What is Thatch Roof?
Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes, heather, or palm branches, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof.
Since the bulk of the vegetation stays dry and is densely packed trapping air thatching also functions as insulation.
Thatch Roof Prices In South Africa
R400 – R600 / sqm. The final cost will depend on the size and complexity of your roof, the quality of the thatching material, and the experience and expertise of the chosen thatcher.
As for material, for each square meter, you will need about 95 bundles.
How long does a thatched roof last?
Between 15 and 40 years
What happens to a thatched roof when it rains?
Materials used in thatching such as water reed are naturally waterproof. The inside of the water reed is hollow, water is kept out by tight overlapping cells on the plant’s outer layers.
When enough of these plants are bundled together, the water simply cannot penetrate the material and will simply run away.
Do thatched roofs smell?
The first indication that the thatch is rotting comes when these reeds start to give off a nasty moldy smell.
What is the benefit of a thatch roof?
Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, so your home will stay warm when it’s cold outside and cool during the hot summer months.
In addition, this superb insulation enables you to save on electricity for heating and cooling. Durability. Thatched roofs typically last longer and are very durable.