Sarking Tape — Roof Membrane Sealing Tape in Sydney

What is Sarking Tape?

Sarking tape, also called roof membrane tape or foil tape, is a purpose-made adhesive tape engineered to bond directly to sarking membranes, building foil, and wall wrap products. Unlike general-purpose tapes, sarking tape uses a UV-stable adhesive system that holds under the temperature extremes of a roof space: extreme heat in summer, cold in winter, and ongoing moisture exposure throughout.

It is a required component in any correctly installed sarking or wall wrap system. Without it, joins between sarking sheets are unsealed, creating pathways for moisture ingress that can cause structural damage, mould, and insulation failure over time.

Specifications

Contact our Dural team at (02) 9651 1055 to confirm current stock and dimensions.

What is Sarking Tape Used For?

Sarking tape is used wherever two sections of roof sarking or wall wrap membrane overlap. Its job is to create a continuous, airtight seal across the membrane, preventing moisture, wind-driven rain, and condensation from bypassing the sarking layer at the joins.

Roof Sarking Joins

Sarking sheets are laid horizontally across rafters with a minimum 150mm overlap between rows. Sarking tape is applied along the full length of each overlap, sealing the laps into a single continuous barrier. This is the primary application and the reason sarking tape exists as a distinct product category.

Wall Wrap Installation

Wall wrap membranes installed in timber and steel-framed buildings require the same lap-sealing treatment as roof sarking. Sarking tape bonds reliably to most wall wrap substrates, including perforated and non-perforated reflective foil laminate.

Penetration Sealing

Where pipes, cables, or structural elements penetrate the sarking membrane, sarking tape is used to seal the membrane tight against the penetration, preventing moisture from tracking through the gap.

Works alongside: Lead (flashing), Malthoid, Plastic Orange builders film

How to Install Sarking Tape on a Roof

Installing sarking tape correctly takes less than a minute per join. Follow these steps:

1. Lay the lower row of sarking sheets first, running horizontally across the rafters.
2. Lay the upper row, overlapping the lower row by at least 150mm (check your sarking manufacturer's specification as some require more).
3. Ensure both surfaces at the overlap are dry and free of dust or debris.
4. Peel the backing from the sarking tape and apply it along the full length of the overlap, centred on the join.
5. Press firmly along the full length, working from one end to the other to avoid air pockets.
6. At any end joins (where two sheets meet on the same row), apply tape over the vertical join as well, maintaining the overlap and seal.

Tip: In cold weather, warm the tape slightly before application; the adhesive performs best above 10°C.

Sarking Tape vs Foil Tape: What's the Difference?

Sarking tape is specifically formulated for membrane-to-membrane bonding on roof sarking and wall wrap applications. Its adhesive is matched to the surface chemistry of these membranes and is engineered to hold under the thermal cycling and moisture conditions of a roof space.

Foil tape is a broader product category used in HVAC ductwork, insulation batts, and general building applications. While some foil tapes may work on sarking in a pinch, they are not a like-for-like substitute — adhesion failure in a roof space is hard to detect and expensive to repair.

If you are sealing roof sarking or wall wrap, use sarking tape. It is the right product for the job.

What is Sarking Tape Not Suitable For?

Sarking tape is not designed as a structural adhesive. It seals membrane joins; it does not replace mechanical fixings (staples, clouts, or battens) that hold the sarking sheet to the roof structure.

It is also not a waterproofing membrane in its own right. It works as part of a correctly installed sarking system. Applied over damaged, torn, or incorrectly laid sarking, tape alone will not resolve the underlying installation problem.

For bonding dissimilar materials (such as metal to timber, or flashing to masonry), see our Lead flashing and Malthoid range.

Martins Building & Landscape Supplies has supplied Sydney builders, roofers, and owner-builders with the materials they need since 1970. We stock sarking tape alongside Lead flashing, Malthoid, and the full range of roofing and building products you need for a compliant install.

Pick up from our Dural yard — 272–274 New Line Road, Dural NSW 2158
Mon–Fri: 6am–5pm | Sat: 6:30am–2pm | Closed Sundays and Public Holidays

Sydney delivery available — same-day subject to availability.

Call us to confirm: 📞 (02) 9651 1055

Frequently Asked Questions