Highveld Cape Thatchers

Highveld Cape Thatchers have developed African thatching into a fine art, constructing thatched roofs of the highest quality. The company also provides various types of thatching material to the industry, both locally and abroad. Value added services include treatment of thatching material, thatch roofs, maintenance of thatch roofs and an insurance programme. We also have the convenience of partnering with an affiliate company, That Pole Place which supplies materials to assist with various thatching projects.

EXPERTISE

Highveld Cape Thatchers' carpenters and thatchers are expert craftsmen, many of who have been with the company for the full 25 years of its existence. In an ongoing training programme over the years, apprentices have been trained by the qualified thatchers to become quality tradesmen. As a Highveld Cape Thatcher policy no new thatchers are appointed but are trained to a level that is in accordance with the company's high standards. A proper training programme is of utmost importance in a highly specialised industry such as this, and an efficient way to produce skilled craftsmen.

THATCHED ROOFS

Our services extend to residential homes, holiday resorts, hotels, game reserves and beyond. We offer new thatch roofs, constructed with traditional trusses, making use of various pole types as well as new modern roof constructions with or without roof ceilings. We supply in-house roof designs, fire retardant treatments and a competent team for any additional carpentry work, such as pergolas, ceilings, fences, decks and maintenance of existing thatch roofs.

FIRE RETARDANT TREATMENT

At Highveld Cape Thatchers we offer our clients the only fire retardant treatment tested in accordance with ASTM E108 as requested by SANS10407:2015 on thatch roof construction. Micon Thatchsayf Fire Retardant Treatment has been tested and approved by the CSIR and FireLab as possibly the best method of rendering a thatch roof fire retardant.

The Thatchsayf Fire Retardant Treatment is applied to both sides of the roof using high-pressure spray in accordance with the manufacturer Micon Coating specification penetrating deep into the thatch.
Based on tests executed by FireLab it was established that by treating a thatch roof with Thatchsayf the radiation is lowered from 12kW/m•'b2 to only 0.48kW/m•'b2.
By reducing the radiation intensity of the thatch roof, the risk of the roof or house being damaged or destroyed by fire is significantly reduced.

Unlike the conventional sprinkler systems, the property owner does not have to rely on mechanical/electrical water drenching systems that are costly, require regular maintenance and rely on a supply of electricity and water for their operation. During a fire, electricity and water supplies are often interrupted. (Sprinkler systems have not been tested or evaluated in accordance with ASTM E108 as requested SANS 10407:2004 on thatch roof construction and can therefore not be classified as a approved fire retardant system.)

With Thatchsayf treatment, the fire protection element is inherent into the thatch, regardless of external factors. Although Thatchsayf treatment may appear more costly at first, the property owner should recover the initial capital outlay through reduced maintenance costs and insurance premiums.

INSURANCE

Highveld Cape Thatchers have negotiated an exclusive insurance programme with Thatch Risk Acceptances, a specialist underwriting division of Santam Insurance Company. Thatch Risk Acceptances offers discount rates for any roof constructed by Highveld Cape Thatchers. This is due to our position in the market and our specialist pre-treatment of timber and thatch as well as after-treatment of the thatch with Thatchsayf Fire retardant,

The scheme is administered by Earthcover Financial Services and can be contacted for quotations at:

Earthcover Financial Services
An Authorized Financial Services Provider No 27491
32 Thom Street, Paarl, 7646
PO Box 3401, Paarl, 7646
Tel: +27 (0)21 872 5400 or +27 (0)21 872 5600
Fax: +27 (0)86 502 5403
Mobile: +27 (0)83 275 3045
Email: click for email
Web: www.earthcover.co.za

Trusses

Trusses are a key interior feature in thatch-roofed homes, resorts and public spaces. The quality and standard of these trusses are of utmost importance as it ensures the durability and secure structure of your thatch-roof. Offering a selection of structural timber poles, beams and fittings, our trusses are custom made to complement each client’s unique requirements and design style. With a range of design options to choose from, we’ll help you find the perfect trusses to suit your thatch-roof.