repairs on sarking

[angelique5]

I’m wondering if there’s any quick way to fix some of the sarking that’s disintegrating on my roof lining, someone suggested using chicken wire to hold it up and tape but I will need to repair it properly but just for now is there a way as I have no insulation and the house is super hot , I’ve just had roof repair on screws and gaps.  Downspouts etc but now I need to fix the inside until it can be replaced thanks 

 

 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @angelique5,

The advice you've already been given is the best solution until a time when it can be replaced.

You can use Ametalin 72mm x 50m Reinforced Insulation / Ducting Tape to seal the gaps between different lengths of sarking and use chicken wire attached to the roof structure to give it additional support.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @TedBear to see if they have any advice they can offer.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @angelique5 

In addition to @JacobZ recommendations, have you consider installing a couple of whirlybirds on the roof and a few ceiling vents to draw the living space heat up and into the ceiling space. The whirlybirds are an efficient way of allowing the trapped hot air to then escape the ceiling space and will make a noticeable difference in the living space. Decades ago I installed these in an old Queenslander I had on the Sunshine Coast. It didn't have any insulation in the roof space. That investment brought the house down about 5deg in the areas I installed the ceiling vents.

Of course, in addition to this is installing something like earth wool insulation batts. These will not only assist with cooling and heating of the home, but reduce your energy bills.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Evening @angelique5 

My first thought went to a form of Duct tapr for sarking, I didnt even get to go look and saw @JacobZ 's answer That would be the easiest for sure, with the chicken wire just a note of caution if you are dragging it around in the roof space as there are lighting/fan cabling that could be exposed, I generally turn off my power to my house when I jump up into the roof space just to be safe.

Dave

[angelique5]

Thanks for the info on products to buy and I was wondering can you buy sarking as well to patch the parts that have disintegrated I’m hoping I’ll soon be able to get to this once I have everything and ready to start , I already bought one of your work shop vacuums for cleaning up there hopefully it won’t be too difficult, thanks again 

[angelique5]

Thank you for your advice I really like the idea of them and looked at prices over the years it’s certainly just getting hotter and I’ve had quotes for insulation however it’s just not affordable yet. I would do it myself to save on costs and had taken measurements left out one so have to get measured again, other issues with rising damp mould subfloor have taken precedence for now but I’m working towards insulation next . It’s really good to be able to ask questions so I can think and plan ahead . 

[angelique5]

Good thinking!  I don’t always do that for quick photos or checking but it should be a regular habit for any roof investigations thanks for reminding me safety first. I’m going to write this in my notes, & make sure I am careful ( what about vacuuming to roof cavity how can I get around that one when I’d need to use power to do it , just avoiding lights ? maybe only turning those connections off if it’s possible possible I’m guessing?  I do usually read lots of different examples before attempting any DIY projects, most include safety 

I hope I can actually get through these repairs eventually , at least to a manageable level and not have so much to worry about , I appreciate everyone’s help with figuring out best ways to do things . Thank goodness for Bunnings community workshop it helps me feel more motivated, to not give up , you guys are gold 💫

[Dave-1]

Morning @angelique5 

Maybe turn the power off while you are installing the chicken wire and lugging stuff around and then once you are set up and checked for no wires exposed then get someone to turn the power on while you use the vacuum cleaner? Is it just dust and leaves you are vacumming? Id be tempted to use a dustpan and brush tho my house has no sarking and ther is a LOT of leaves and dust up there So maybe id change my mind if I had to do something in the ceiling space

And yeah I have to agree the community really does keep me motivated as well Scary because if I ask a question then I have to follow through and attempt the issue So many times I drag my feet over a hard part of a job and sometimes I just need that "push" to get it moving again.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @angelique5,

There are plenty of options for sarking, however, it would be difficult to do a full-scale repair from the ceiling cavity as it is usually installed from the top of the roof over the roof battens.

You could patch repair locations that are torn, but there's no guarantee it will be fully effective.

As @Dave-1 has mentioned, it's important you put safety at the front of your mind. Turn off the power and ensure you wear a mask, gloves, long protective clothing and eye protection while working in the roof cavity.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

A note for our New Zealand Readers - Foil-faced insulation has been banned for use in New Zealand.

[TedBear]

Hi @angelique5 , I think @Dave-1 was referring mostly to the chicken wire regarding having all the power off, since it has heaps of fine wire ends that get into everything when you are handling it. It would be easy for it to make contact with an electrical connection without you seeing it happen. When vacuuming the hose is generally plastic and none conductive, and you will be watching where it goes. You can turn power off to the lights, which will reduce risk, but there may be some general power up there too. In that case it shouldn't have any exposed connections, but if you can, just leave one power circuit on that the vacc is plugged into and turn off the rest.