If you are considering planning your own thatch or limpet roof, or purchasing a thatched home, you should consider the following aspects, which may be vital to you for years to come.

Thatching has been practiced around the world for many years in different countries in different ways. When thinking of thatch, people almost always think of the negatives, however much has been done to rectify this in the industry. Our aim is to provide you with a general introduction to the thatch roofing trade in South Africa so that you can gain some knowledge of the trade in order to appreciate the value of a “good thatch”.

There are thatched roof structures in South Africa that have lasted for many years with the correct construction techniques used and maintenance performed, and there are many other thatched roofs that simply exist or are rotting away. We believe this is due to a lack of knowledge of good thatch roofing practices in the market. We strive to provide you with knowledge of thatch roofing in general so that you can make informed decisions about your limpet or thatch roof.

We like to compare thatching to the construction industry in general. As you get cheap products with inferior qualities and features, you also get expensive products with good features and characteristics. The fact is that one gives you peace of mind for many years and the other can give you peace of mind for only a relatively short time, and will cost you an arm and a leg to maintain. Straw doesn’t have to be an expensive liability. Regular maintenance will extend its life and maintain its attractive appearance and investment value, but good advice and expert workmanship is essential.

Due to the diversity of thatched roofs, there are many factors that go into building a proper thatched roof. The foundation of any thatch roof must be planned and executed correctly to obtain the desired end product, as the lifespan of a thatch roof is directly related to the correct design, quality materials, and good workmanship. Expertly applied and maintained straw is cool in summer and hot in winter. Its excellent insulating properties and consequent energy conservation can represent considerable savings in electricity costs.