NitroX
.700 member
Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40645
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
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I'm interested in finding out what species/types of grasses and/or reeds are used for roof thatching in Southern Africa?
The roofs of chalets and similar huts in Zimbabwe were very neat and effective. Much better than any I have ever seen here in Australia or in SE Asia. Very thick, waterproof and nice and cool in hot weather.
The grasses used appeared to be almost reed-like with hollow stems.
Looking to identify the grass or reed species used and if known their characterisitics. Thanks
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John aka NitroX
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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"
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gryphon
.450 member
Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
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you thinking of making sumpin` John?
Lot of thatching done on the G Coast here for Balinese type outdoor gazebo`s etc but i dont know if it is much the same material,though it looks it.
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Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.
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Bakes
.375 member
Reged: 31/01/03
Posts: 589
Loc: QLD
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Plenty of spear grass up here John.....how much you want 
Bakes
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NitroX
.700 member
Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 40645
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
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I do have something in mind - a long range project or two. Probably not realistic but you never know.
One is an existing building that is an old cottage from about 1850 with a corrugated iron roof but was originally thatched.
The second would be a new building with tall walls - trophy room/gun room etc. It would be really nice to have an old fashioned thatch touch.
I took maybe a hundred photographs of the inside and outside of various thatched roofs, the framework, the thatch material and also buildings uinder construction.
Though I wonder how the building regulations woudl cope  with it.
At first I thought thatch is an old outdated method of roofing, but it is very good insulation keeping the rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Dry and also reasonably durable reportedly lasting for twenty years or more.
As for the cost of labour and source of it, well I have some ideas on that too.
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John aka NitroX
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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"
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shakari
.400 member
Reged: 09/02/03
Posts: 1107
Loc: South Africa
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John,
Africans tend to use whatever is easiest to get for their roofs. If they have good reeds growing nearby they'll use them, but if not they will look round for the best...... and closest grass.
The thing to remember is to get the angle of the roof right. Too flat will cause mildew to occur and rot the roof material and too steep will cause the material to become loose too quickly and fall out...... we also try to make sure that nothing overhangs the roof otherwise monkeys get up there and pull it bits...... then you have to reach for the .22!!!
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Steve "Shakari" Robinson
Kuduland Safaris (Africa) Ltd
info@kuduland.com
www.kuduland.com
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cooch
.300 member
Reged: 21/09/03
Posts: 192
Loc: Southern NSW
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John....
IIRC, along the Murray, the Phragmites reed has been used to thatch early buildings. Supposedly the thatch lasted well.
You may have to ensure that you have the correct reed, they're not the same as Cumbungi. (bulrushes)
Regards......... Cooch
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"The only logical response to an animal that lives obsessed with avoiding capture is to chase it." - Jose Ortega y Gassett
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