African Thatch Nam
African Thatch Nam provides quality workmanship from a reliable business with more than 20 years experience.
Based in Windhoek, Namibia.
Thatch Roofs
Working in the time honored tradition of English, Dutch and the traditional methods of the inhabitants of Africa, we pride ourselves as being professional thatchers, not simply packers of grass!
We build to last and have extensive experience and expertise in thatching using Rundu or Transvaal Grass. We on request will also be able to supply the client with Cape Thatch Reed which is very expensive and durability is the same to that of our grass.
General thatching and roof design advice and consultation plays a major role in negotiations. African Thatch offer without any obligation, general information and advice on all aspects of thatching. We also like the process of getting the client involved creating the feeling that the client also had some input, and shared his ideas, as they are the end users of our products.
Thatching, is a natural insulator. Cool in the summer, and retaining maximum internal heat in the winter.
Thatching also creates a relatively low cost means of doubling your space available. The required pitch of a thatched roof enables you to utilize loft area that would otherwise have been wasted.
With a conventional structure and setting the rafter poles closer together, you will get that cottage feeling and a cosier interior.
All work complies with standards and guidelines as laid down by the authorities.
The following is standards to all African Thatching projects, unless differently specified by the client, engineer or architect.
• Upright supports: 125mm – 150mm diameter.
• Wall plates 100mm – 125mm diameter
• Rafters 75mm – 150mm diameter
• We use double bolting to fasten our poles.
Please note that all mentioned pole diameter are measured around the thinnest end of the poles. The thatching process includes 25mm “spray” or “ceiling layer” with a further 125mm – 200mm thatch. Rundu Reed is used as a “spray” or “ceiling layer” unless otherwise specified by the client. All timber to be C.C.A. treated according to specifications and varnished with one coat of bitumen black or use oil to retain natural look. To achieve a well look finish we also sand down the edges of our poles.
How long does a thatch roof last in typical Southern African conditions?
The answer should be between 20 to 30 years depending on climate conditions. Because the ridiculous quality that has been available in the market place for the past 10 years, the general public’s perception is that a thatch roof only lasts between 6 to 10 years. This is unfortunately true for work of 90% of so called thatch experts.
Why Rundu Grass?
Rundu reed dramatically enhances the internal appearance of the roof. It is also dust-free compared to grass used as a ceiling layer. An added advantage of Rundu reed is that it is a very cost effective way of thatching.
What about bird damage?
This is the single most common problem with any thatch roof in Namibia today. This does not happen due to poor workmanship, or poor quality of grass, but can be caused by a variety of factors. The most important principle for any owner of a new or old thatch roof is to know that this can easily be fixed.
What makes African Thatch different?
Mr. Pieter du Preez established African Thatch in 1998. The business has since grown into a respected brand name in Namibia, performing work in all wind directions. The foundation of the business is founded on “customer service”, “get the customer involved”, and “quality of workmanship”.
Harvesting of Grass
Whether your project is done in winter or summer, we only use grass harvested in winter. The winter’s of Namibia is cold and dry, which allow the grass harvested during this period very suitable for thatching. It will not be wise to harvest grass during the summer in Namibia as this will have a big influence on the shrinkage and loosening of the roof, due to high moisture content. Grass must be stored in well ventilated under roof areas to ensure that it will be dry enough for thatching.