One question we often get from Contractors and Builders about sarking is: am I using the right wall sarking on my building?

It’s a good question, especially because the Australian legal requirements have changed over the last few years. It’s important to ensure that you’re using the right one for your construction project.

Here’s a guide to provide you with some assistance.

What is wall sarking?

Wall sarking is a flexible, pliable membrane which acts as a ‘wall wrap’ (which it is sometimes called) to help protect against the elements and provide greater insulation.

What wall sarking do you need?

It depends on what Construction Certificate has been approved for your project.

There are two main certificates that determine which wall sarking you require.

1. 2016 Construction Site Certificate

If your project has a 2016 Construction Site Certificate, then you require a sarking product that is suitable for use in a non-combustible external wall construction in accordance to National Construction Code (NCC) 2016, Volume 1, Building Code of Australia (BCA) Amendment 1 Section C1.9.

Generally speaking, this applies to projects where the application for a construction certificate was lodged prior to the 1st of May 2019.

Wall sarking suitable for use in a non-combustible external wall is a heavy-duty wall wrap made up of a layer of woven glass fabric with aluminium foil laminate designed to provide protection against water and offer insulation properties in commercial wall applications.

In all Construction Sites with a 2016 Certificate, the sarking must comply with the ‘deemed to satisfy’ requirements of BCA 2016 Amendment 1 Clause C1.9.

For these requirements, you should check out the Bradford Thermoseal Firespec, which you can order through Network Architectural here.

Thermoseal Firespec

View the datasheet for Thermoseal Firespec here.

You may also find this chart useful in determining which product is best suited for your project:

2. Construction Site Certificates post 1^st May 2019

As of the 1st of May 2019, all Construction Certificates approved in accordance with the NCC 2019, now have new exclusions for sarking-type materials.

Clause C1.9 (e) (vi) states that sarking-type materials which do not exceed 1mm in thickness and have a Flammability Index not greater than 5, may be used where a non-combustible material is required in Type A and B construction.

This permits you to select wall sarking options that have more of vapour permeable membrane to address condensation issues such as mould because it allows walls to ‘breathe’. This ensures that condensation does not present a risk to building occupants.

For this kind of project, the below products are ideal, which you can order through Network Architectural here.

Enviroseal RW

View the datasheet for Enviroseal RW here.

Enviroseal CW

View the datasheet for Enviroseal CW here.

You may also find this chart useful in determining which product is best suited for your project:

Do you want to know more about wall sarking products?

Just like you, we believe in using high-quality building materials which are compliant, safe and cost-effective. At Network Architectural, we stock all of the wall sarking products you need for your project.

The above information is just general. You can find the full technical sheet here.

If you would like more personalised assistance about wall sarking or you would like to place an order, contact us today on 13 71 75 or send us a message.

Our team of building supplies and architectural experts will be happy to help.