Fiber Thatch Information

Fiber Thatch:

Physical fatigue of material because of different weather conditions does not occur. A Fiber Thatch roof will last more than 50 years.

Natural Thatch:

Life expectancy will vary between 2 and 20 years, depending on climatic conditions and global location. The higher the humidity of the location, the shorter the life generally.

Fiber Thatch:

Totally maintenance-free. No additional maintenance cost. Or upsetting your daily routine.

Natural Thatch:

Regular (even yearly) cost-intensive maintenance by specialized highly skilled tradesmen will be required.

Fiber Thatch:

Fiber Thatch is U.V. Protected. Fading of colour will be so slight that it will not be noticeable.

Natural Thatch:

As the natural material decomposes due to the natural composting, the colour will change to a dull gray/brown colour.

Fiber Thatch:

Fiber Thatch was tested and achieved a Class B fire rating under the UL 94 test method. The risk of flying sparks does not exist. An open fireplace is allowed.

Natural Thatch:

Natural materials involve a high risk of fire. Even the best fire retardant treatment cannot solve the problem.

Fiber Thatch:

Premiums are the same as that of most conventional roof types.

Natural Thatch:

There will be a surcharge. The surcharge can be as high as 100% or insurance can even be refused.

Fiber Thatch:

A synthetic (plastic) material. Not susceptible to insects.

Natural Thatch:

Bird damage and damage caused by rodents are costly to repair. Preventive measures against insects is costly and have a low success rate.

Fiber Thatch:

A synthetic (plastic) material. Not susceptible.

Natural Thatch:

Natural Thatch is a fertile ground for moss and decay that is the cause of mould, rot and decay.

Fiber Thatch:

A synthetic (plastic) material. Not susceptible.

Natural Thatch:

People being allergic to various Natural Thatch materials are well-documented. Bacterial growth on natural material is also a problem.

Fiber Thatch:

Damage is highly unlikely but easily repaired. Fiber Thatch is supplied in a D.I.Y. tile, which is simply replaced or placed back in position.

Natural Thatch:

Highly-paid skilled tradesmen or artisans are usually needed to repair storm damage.

Fiber Thatch:

It is a soft material and no danger exists that a tile might hurt passersby.

Natural Thatch:

Depending on the material used, damage to other property or to passersby might be a reality.

Fiber Thatch:

Not affected by winds up to 180 k.p.h.

Natural Thatch:

The behaviour of natural thatch is not recorded. No tests were conducted.

Fiber Thatch:

Installation cost is low, as no specialized craftsmen are needed. The installation process is quick.

Natural Thatch:

Skilled tradesmen and artisans are needed. Remuneration is dictated by the availability of tradesmen and artisans. Thatching is a time-consuming process.

Fiber Thatch:

A fully loaded container packed with Fiber Thatch material cover a roof area of at least 2000 m²

Natural Thatch:

Natural thatch packed in a 40ft. container can cover a maximum of 300m². Transport costs will be nearly 12 times more!

Fiber Thatch:

No special equipment is needed to move Fiber Thatch. All material is packed in boxes designed to maximize container space. The weight per box is only 35kg!

Natural Thatch:

Natural thatch materials are usually in loose bundles, or even if palletized special equipment is usually needed to handle.

Fiber Thatch:

Manufactured in a factory. No seasonal shortages occur.

Natural Thatch:

Natural materials depend on nature to provide. Seasonable shortages, droughts, etc. will play a role. Supply and demand are very influential.

Fiber Thatch:

Meets the requirements and codes of most countries in the world.

Natural Thatch:

Special codes apply in most countries regarding the use of natural thatch.

Fiber Thatch:

Can be installed on a pitch as low as 25 degrees.

Natural Thatch:

A minimum pitch of 45 degrees is recommended. The steep pitch means extended walls and more roofing material. Higher costs.