African Thatch DIY System

African Thatch The African thatch reed thatch tiles can be purchased separately for your own DIY thatch projects and are an excellent way of creating a thatched roof, but without the expense and time associated with traditional thatch.  To transform your Hotel, resort, entertainment area into a tropical paradise with african thatch reed tiles. Very quick and easy to install - no special tools or skills needed. The thatch tiles are installed in layered courses. The tiles are pre-fabricated and created around a do-it-yourself idea and therefore make construction a simple procedure. The tiles can be clipped onto an 8mm diameter steel rod, rope or nailed onto a wooden batten.  The natural insulating properties of African thatch offer excellent thermal efficiency, keeping the temperature 5-10 degrees cooler on hot summer days while retaining maximum internal heat in winter.

African Thatch Frequently Asked Questions

How long will an African thatch tile last?
6-10 years depending on the climate and other factors e.g. pitch of the roof etc.

Does the color of change when exposed to the sun and rain?
Yes, it’s a natural material and the color will change. It becomes darker with time.

What is the size of an African tile?
A standard African tile: 800mm x 450mm.

What overlap is recommended installing African thatch tiles?
100mm would be ideal but can be made larger if required.

How many tiles are required per square meter?
For every roof square meter 3.5 tiles is required.

What are the features of African thatch tiles?
• 5-10 Degrees cooler than any other shade.
• From a shader to a 100% waterproof.
• Cyclone rated and exceptionally durable.
• No maintenance, no shedding, no mildew.
• 100% U.V. Protection.
• African thatch tiles that will cover any size roof constructed at the correct angle.
• The thatch reed is replenish able and harvesting promotes growth.
• A natural eco friendly roof cover.

Can the tiles be used on existing structures?
These thatch reed tiles can be used outdoors on top of existing roofs to create a natural thatch roof appearance, or can be used on wood or steel frames such as umbrellas to create a tropical thatch umbrella which is 99% waterproof and will resist high wind loads.
African thatch tiles should only be used on existing structures with a roof pitch of +/- 30 degrees minimum.

What is the best way of installing these tiles on an exiting roof?
The tiles must be supported by a timber batten or an 8mm steel rod spaced 350mm apart.

Can standard African thatch tiles be used on hip roofs?
Can be applied to A-frame structures but not hips. Corner tiles would be required for hip roofs. The standard african thatch tile is the most commonly used tile and is used to cover the majority of all structures. The standard tile is mainly used to cover all straight and slightly curved sections on a roof structure.

What tool would be needed to install the tiles?
No industrial tools or skills are required when installing kits.

What are the tiles made of?
South African Cape Reed. (Thamnochortus Insignis)