natural thatch roofing

FAQs About Thatched Roof Materials

August 27, 2013

Interesting FAQs about Natural and Synthetic Thatched Roof Materials

This article will answer the top questions about thatched roof materials when talking with a client about adding natural or synthetic thatched roof materials to their home or business.

What is palm thatch?

Palm Thatch is created from tightly woven and intertwined commercial-grade palm leaves. When cut and installed while the leaves are still green, it creates a waterproof barrier commonly used on homes, tiki huts, and specifically for gazebo thatch roofing. Products are available as palm thatch rolls and palm thatch panels.  Both are very easy to install and are environmentally friendly.

Many people who desire a more rustic look or eco-friendly material opt for thatched roofing.

Why should you use thatch for a roof?

There are a number of reasons why thatched roof materials are so popular. Not only does it have a positive impact on the environment, but it also has a unique elegance.

Thatch roofs can be used for residential or commercial purposes and provide an exotic and relaxing vibe to any structure.

Unsure which type of thatch to use:

Why is thatch eco-friendly?

When we say thatch is “eco-friendly,” we mean that it is 100% natural and is woven into a finished form. Unlike other roofing materials, chemical treatments and toxic substances are not needed to produce a natural thatch roof.

Other traditional roofs require layers of materials to insulate and protect the structure beneath effectively. This layering is not necessary with thatch. It is naturally waterproof when properly woven and provides insulation on its own.

How do Natural Thatch Reed Panels shed rain?

Thatch Reed Panels are made from a natural thatch reed found in Africa, which is bonded together with a flexible urethane top strip. This technique forms a tough and virtually waterproof thatch panel or thatch shingle.

The outer layer of the reed has a natural waxy coating that beads moisture. When it is installed at angles larger than 35 degrees gravity pulls the moisture down the reed’s shaft and prevents it from soaking into the thatch.

Will my home hold its value with a thatched roof?

Homes using thatched roof materials tend to have a higher selling price than similar homes with tile or slate roofing!

Thatch roofs are also common and effective in commercial settings like restaurants, hotels, and pubs, which tend to be attractive to guests.

A thatch roof is a signal that “relaxation happens here”. It’s the perfect vibe for a home, vacation spot or bar.

Are thatched roof materials thermally efficient?

One of the best things about thatch is that it is thermally efficient. Shade structures created with thatch are 5-10% cooler than those built with regular shade materials.

Conventional roofing tends to trap heat and moisture, but thatch roofs are self-sufficient ventilation systems!

Why does using thatched roof materials benefit the environment?

amaZulu, Inc. has hand-selected manufacturers who produce eco-friendly, high-quality natural architectural materials. Our selection presents a dynamic list of options when considering the environment.

At amaZulu, Inc., we extend our legacy beyond business to the community when we partner with domestic and international organizations that create economic opportunities to reduce poverty. We help improve the lives of the people who grow and produce our products.

What are the benefits of Synthetic Thatch?

  • A long lifecycle reduces the per-year cost of your projects.
  • Recyclability helps the environment and can contribute to LEED points.
  • Can be treated with Fire Retardant to increase safety.
  • Sun resistance keeps your facility looking new.
  • A product you can trust.

Are you ready to thatch?

If you’re interested in using thatch roofing materials for commercial use, we would love to help you! amaZulu, Inc. offers high-quality thatch products for all of your theme park, water park and zoo projects.

You can count on us to be your supplier of choice. We will gladly offer you recommendations for Natural thatch or Synthetic thatch. Whichever works best with your project.

Contact us today for more information or give us a call toll-free at 877-243-5309.

Related content for thatch roof materials:

How It’s Made: Synthetic Thatch Roofing

A Look at the History of Thatched Roofing

Why Thatch Is Becoming The Go-To Roofing Choice For Backyards

Benefits of Building with Thatched Roofs