What is the Best Thatched Roofing Material?

Synthetic Thatch

The history of thatched roofing goes back thousands of years, with techniques and materials as old as housing itself. For as long as people have made shelters for themselves, thatched roofing has been an obvious choice. After all, it’s one of the most readily available materials for roofing: all you need is a bunch of vegetation, and you’re good to go.

Modern thatched roofing is a little different from the tried and true way of ages past, but the look is the same: rustic, natural, and charming. In order to achieve that unique look in a modern way, the best solution is a synthetic one.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Natural Thatched Roofing?

Thatched roofing is a beautiful design option that instantly adds charm to any structure. While authenticity is important, natural thatch roofing materials composed of real plants and trees is dangerous and comparatively fragile when weighed against other modern roofing materials. Also, natural thatched roofing tends to be messy, as dried plant material sheds into the surrounding area. Modern roofs should be simple and easy, but natural thatched roofing materials are anything but easy or simple, as they require constant vigilance and regular upkeep. On top of all that, it makes great nesting material for bugs, snakes and rodents.

Synthetic Thatched Roofing is the Best Choice

Synthetic thatched roofing is the material you’ve been looking for. It looks exactly like natural thatch, but it doesn’t come with any of the cons. Endureed’s synthetic thatched roofing is made to last, with a guaranteed lifespan of 20 years. It’s also fire retardant, insect resistant, and incredibly low-maintenance. In fact, the only thing you need to do to care for your thatched roof is give it a rinse with a hose every now and then.

What is Synthetic Thatched Roofing Made Of?

100% recyclable and impervious to the elements, Endureed’s thatched roofing materials are a convenient and durable solution. Our synthetic material is far more durable than natural fibers and completely fade resistant, too, so we made it out of something sturdy yet pliable.

Endureed’s synthetic thatched roofing is made out of proprietary polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends. You might be familiar with PVC’s other uses in an enormous variety of products like pipes and siding. It’s a strong, weather-resistant material that can withstand the elements without issue. HDPE is another incredibly tough substance that’s used in everything from bulletproof vests to cutting boards. Combined, these two materials make for an impossibly tough thatched roof that looks exactly like the real thing.

Other Questions About Thatched Roofing

How long do thatch roofs last?

Thatch roofs made of natural materials can last for years, as long as you’re willing to replace the material on a very regular basis, treat it with flame-resistant chemicals, coat it in dangerous pesticides, and also regularly replace those chemicals.

In contrast, synthetic thatched roofs will last decades, and you don’t have to do anything except rinse them off if and when they get dirty. Endureed’s thatched roofing has a warranty to back it up, so you can be sure your thatched roof is in good hands.

What is thatch for a roof?

Traditionally, thatch for a roof is made of dried grasses, straw, and other plant materials. In other words, traditional thatch was made of whatever the builder could find in the area, provided it offered some protection from the elements. Modern thatch made of natural fiber might be a little higher quality than those ancient roofs, but it comes with a lot of problems. Not least of those problems is how easily that stuff catches fire.

Are thatched roofs warm?

The modern idea of the thatched roof is traditionally associated with warm weather. This makes sense, as they’re still in use in hot climates like Africa and the Pacific Islands. They’re popular in these locales because they offer good ventilation and can help keep a structure cool. That said, that’s more a function of the style of the roof than the thatch material itself.

Since thatched roofing was (and, in some cases, still is) also used in colder places like England and Netherlands, it can keep the warmth in. Snow isn’t a problem for Endureed, as you can see in this photo from the Nashville Zoo:

Do thatched roofs get moldy?

Mold can grow on thatched roofs made of natural materials, but it’s not an issue you have to worry about with synthetic thatch. Endureed’s thatched roofing is mold-resistant, so you don’t have to take any special measures to keep it free of mold and mildew.

In conclusion, thatched roofs are a popular roofing style that can be made with either natural or synthetic materials. Natural thatch doesn’t last very long and comes with a huge pile of problems like fire, pests, and a short lifespan. Synthetic thatch, like Endureed’s, will last much longer than natural, is extremely fire retardant, weather-resistant, and won’t fade in the sun.

If you’re interested in synthetic thatched roofing from Endureed, check out our wide variety of products.