ADVERTORIAL
Here the layer between the inner and outer thatch is evident, as found with the closed structure method.
Once the drencher system is activated, the solenoid valves will open, the roof will be drenched and an alarm will go off.
The system features the following: 1. A touch screen display as interface. 2. Full cell phone interface for remote activation. 3. Monitoring and reporting via cell phone. 4. Pressure and flow checks to ensure that the system is working correctly. 5. Upgraded power supply and back-up battery pack to sustain the system during power outages. 6. Increased reliability due to industrial solid brass solenoid valves.
7. A control panel that is custom programmed for specific needs and can interface with other devices like CCTV.
The practical implication is therefore that the client could be anywhere in the world, monitoring and controlling his drencher system. Should there be fire detection; an SMS will be sent to the designated emergency number. Within seconds the customer is informed and action is taken to prevent damage.
THE CLOSED CONSTRUCTION METHOD
After a few visits to Europe; the idea of the closed construction method grew. The method is norm in Denmark, Holland and Germany. Lucas Quality Thatchers took the newly gained knowledge and experience and further developed the system to accommodate the South African way of thatching. The practice in Europe is to have ceiling boards on the inside; while South Africans love the exposed thatch look.
The end product of Lucas Quality Thatchers’ closed construction method entails a thatched roof with exposed thatched on the inside( or any ceiling the client prefers) that has been covered with two layers of fire blanket and a waterproofed resin board. This layer can be enhanced with any specific performance layer work, for instance soundproofing or adding additional fire protection. The external thatched layer is then thatched on top of the fire
The automated drencher system.
Elsenburg Manor House; where the new version of the automated drencher system is installed.
blanket or resin board by means of traditional curved needles or screws, as the practice is in northern Europe.
The advantages of this method are endless and will greatly enhance the quality of the product and the lifestyle of the owner. The advantages include:
• A dust and draft free internal space
• Better sound proofing
• Better fire protection
• No dust or mess on the inside when maintenance of the thatch is done in future
• A 100 % waterproofed roof regardless of the state or condition of the exterior thatch
By implementing the drencher system and applying the closed construction method; the public’ s perception of a thatched roof can be changed. The customer’ s concerns with regards to the safety and performance of their roof will therefore be vastly reduced. Although this is a more time consuming and expensive process, Lucas Quality Thatchers truly believe that this is the future of thatching in South Africa. Safety in thatching will improve tremendously with the implementation of these systems; and the overall impact on the thatching industry and its future will be immense.
For more information, go to: www. lucasqualitythatchers. co. za or https:// www. facebook. com / LQTMASTERTHATCHERS or Instagram @ lucasqualitythatchers.
34 APRIL / MAY 2017 //