African Cape Reed Thatch Tiles
African cape reed thatch is primarily recognised for its sheer aesthetic beauty. Cape reed thatch has been used for hundreds of years on literally millions of building throughout Africa and the rest of the world.
Our thatch tiles are made from the highest quality cape thatching reed. The natural thatch tiles have been expertly woven and bound together. This time proven process not only produces an authentic roof that looks stunning, but most importantly it requires no maintenance and has a typical life span of around 20 years. Cape thatching reed is a totally natural, environmentally friendly product. The thatching reed is harvested from a replenishable, renewable source, and is exclusively obtained from South Africa's oldest thatch farm.
The African cape reed thatch tiles can be purchased separately for your own projects and are an excellent way of creating a thatched roof, but without the expense and time associated with traditional thatch. Being a totally eco friendly, natural product, the thatch will blend in perfectly with any surrounding and are ideal for a wide variety of indoor or outdoor uses. For example they can be used to cover existing structures or provide an alternative finish on a new project. Cape reed thatch tiles are flexible and versatile. They will cover any area, whether it is flat, curved or irregularly shaped. The South African cape reed thatch tiles offer a unique do it yourself thatching system, which are easy to install, durable and long lasting.
Whether you are developing or renovating, if you are aiming for an atmosphere of luxury and tranquillity, our thatch tiles are the perfect way to bring your ideas to life. Cape thatching reed is the perfect product to use in all climates. Its natural insulating properties offer excellent thermal efficiency, keeping the temperature cooler in summer while retaining maximum internal heat in winter. Cape reed tiles provide maximum UV protection and they are 99% water-proof. They can also withstand high velocity winds.
Thatch Tile Components:
Only the highest quality African cape thatching reed is selected and pre-cut into lengths of 420mm. A binding strip, which consists of polycarbonate sheeting and polyurethane mixture, is then used to secure the thatching reed to form a thatch tile. The polyurethane mixture ensures that no strands of thatch can be pulled out.
Standard Thatch Tile:
The standard 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.
Standard Tile Dimensions: 420mm long x 800mm wide x 25mm thick
Heavy Thatch Tile:
The heavy thatch tile is a more denser tile and contains approximately 40% more thatching reed than a standard tile. It can be used in place of the standard tile when a heavier look is required. The heavy tile is also used to provide additional cover when the curvature of a roof becomes slightly more acute. For example: This tile is used to cover the 2nd row from the top of a circular or oval structure.
Heavy Tile Dimensions: 420mm long x 800mm wide x 35mm thick
Extra Heavy Thatch Tile:
The extra heavy thatch tile is our thickest tile and contain approximately 60% more reed than a standard tile. The extra heavy thatch tile is used to provide coverage when the curvature of a roof is very acute. For example: This tile is used to cover the very top row, just below the top cone, of a circular or oval structure.
Heavy Tile Dimensions: 420mm long x 800mm wide x 40mm thick
Top Thatch Cone:
The top cone forms a cap on the top of a circular, square, hexagonal or octagonal roof.
Corner Thatch Tile:
The corner thatch tile is used to close of the end of a 90 degree corner on a square or rectangular roof structure.
Ridge Thatch Tile:
The ridge thatch tile is used to cap the top of a ridge section on an oval or rectangular roof structure.
Ridge End Thatch Tile:
The ridge end thatch tile is used to cover each ridge end on an oval or rectangular roof structure.
Thatch Tile Installation:
Cape reed thatch tiles are very versatile and flexible, they are also quick and easy to install.
Installation on a Metal Roof Frame:
The African Thatch Company manufacture a wide range of circular, oval and square lightweight tubular metal roof frames specifically designed to support the African cape reed thatch tiles. The roof frames consist of a series of 8mm tubular bars running at 320mm (12.5`) intervals. The bars are positioned so that the thatch tiles have a 100mm (4`) uniform overlap. Each thatch tile has a series of clips bound into the polyurethane binding strip at the top of the tile. The thatch tiles are simply clipped onto 8mm tubular bars and installed in layered courses starting from the bottom. The frame is virtually invisible from underneath and all the thatch tiles are clearly visible from the inside.
Installation on a Wooden Frame:
Alternatively the thatch tiles can be either clipped onto an 8mm diameter sturdy rope or nailed directly onto wooden battens. Once again the tiles are installed in layered courses. The rope or wooden battens should be placed approximately 320mm (12.5`)from each other. This allows for a recommended 100mm (4`) uniform tile overlap. In the case of the wooden battens, the thatch tiles are either nailed or stapled directly through the reinforced polyurethane binding strip into the wooden battens. Installation can be made in straight or gently rounded lines. For gently rounded structures the sturdy rope option is recommended.
Roof Pitch
The recommended pitch for exterior roof applications is 30°.
Thatch Tile Fire Retardant
If required our African thatch tiles can be pre treated with a specialist thatching chemical fire retardant.
Thatch Tile Coverage
As a general guideline, a roof structure will require approximately 4 thatch tiles to cover one square metre. Should you require assistance on the exact amount of tiles required for your own project, please do not hesiate to Contact Us. We are more than happy to offer detailed help and advice regarding home construction. We are also able to supply a range of specialist fixing including: ropes, screws, eyelets and staples to assist with your own construction projects.
Thatch Tile Installation Service:
At the African Thatch Company we employ our own team of highly trained fitters and we will be only too pleased to quote for supplying and installing thatch tiles to your own individual requirements.
Aditional Information:
The Benefits Of African Cape Reed ThatchThatching Chemical Fire Retardant
African Cape Reed Thatch Tiles:
