6 common problems of natural thatch roof aging
6 common problems of natural thatch roof aging
Natural thatch:
It has a natural, rustic look. Each thatch has a certain difference in thickness and color, because they are the product of natural growth. Straw thatch, for example, is golden yellow with a natural sheen and texture and uneven thickness, giving it an original country-style feel. Reed thatch is slightly darker, mostly light brown, and varies in length and curvature, creating a strong natural flavor.
But natural thatch is less durable. Easy to be affected by natural environmental factors, such as easy to rot in a humid environment, the general service life is about 3-5 years. For example, in rainy areas in the south, natural thatch roofs without good drainage and ventilation may rot in less than 3 years.
Here are 6 common problems with aging natural thatch roofs:
Rot problem
Reason: The main component of natural thatch (such as straw, reed, etc.) is cellulose. In a humid environment, thatch absorbs water easily, providing good conditions for the growth of microorganisms (such as fungi, bacteria). These microbes break down the cellulose in the thatch, causing it to rot. For example, in areas with frequent rain, if the roof is poorly drained and the thatch is in a stagnant state for a long time, the speed of decay will be significantly accelerated.
Presentation: Rotting thatch will be darker in color, may appear black or dark brown spots, and become soft in texture. In severe cases, thatch can break and fall off, affecting the integrity and waterproof performance of the roof.
Fading problem
The reason: Long-term exposure to sunlight and air can damage the pigments in natural thatch by ultraviolet light. In addition, environmental factors such as acid rain and dust can also affect the color of thatch. For example, the thatched cottage by the sea, due to the salt erosion in the sea breeze and strong sunlight, the thatch will fade seriously.
Performance: The natural color of thatch, such as golden or light yellow, will gradually fade and may turn grayish white. This not only affects the beauty of the roof, but also may imply that the material of the thatch is aging to a certain extent.
Deformation problem
Reason: Climate change is an important factor in thatch deformation. The moisture content of thatch changes under high temperature, wet or dry conditions. Thatch expands when it absorbs too much water and shrinks in dry conditions. After many such wet and dry cycles, the structure of the thatch will be damaged, resulting in deformation. For example, in areas with obvious seasonal rainfall, the thatch roof will absorb a lot of rain in the rainy season, and shrink in the dry season, and over time, the thatch will bend, twist and other deformation.
Performance: Thatch may appear bent, curled or twisted shape, no longer maintain the original flat state. This can lead to a loose lap between the thatch, creating gaps and reducing the water and wind resistance of the roof.
Moth problem
Why: Natural thatch is an ideal food source for some insects such as beetle larvae, termites, etc. If there are more insects in the environment around the house, they can easily invade the thatch roof. For example, in areas close to woods or where old timber is piled up, where there are more insects, the risk of insect infestation increases. These insects burrow inside the thatch and feed on the fibers.
Performance: There will be small holes on the surface of the thatch, in severe cases, you can see obvious worm channels, gently press the thatch by hand, you may find that its interior has been eaten, become crisp, easy to break, which will reduce the structural strength of the roof.
Blown or displaced by the wind
Reason: Natural thatch is lighter, and in windy weather, the wind may exceed the adhesion between the thatch and the roof structure. If the thatched roof is not securely secured, or if the thatch becomes weak during the aging process, it can easily be blown or displaced. For example, in coastal areas or in windy mountain areas, thatched roofs are more at risk from strong winds.
Performance: Part of the thatch will be blown to the ground, the thatch on the roof is not evenly distributed, there is a vacancy or accumulation phenomenon, resulting in damage to the wind and waterproof functions of the roof.
Weed breeding problem
Why: Seeds from some plants may be transmitted to thatched roofs by wind, birds, and other media. The seeds germinate and grow when the thatch roof is provided with moisture and nutrients, such as those provided by decaying thatch. For example, in the spring, when there are more weed seeds in the surrounding environment, the thatched roof becomes an easy place for weeds to grow.
Performance: Various weeds will grow on the roof, and the roots of weeds will penetrate into the thatch layer and destroy the structure of the thatch. And the growth of weeds can increase the weight of the roof and may affect the drainage performance of the thatch roof.
Therefore, JHYBAMBOO designs high-quality artificial thatch roofs to help customers solve the problem of thatch roofs and give reasonable analysis and suggestions:
Advantages of quality artificial thatch roof
Strong durability:
High-quality artificial thatch roof adopts high-tech materials and advanced production technology, such as aluminum thatch tile, plastic artificial thatch, etc., which has good weather resistance, can resist bad weather such as strong wind, rain, sun, and is not easy to fade, deformation, decay or be consumed by insects, and has a long service life
2. High security
The flame retardant thatch material used in the artificial thatch roof has good fire performance, such as aluminum thatch tile is 100% fireproof, and the specially treated plastic simulation thatch also has good flame retardant, which can effectively reduce the fire risk and improve the safety of the building, especially suitable for places with fire protection requirements.
3. Easy installation:
Generally, there is no need for complex construction technology and professional installation team, and ordinary personnel can operate according to the instructions, which can save installation costs and time.
4. Realistic appearance:
The design is inspired by natural thatch, which has a similar texture and color to natural thatch to create a natural, rustic atmosphere
5. Good environmental protection
As a new type of environmental protection building materials, it has less impact on the environment during production and use, and can reduce the consumption of natural resources.
6. Strong customization:
It can be customized according to different needs and scenes, such as color, shape, size, etc., to meet personalized decoration requirements and create a unique architectural style.
Investment considerations
1. Material selection:
Common high-quality artificial thatch materials are aluminum and plastic. Aluminum thatch tile such as Lixue thatch tile, with fire, insect, antioxidant and other functions, the service life can reach 10-50 years, but the cost is relatively high; Plastic simulation thatch, such as carpet simulation thatch, the price is relatively close to the people, and also has good weather resistance and decoration.
2.. Application scenario:
Choose the right artificial thatch roof according to the use, environment and style of the building. If used in scenic spots, resorts and other places, it may pay more attention to the decorative appearance and the integration with the natural environment;
3.. Market prospect
Tourism and leisure industry demand growth: more and more farmhouses, homestays, resorts, scenic spots and other places tend to use artificial thatched roof to create a unique natural atmosphere, attract tourists, enhance competitiveness, for the artificial thatched roof market has brought a broad space for development.
4. Promotion of environmental awareness:
As an environmentally friendly building material, the market demand for artificial thatch roof will further expand and gradually replace some traditional roofing materials.
5. The trend of diversification of architectural styles:
Artificial thatch roof can meet the decorative needs of different architectural styles, whether it is retro, pastoral or tropical style, etc., it can provide more application opportunities for artificial thatch roof and promote the sustainable development of its market.
