GLOSSARY · ADELAIDE
Sarking
Plain English
A foil or membrane installed under roof tiles or metal sheeting, providing a secondary water barrier and condensation control.
Modern Adelaide homes (post-2000s) typically have sarking installed under the roof covering. Older homes may have no sarking at all, or perished sarking that no longer functions.
Sarking acts as a backup if the primary roof covering fails. It also reduces condensation in the roof void by separating warm internal air from cold roof surfaces.
Inspectors check sarking continuity in the roof void where accessible, looking for tears, gaps, or missing coverage at the eaves.