What is a thatched roof?

A thatched roof is a type of roof traditionally made of dry grass, straw or reeds. It has been used in many parts of the world for centuries and is still common in rural areas today. Thatched roofs are extremely durable and can last for many years with proper care. Broadly speaking, there are two types of thatched roofs: natural and artificial. A natural thatched roof is made from dried grass, straw or reeds that are locally sourced. An artificial thatched roof is made of synthetic materials that mimic the look of natural thatched.

How long does a natural thatched roof last?

Generally, a natural thatched roof lasts between 15 and 15 years up to 30 years provided that all good maintenance practices are regularly followed and nothing goes wrong (such as a hurricane or other natural disaster). A neglected natural thatched roof can deteriorate very quickly without the risk of fire.

Advantages of Thatch Roofs

The advantage of having a thatched roof is that it provides the house with excellent insulation, this means that your home will stay warmer when its cold outside ad then cools during those hot summer South African days. An extra advantage is the superb insulation enables thatched house owners to save on electricity for heating and cooling. Thatched roofs are known for being great at keeping water out of your home, this is because that roofing materials are naturally waterproof so this means that they won’t become waterlogged and therefore seep into the inside of your house. Thatch roofs are made by piling the thatch on top of one another so that it then becomes impenetrable t rain and other elements. 
Thatched roofs are typically known to last longer and are very durable. This means that one can look at durability being another bonus to having a thatch roof. Contrary to popular opinion, a thatched roof lifespan may be as long as that of a standard roof. According to Heart of England Thatcher’s, they can last between 15 and 40 years if properly maintained. The ridge may need to be replaced more frequently; between 10 and 15 years

Other Advantages of Thatched Roofing