ROOFING
Before
Readers are advised that accurate technical advice is available from the association. Thatched roofs are complex structures and, when constructed correctly, offer owners the sustainability and other benefits associated with thatch.
Why thatch needs to breathe – and why over-roofing is such a bad idea
Thatch is a natural product and should remain exposed to the environment so that it can weather naturally as an insulated roofing system. Moisture and heat generated inside an occupied building move through the thatch layer, while external conditions affect how readily they are released.
After
Interfering with this natural breathing ability can cause the thatch layer to deteriorate over time, particularly under certain climatic conditions. The process also depends on the quality of the thatching material.
84 spring 2026 | www. tobuild. co. za