How Long a Thatched Roof Lasts—and Why Synthetic Thatch Lasts Even Longer

A thatched roof is a beautiful addition to any home. Not only does it add character and charm, but it also provides excellent insulation and protection from the elements. But how long does a thatched roof last? And what are the factors that affect its lifespan? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the different life expectancies of thatch roofs in various climates. We will also discuss some of the main factors that affect their longevity.

What is a Thatched Roof?

A thatched roof is a type of roof traditionally made from dry vegetation such as grass, straw, reeds, rushes, palm branches, or heather. It has been used for centuries in many parts of the world, and it remains common in rural areas today. Thatched roofs are extremely durable and can last for many years if they are properly maintained.

What Types of Thatched Roofs Are There?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of thatched roofs: natural and synthetic. A natural thatched roof is made from dried grass, straw, or reeds that are sourced from the local area. A synthetic thatched roof is made from materials that are curated to mimic the appearance of natural thatch.

How Long Does a Natural Thatched Roof Last?

It depends. In general, a natural thatched roof will last between 15 and 30 years, provided all best maintenance practices are followed regularly. There’s also the underlying fear of a natural disaster, such as a Hurricane, that could prematurely end the life of the natural thatch. An untended naturally thatched roof can go very wrong very fast, and that’s without discussing the fire hazard.

Fire is a constant danger for naturally thatched roofs. You will have to ensure your natural thatch is inspected for fire hazards on a regular basis. Not only that, but you’ll have to use a chemical fire retardant just to be sure. The dry vegetation makes for a perfect habitat for the fire to breed, and once the thatch catches fire, it’s almost impossible to recover.

Endureed’s engineered thatch is a synthetic material designed to smother a flame. Our product is made with Active Flamecore™ Technology, which composes of high-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer known for its resistance to impact and high melting point. It’s a product that’s both aesthetically pleasing and beautifully practical.

Is Climate a Factor in the Lifespan of a Thatched Roof?

Climate is one of the main factors that will affect the lifespan of a thatched roof. Roofs in warm, humid climates will have a shorter lifespan than those in cooler, drier climates. This is because humidity speeds up the decomposition process of thatch. A wetter climate means more mold and fungus, too.

Getting an exact number for the lifespan of a natural thatched roof is impossible without knowing all of the overlapping climate factors that go into the calculations. A natural thatched roof in Hawaii is different from a natural thatched roof in England, which is different still from a thatched roof in South Africa.

How Do I Maintain a Natural Thatched Roof?

No matter where your natural thatched roof is located, maintaining it is going to take a lot of work. Generally speaking, there are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of your natural thatched roof. First, make sure that the thatch is properly ventilated to prevent rot and decay. Second, have the roof inspected and repaired regularly by a thatched roof specialist. And finally, keep an eye on the condition of the thatch and replace it as necessary.

Speaking of chemical treatments, pesticides and insecticides are going to be necessary, too. Natural thatched roofs are prone to a host of problems, one of which is that it literally acts as a host to many different kinds of bugs and insects.

Those aren't the only uninvited guests you'll contend with in your natural thatch. You'll need a layer of high-quality netting, some of it made with copper (which is believed to reduce lichen spread), just to keep those bats, birds, lizards, snakes, and other creatures out of your thatch. Seems like a lot of effort just for a look you can achieve with a synthetic version.

What is the Lifespan of a Synthetic Thatched Roof?

Synthetic thatched roofs are made from materials like HDPE, or PVC that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural thatch. These materials are much more durable than natural thatch and can last for many years with little to no maintenance.

A properly installed synthetic thatched roof from Endureed is guaranteed to last at least twenty years. Not only will that roof stay put (it's Florida Product Approved to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds), but it also won't fade, rot, or decay.

A longer lifespan means less environmental impact. An Endureed synthetic thatched roof can be made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable when its lifespan is eventually up. This means that a synthetic thatched roof is one of the most environmentally friendly options for roofing of any kind, period.

Our very first synthetic thatched roof, installed at a major Florida theme park is still in service after 23 years, with expectations that it will continue long into the future. Imagine what Endureed can do for you. get in touch today and see for yourself.