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 //