When you want a distinctive look, natural thatch is a fantastic choice. Visually interesting, sustainable, environmentally responsible and cost-effective, it’s a material with real appeal. It’s also delightfully varied, so if you have seen one natural thatch, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ve seen them all. There are several intriguing possibilities when it comes to natural thatch roofing material. Which one is best for your project?
Types of Natural Thatch Roofing Material
Mexican Palm Thatch Capes
Crafted from natural palm leaves, a Mexican palm thatch cape features rich textures and gorgeous color variations that deliver a tropical feel. This green building material will last indefinitely indoors, so it’s perfect for interior projects.
A few questions we receive about Mexican Palm Thatch Capes are:
- What about exterior settings? Like any natural thatch, exposure to the elements will shorten its lifespan. However, it will last a year or two in outdoor applications.
- Is fire safety a concern? These capes can be treated with a fire retardant.
- How easy is installation? Installation is simple. Sold in square sheets that cover an area equal to 12 square feet, the capes can be easily cut to fit a specific space.
Tahiti Thatch
Sturdy Tahiti roofing thatch offers a more muscular profile than Mexican palm thatch capes do. Made from tough desert palm leaves fastened into panels that are 2 inches thick, this thatched roofing material generates a rustic, chunky look. A few highlights of Tahiti thatch roofing:
- It can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Tahiti thatch is 98 percent waterproof and better at resisting the elements.
- While it will fare better in drier climates, it can withstand a fair amount of humidity and moisture. In fact, you can generally expect it to last for five or six years when used outside.
- A single panel offers 3 square feet of coverage and provides the flexibility needed to fit the product to round straight or undulating surfaces.
- If desired, the thatched roofing panels can be treated with a fire retardant.
Thatch Reed Panels
If your vision calls for a more refined silhouette, thatch reed panels from Africa may be just what the designer ordered. Instead of palm leaves, these thatched roofing panels utilize reed poles. The result is a smoother profile that glows with beautiful color variations and eco-friendly appeal. Our favorite features of thatch reed panels:
- The thatch reeds used in these panels have a natural waxy coating that prompts moisture to bead. When they are installed properly, the reed panels easily shed moisture, creating a waterproof roof.
- You can expect a thatch reed panel used outside to last for four to five years.
- The reeds are bonded together at the top of the strip with a flexible polyurethane mixture before being reinforced with shade cloth to produce thatch roof panels.
- Each thatch reed panel covers 2.5 square feet and can be tailored to specific dimensions.
So Many Choices for Natural Thatch Roofing
As you can see, there are choices when it comes to selecting natural thatch roofing materials. Which natural thatch roofing material is right for your project? Let amaZulu Inc. help you figure that out.
Additional Natural Thatch Roofing Material articles:
- The Ultimate Guide for Natural Thatched Roofing Materials
- When Thatch Repairs Won’t Work, and You Need a Thatch Roof Replacement
- Choosing the Right Sustainable Building Materials for Your Next Project
We’ve searched the globe to find the best construction-grade green building products from responsible growers and manufacturers. amaZulu is a global African Reed Thatch and Mexican Palm Thatch supplier. We take pleasure in providing these top-quality materials to zoos, theme parks, water parks, resorts, and other entertainment and hospitality venues. Contact us today at 877-243-5309 to explore the full range of our innovative offerings.
