Thatch Roof Conversions by Bosazza Roofing & Timber Homes
In the ‘Structure Stays’ thatch roof conversion system, we strip away all of the thatch and put new roofing on the original roof structure
Thatch roofs are extremely beautiful and while we are currently seeing an increase in inquiries about thatching again, we also get a lot of inquiries from people looking to convert their roof from thatch to another type of roofing.
We understand that the thought of ripping the roof off your house can be quite daunting! So in this article we explain the “Structure Stays” roofing system in more detail. We also discuss the range of roofing products that we use for this type of re-roofing.
The Structure Stays Roof Conversion System
In this thatch roof conversion system we keep the original roof structure but strip away all of the thatch and laths. So the pole roof structure stays in place, and then we install the new roofing on top of the original structure.
Ceilings and Insulation
The majority of thatch roofs that we work on don’t have ceilings. The thatch itself acts as the ‘ceiling’ that you see on the inside of the house. The Structure Stays system gives you a great opportunity to redesign how the inside of your house looks as you choose a new style of ceiling. The most popular choice of ceilings amongst our clients is to use Summit XPS ceiling boards. We fit the boards to the top of the roof poles so you can still see the pole structure. This means that you still have the feeling of feeling of space that you get with the height of the exposed roof rafters.
Summit XPS boards also have great insulation properties. Remember that thatch is a fantastic insulator so you didn’t need any insulation with the thatch roof. When you remove the thatch you need to fit new roof insulation so that your house is still thermally efficient.
Remember that thatch is a fantastic insulator. When you remove the thatch you need to fit adequate roof insulation so that your house is still thermally efficient
We also fit a bulk thermal insulation such as isotherm in between the ceiling boards and the new roofing. This brings the new roof up to the appropriate R-value.
New Roofing
So we’ve sorted out the inside of your house – what about the outside? There are some great roofing products available for roof conversions, here are our recommendations:
Shingles
Asphalt shingles are our premium roofing product and are currently the most popular choice amongst our clients. They look fantastic! And can be shaped around some of the curves and contours of a roof that used to be thatched. The shingles come in a range of colours so you can choose the one that blends naturally into the surrounding environment like your thatch roof did before.
This roofing system is imported from the US and is installed under strict specifications from the manufacturer. The product carries a lifetime guarantee.
Corrugated Roof Sheeting
Corrugated roof sheeting is back on trend. It looks simple and clean and has great curb-side appeal. We recommend using full aluminum sheets in coastal areas or aluzinc inland. The roofing comes in a Colorplus (trademark) finish which means that it has already been coated in your chosen colour. The color technology means that you do not need to repaint the roof and is designed to be hardy and colorfast in our harsh African climates.
Corrugated roof sheeting is not particularly flexible so is better for use on roof conversions that have straight angles and edges, like the example below.
A note on metal roofing in varying climates; in our experience metal roofs have a tendency to ‘talk’ to you! The metal expands and contracts in different temperatures which can create a squeaking, creaking, ticking kind of sound. It can also be more noisy with rainfall or if you have trees that drop fruit or small twigs and branches onto the roof. Some people don’t mind this or even like it, others are more sensitive to the sounds.
Metrotiles
Metrotiles are a stone-coated aluzinc tile that looks very similar to thatch when it is installed. The tiles are available in a range of colours; we recommend using Woodshake or Pepper which are the closest to the natural look of aged thatch. We use metrotiles as they have a degree of flexibility which means that they can be shaped to roofs with curves. The product carries a 40 year warrantee in coastal areas.
You can see more examples of all of these types of roofing on our Projects page. Ultimately your choice of new roofing depends on the shape of the original roof, the climate you live in and your personal preferences. We can offer advice on which products are best suited to your roof when you contact us.
Find out more about Thatch Roof Conversions in general on our main Roof Conversions page >
Or visit our home page for more information about Bosazza Roofing & Timber Homes >
Wow, what an informative and reassuring article about the ‘Structure Stays’ thatch roof conversion system! I must say, I am genuinely impressed with the level of detail you provided about the process. It’s evident that you truly understand the concerns and apprehensions people may have when considering such a significant change to their homes.
I found it fascinating to learn about how you keep the original roof structure intact while replacing the thatch and laths. This approach not only preserves the authenticity and charm of the original design but also offers a great opportunity for homeowners to redesign the interior of their houses with a new style of ceiling. The use of Summit XPS ceiling boards seems like a popular and practical choice, as it allows for the retention of the exposed roof rafters, providing a sense of space and character.
Additionally, I appreciate the emphasis on the insulation properties of Summit XPS boards. Understanding that thatch itself serves as a fantastic insulator, it’s reassuring to know that your team takes the necessary steps to ensure the house remains thermally efficient after the thatch is removed. This attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the home’s energy efficiency is commendable.
Overall, your article exudes expertise and professionalism, which undoubtedly instills confidence in anyone considering the ‘Structure Stays’ conversion system. Thank you for shedding light on this process and the range of roofing products you utilize. It’s evident that you genuinely care about your clients and aim to provide them with the best solutions for their roofing needs. Keep up the excellent work!
I live on the westcoast in cape and am thinking of removing my thatch to.a conventional roof
do you cover this area and what are the costs
Hi Veralee,
Thanks for taking the time to read our article and contact us. Unfortunately we don’t work in your area. We wish you luck with the project!
Kind regards,
April
Do you know of a company that can remove a thatch roof and replace it with a normal roof in the pretoria area?
Hi. I need a quote. Replacement of thatch roof with a sink type product that is isolated.