Although the art of thatching has been with man almost since the beginning of time
, over the last few years there have been major breakthroughs in the industry that have not only made thatch roofing and thatch products more accessible to the masses, but also a lot more cost effective and even safer. This is thanks to the introduction of not one, but two new modern thatch systems that use different raw materials to manufacture thatch tiles. These thatch tiling systems are easy to manufacturer, can be made out of either Cape Reed (or other natural thatching raw materials) as well as artificial or simulated thatch that is made from UPVC Polymer
The natural Cape Reed Thatch Tiling System
The natural thatch titling systems that were introduced into the thatch markets of the world in the early part of the 2000s have grown to become a major part of the thatching industry across the globe. This is thanks to their easy to produce nature and the fact that the Cape Reed that is used to make the best quality thatch tiles is readily available in its natural habitat in and around the coastal areas of the Western and Eastern Cape in South Africa. This Cape Reed Thatch tiling system is used extensively in the building and DIY trade as well as the manufacturing industry where it is used to build thatch umbrellas.
Did you know? Thatch tiles are generally safer that the more conventional way of thatching. This is because each tile is treated with a fire retardant chemical that helps to improve its natural fire retardancy levels.
Pseudo, Artificial or Simulated Fibre Thatch Tiling
No matter what you call it this thatch tiling looks 100% natural, but is in fact a manufactured product made from UPVC Polymer. It gives building and products that utilize it all the benefits of natural thatch, but with an added life expectancy that requires minimal maintenance. Each fibre that tile is fire retardant and exceptionally quick and easy to install. No special tools or skills are needed to affix them to a building and this makes them exceptionally popular in the DIY and building trade.
Both Modern Tiling Systems are Easy to Use
Both the natural Cape Reed and the UPVC Fibre Thatch tiles are pre-fabricated and created around a do-it-yourself idea. The tiles can simply be clipped onto a prefabricated 8mm diameter steel rod, a rope or even nailed onto a wooden batten when used.