ASSOCIATIONS
themselves with how tight the treated sisal twine /
stainless steel wire must be to accomplish the correct
compaction of the thatch.
Poles are a natural product and are not always
completely straight but are sometimes slightly bent up
or down, the thatch layer must be adjusted to obtain an
even surface on the roof. When bent down the thatch
layer must be thicker at that point and when bent
upwards, the thatch layer must be thinner. The weight of
the thatch layer is about 35kg per square metre and it
may cause the upward bent of the pole to flatten a bit.
What follows are the valleys which must be thicker
and have to fan open to allow the water to run down the
valley. The hips must be in a straight line. Gable ends are
the most difficult to thatch and the thatch must run up at
45 degrees on the gable. The thatch must be turned so
that only the ends of the thatch are seen and not the sides.
Next are the ridges which are made either of thatch,
cement or fibreglass. Dressing off (making it level) the
thatch and straightening of the eve line is the last step in
mastering the art of thatching. To qualify as a general
thatcher usually takes about five years. With years of
experience, exposure to new methods and knowledge of
the industry, a general thatcher can later qualify as a
master thatcher.
CHALLENGES IN THE
THATCHING INDUSTRY
The ultimate success of a thatched roof depends on the
pole construction. If the pole construction is not built
according to specification requirements and the design
does not meet the challenges posed by a pole
construction; no layer placed on top of it, no matter of
how well it is done, can make the roof succeed.
Contractors that claim to be thatchers without the
necessary knowledge and sufficient training cause a
great deal of damage to the industry and give it a bad
reputation. Owners of thatched roofs also tend to accept
the cheapest quotation and do not insist on referrals
from previous clients or follow up on references.
The biggest problems encountered by Thatchers
Association of South Africa (TASA) are faulty pole
constructions, incorrect maintenance methods and
thatch that do not meet specification requirements.
The TASA has committed itself to offering training
seminars for NHBRC inspectors, insurance companies,
banks and municipal building inspectors to inform them
of specification requirements and what to look at
during inspections.
Publications such as A Guide to Thatch Construction in
South Africa and Pros and Cons in the Thatching Industry
can be ordered from TASA.
Visit: www.sa-thatchers.co.za.
www.timberiq.co.za
// APRIL / MAY 2019
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