ROOFS
Taking care of
Thatcher’ s Association South Africa and Gareth Griffiths
TASA Members
South Africa does not have a thatchers’ guide or certification system like in Europe. Instead, it is governed by the applicable SANS 10407 Standards.
The thatching used on modern homes in South Africa did not solely originate from traditional African thatching but was also imported by settlers from Europe, particularly Germany, Holland, and England. Dutch settlers in the Cape even brought their own grass until they realised how good the raw materials here were.
Most thatchers have a‘ team leader’ or senior thatcher with around 20 years of experience who mentors and trains junior thatchers. It takes at least 5 years to train a thatcher to a level where he would be considered a master thatcher overseas.
Project by Highveld Cape Thatchers.
The cost of a thatched roof varies depending on several factors, including the design, construction, and size of the house, as well as the materials used and the local climate.
The insulation qualities are superb, maintaining the home warm in winter and cool in summer. Thatch is one of the oldest building materials, and modern, innovative laying techniques ensure that the interior finish looks neat and tidy.
Thatch naturally forms free-curve shapes, creating a warm, informal finish that blends well because of its organic appearance. Being a natural material, thatch will mellow in colour from its original fresh straw to a dark mink sheen, harmonising beautifully with the South African outdoors. Meanwhile, the rustic roughness of interior thatch textures complements other natural materials, such as stone and wood.
Project by Hoffman ' s Construction Group.
The SANS 10407( Thatched Roof Construction) Specification
A thatched roof can offer residents significant pleasure and comfort if installed properly. The SANS 10407 specification outlines the minimum requirements for thatched roofs.
Materials
Thatching uses naturally available materials. Coarse grass types with stalks thicker than
4mm are generally unsuitable for thatching. Natal thatching grass has a finer texture compared to Transvaal grass when laid and is often preferred for this reason.
The thatching grass stalks are usually hollow and about 3 mm thick. However, Dekriet stalks are solid, approximately 3-4 mm thick, and are regarded as the highest quality and therefore the most expensive. Cape reed is
96 summer 2025-26 | www. tobuild. co. za