Phragmites Thatch Roof

It is used for thatching the roofs of traditional homes throughout south east asia.

Phragmites thatch roof. Phragmites is pervasive throughout the region so finding it isn t hard but harvesting good quality reed is more of a challenge. Types of thatch products. Phragmites reed grass a traditional thatching plant originally from europe is the material that we are using at natural cottage project workshops and at the strawbale studio. Some types of roofing for example thatch require a steep pitch in order to be waterproof and durable.

To thatch a roof take phragmites. The leaves that make up the thatched roof allow hot air to flow upward reducing heat and humidity. Photo courtesy of strawbalestudio org a woman in oxford recently used phragmites to thatch the roof of. Thatched roofs are currently in vogue in england where weathly people are restoring old cottages which once a.

It has a number of different uses including fuel livestock bedding and fodder thatching and basket making. Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw water reed sedge cladium mariscus rushes heather or palm branches layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof since the bulk of the vegetation stays dry and is densely packed trapping air thatching also functions as insulation. Thatched roofs are not at all common in canada but are used in similar climates in northern europe like finland where the reed is also plentiful. Contact us online give us a call at 877 912 2244 get a quote.

Phragmites is invasive to this area and outgrow native plants including the cattail. Click on pics to enlarge i was surprised to learn that phragmites stalks are very desirable materials to be used for roof thatching to build roofs with a claimed life of 60 to 80 years. For deanne bednar owner of strawbale studio phragmites australis is also a roofing material. The material that is abundant in this area and used on many roofs here is called phragmites also known as water reed.

Roofs made with reed thatch are long lasting insulative and very beautiful.