architects, builders, and developers should consider including sarking in their plans to create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

AllCoast provide a sarking installation service

AllCoast provide a sarking installation service, this service can be done during a re-roof or roof restoration. Schedule your inspection today and get a free quote.