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Frequent asked questions about thatching.
Thatching is a traditional method used to build a roof with dry vegetation such as cape reed. Grown locally in abundance, thatch is an eco-friendly roofing option. Since the bulk of the vegetation stays dry and is densely packed—trapping air—thatching also functions as a sustainable insulation, moderating the building's temperature.
No, we use fire blankets woven into the thatch.
With regular maintenance, there is no danger.
We also offer the option to install a thatch drenching system.
This can be automated so that you can manage it anywhere in the world or we can install a more economical fire sprinkling system.
Ask us about the best insurance for your roof at an affordable price if you want extra cover.
This will depend on the location and conditions. Speak to us about your particular roof and we can guide you on best practices and a maintenance schedule.
Yes, they have been used for centuries. Not only are they great insulation, keeping your home moderate but it is also eco-friendly.
It can last about 20-60 years, depending on site, condition, angle and maintenance schedule.
Yes. We install fire blankets and can offer a thatch drenching system if need be.
Yes, we work around the rain and close off the sections with tarpaulin sheets to ensure that it stays dry.
Yes, we can remove and re-thatch if need be, or portions of it.
This depends on the maintenance schedule and location.
It is best to hire a trained professional to install your thatch.
The life of a thatch roof is dependent on a number of factors.
The quality of the grass used, the angle at which the roof is constructed and climatic conditions. Thatch will last far longer in a climate that is either hot and dry or cool and damp. Should the climate be hot (30° plus) and high humidity, the conditions for fungal growth is good and leads to deterioration of the roof in a far shorter time. An average life span for the thatch layer under normal climatic conditions in SA is approximately 20 - 60 years.
Thatch maintenance:
Re-compacting after three years - this means pushing the grass back in the opposite direction it has moved over time. By re-compacting the grass, the brittle end points are broken off allowing for better water run-off, but at the same time thinning the thatch.
Timber maintenance:
No maintenance is required for the timber. All our timber is SABS C.C.A. treated and is therefore insect repellant and guaranteed against rotting.
A team of three men under normal working conditions will thatch between seven and ten square meters of surface area per day. A normal domestic house roof of 350 m² roof area would take 6 teams about seven days to thatch.
Yes. Thatched roofs are completely waterproof. This is possible because of the minimum pitch of 45°, and because the thatching reed is packed to a density of approximately 35 kg/m² throughout the roof. These elements work together to provide a roof that is not only beautiful, but watertight.
We employ two methods to achieve fire retardation, namely:
Our fire retardant thatching methods enables our clients to enjoy special insurance rates, making insurance affordable and on par with normal roofing insurance.
If the roof and especially ridges and gables are constructed and thatched correctly, thatch roofs can withstand severe wind and storm conditions.
Thatch roofs occasionally do harbour insects. Very often as a result of insects laying eggs on the grass prior to thatching and occasionally while the building is inhabited. Use of a good insecticide is recommended on these occasions. The exterior of the roof is subject to damage by baboons and monkeys. This damage is alleviated by covering the entire thatch surface with galvanised wire netting.
Yes, all thatch roofs do go black. The discolouration is due to rot. Good thatch surface texture blackens more rapidly than poor surface texture due to less exposure of the grass stem. The climate also determines the rate of rot.
Cape Thatch Reed lasts much longer than grass (4x longer).
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