FAQs
Q. Do you need a plan.
A. Most municipalities require a plan to be submitted as well as a engineers drawing. We assist with both.
Q. What is the lifespan of thatch
A. Roofs should last 25 - 30 years if maintained properly and if installed by a reputable company that employs competent thatchers.
Q. What maintenance has to be carried out on a thatch roof.
A. New thatched roofs have to be brushed / combed after 18 months, thereafter every 4 - 5 years depending on weather conditions and climate. Combing breaks off all the dead points, ups compaction and aids water run off.
Q. Bird Damage
A. This is the single most common repair problem with all thatched roofs. Almost all bird damage is is in fact poor workmanship resulting from incorrect stitching underneath the capping.
Q. Male and female reed - which is better
A. Thatch reed contains both male and female plants, thus the male and female reed. The most attractive roofs are thatched with the female reed. The female reed is not inferior to the male reed as far as endurance is concerned.
Q. Insulation
A. Thatch is by far the best available insulator from nature, in the building industry. Warm in winter and cool in summer.
Q. Thatching falling out underneath capping.
A. this is due to incorrect stitching underneath the capping, most contractors cut off the reed at apex instead of bending and stitching the reed to alternate sides.
