Synthetic Thatch Manufacturers List & Website Directory
By Roof Online Staff • Last updated April 30, 2024
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Artificial thatch is a synthetic roofing material typically designed to look like tropical natural thatch made from palm leaves, reeds, or rushes. It is commonly used as decorative roofing on tropically-themed establishments such as resorts, beach restaurants, and tiki bars.
Synthetic thatch is usually manufactured using molded or extruded high-density polyethylene (plastic). Synthetic thatch is not normally intended to be fully waterproof and is used more for the atmosphere it helps create than for its function as a roofing material, while the actual waterproofing purpose of the roof is performed by membrane underlayments installed on roof sheathing beneath the thatch.
How Artificial Thatch is Normally Installed
- Preparation: Synthetic thatch is typically sold in sections, rolls, or “panels” which are designed to be fastened to the roof sheathing, roof deck, or sometimes roof battens. Before installing the thatch sections, make sure the roof sheathing is stable, flat and smooth, and clean and free of debris.
- Underlayment: Artificial thatch itself is not a particularly good roofing material when it comes to keeping water out (which is why it is normally only used over open air spaces). It’s a good idea to apply a high-quality synthetic or rubberized asphalt roof underlayment over the roof sheathing before installing the thatch. A good underlayment can greatly improve the roof function performance of artificial thatch.
- Installation Method: Artificial thatch panels, sections, or rolls are designed be stapled, nailed, or screwed directly into the roof sheathing or battens. The thatch will typically have high-strength fastening strips where the fasteners are to be applied. In high-wind areas, it’s always a good idea to go with nails or screws instead of staples.
- Overlapping: Like shingles (and most other roofing materials), sections of artificial thatch are installed so the upslope sections overlap the downslope sections in order to shed water properly.
- Finishing: Manufacturers will normally produce and recommend special edge and ridge pieces. These should be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions in order to create a good looking roof.
Important Things to Remember Before Buying Synthetic Thatch
- Suitability: Synthetic thatch is not a suitable roofing material for most roofing applications. It’s mainly designed for aesthetic effect and used on roofs over spaces that are open or partially open at the sides, like tiki bars or small pavilions.
- Design Life and Warranty: See what the manufacturer says about the product’s expected lifespan. Read the warranty before you buy. High-quality synthetic thatch can last 20 years or more, and 20-year material warranties are available for high-end artificial thatch.
- Fire Resistance: Make sure the product is fire resistant and meets local fire code regulations.
- UV Resistance: Look for an indication that the product is UV stabilized to prevent fading and UV degradation for a reasonable period of time.
- Appearance: Synthetic thatch comes in a lot of different colors and styles. Take the time to pick a product that that complements your space.
Why It’s Important to Find a Good Artificial Thatch Manufacturer
- Quality of Materials: A reputable manufacturer will use high-quality materials, follow strict manufacturing standards, and produce synthetic thatch that lasts longer and performs better.
- Compliance with Standards: Reputable manufacturers will be more likely to be aware of relevant regulations, and make sure their products meet safety and quality standards, including fire resistance and environmental impact code requirements. The relevant documentation should be easy to find on their websites.
- Support and Warranty: Reputable manufacturers tend to provide better warranties and will be more likely to honor warranty claims.
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If you are a reputable and qualified synthetic thatch manufacturer and feel that we’ve overlooked your company, feel free to contact us to ask to be added to this list.
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