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Which Natural Thatch Roofing Material is Best Suited for your Project

Posted on: January 8th, 2019

When you want a distinctive look, natural thatch is a fantastic choice. Visually interesting, sustainable, environmentally responsible and cost-effective, it’s a material with real appeal. It’s also delightfully varied, so if you have seen one natural thatch, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ve seen them all. There are several intriguing possibilities when it comes to natural thatch roofing material. Which one is best for your project? 

Mexican Rain Capes 

Mexican Rain Cape

Crafted from natural palm leaves, a Mexican rain cape features rich textures and gorgeous color variations that deliver a tropical feel. This green building material will last indefinitely indoors, so it’s perfect for interior projects.

A few questions we receive about Mexican Rain Capes are:

  • What about exterior settings? Like any natural thatch, exposure to the elements will shorten its lifespan. However, it will last a year or two in outdoor applications.
  • Is fire safety a concern? These capes can be treated with a fire retardant.
  • How easy is installation? Installation is simple. Sold in square sheets that cover an area equal to 12 square feet, the capes can be easily cut to fit a specific space. 

Tahiti Thatch

natural thatched roofing

Sturdy Tahiti roofing thatch offers a more muscular profile than Mexican rain capes do. Made from tough desert palm leaves fastened into panels that are 2 inches thick, this thatched roofing material generates a rustic, chunky look. A few highlights of Tahiti thatch roofing:

  • It can be used indoors and outdoors.
  • Tahiti thatch is 98 percent waterproof and better at resisting the elements.
  • While it will fare better in drier climates, it can withstand a fair amount of humidity and moisture. In fact, you can generally expect it to last for five or six years when used outside.
  • A single panel offers 3 square feet of coverage and provides the flexibility needed to fit the product to round, straight or undulating surfaces.
  • If desired, the thatched roofing panels can be treated with a fire retardant. 

Thatch Reed Panels 

thatch reed panels

If your vision calls for a more refined silhouette, thatch reed panels from Africa may be just what the designer ordered. Instead of palm leaves, these thatched roofing panels utilize reed poles. The result is a smoother profile that glows with beautiful color variations and eco-friendly appeal. Our favorite features of thatch reed panels:

  • The thatch reeds used in these panels have a natural waxy coating that prompts moisture to bead. When they are installed properly, the reed panels easily shed moisture, creating a waterproof roof.
  • You can expect a thatch reed panel used outside to last for four to five years.
  • The reeds are bonded together at the top of the strip with a flexible polyurethane mixture before being reinforced with shade cloth to produce thatch roof panels.
  • Each thatch reed panel covers 2.5 square feet and can be tailored to specific dimensions. 

As you can see, there are choices when it comes to selecting natural thatch roofing materials.  Which natural thatch roofing material is right for your project? Let amaZulu Inc. help you figure that out.

Additional Natural Thatch Roofing Material articles:

We’ve searched the globe to find the best construction-grade green building products from responsible growers and manufacturers. amaZulu is a global African Reed Thatch and Mexican Palm Thatch supplier.  We take pleasure in providing these top-quality materials to zoos, theme parks, water parks, resorts, and other entertainment and hospitality venues. Contact us today at 877-243-5309 to explore the full range of our innovative offerings.

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See why Jon Brangan, Deputy Director of Brevard Zoo uses amaZulu, Inc. as a supplier of choice for natural materials.
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Jon Brangan
Brevard Zoo
 “amaZulu’s recommendations and superior products set our company apart from the other exhibitors”. Hear more from Dexter and why the Zebra Coalition chooses to work with amaZulu, Inc.
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Dextor Foxworth
Zebra Coalition
“Working with amaZulu has been a pleasure. They have been able to provide unique quality materials at fair prices and always deliver on time. Without their help our Safari Africa and Sky Ride projects would be lacking the natural and rustic feel of real Africa”
Brian Morrow
Lowry Park Zoo

“I just wanted to say thanks for the outstanding customer service and products we received from amaZulu. Our “tiki bar” turned out beautiful. We couldn’t have done it without your help!”

Brent Fox
“amaZulu, Inc. has a tremendous inventory of products to choose from and makes shopping for any type of bamboo or thatch products a painless and economical experience. They had all the projects I needed to build my Tiki Bar.  Any project that has bamboo products specified, I would highly recommend contacting the friendly folks at amaZulu, Inc.”
Barry Deemer

“Every experience we have had working with amaZulu has been a pleasure.  We look forward to many more opportunities in the future.”

Jim St. Clair
St. Clair Construction
 “My experience with amaZulu was outstanding.  I came in with no idea what I was going to do, but with the help from Anwar, the ideas just came flowing.  The products at amaZulu were just what I was looking for.  I did my Florida room w/bamboo braid & real bamboo trim. It looks great.”
Ray Bechtel
 “Just a note of thanks for the outstanding, creative, timely, technical support your firm has provided to our project. Your material quality, uniqueness and timely delivery have made our project a resounding success.”
Bob Dalton
Lion Country Safari
 “amaZulu has always provided us with quality products and great service.  They communicate with us to make sure we purchase the right materials for our unique applications.”
Randy Mattson
Capital Wood Products, Co.
 “It is a pleasure to work with very creative minds that can grasp the same vision as the clients that they are working with.”
Spiro Laskaris
Hurricane Brand Holdings
“amaZulu was able to provide a number of different natural looking finishes to completely redo the Tiki Bar at my waterpark. There are lots of companies out there that have a few items similar to yours but none have the wide range of choices that you offer.  If you are ever in the area come enjoy a Pina Colada on us.”
Bruce Bryant
Legacy RV Resorts

“I ordered reed fencing and some zulu rope for a ceiling project in our basement, and found the experience a well satisfying one.  Anwar was most helpful, fast delivery, and everything was as promised.Thanks for a great job.”

Cathy Brouwer
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Mike McCahill

 

“amazulu Inc. has been a great discovery for us here at SeaWorld Orlando. Though they are a new vendor to us they understand our “theme park” urgencies. They have come through with flying colors on all the tasks we have needed their expertise with. Their attention to detail and prompt action to our needs is truly second to none.”
Carol McDaniel
SeaWorld
 “amaZulu helped us to completely redefine our waterpark and beach club.  We interviewed all the competitors and found amaZulu to be the most hands-on, knowledgeable, and service oriented.  In addition, I found the staff to be exceptionally friendly.  We will work with amaZulu again.”
Jack Morey
Moreys Piers