What Is African Cape Reed Thatch Roofing?
For centuries, African reed has been a reliable roofing material for building structures of all kinds. We construct each of our African reed panels from cape reed, our sturdiest natural thatch product. The tropical color combination of browns, yellows and charcoals makes for a popular product for all environments. African Cape Reed thatch roofing covers gazebos, Tiki huts, umbrellas and other exterior structures. Our eco-friendly African Cape Reed thatch has a climate-dependent lifespan of up to 10 years, enhancing your interior or exterior space for the long term.
We design our panels to resist temperature fluctuations and provide insulation, keeping an area cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. No matter the season, African Cape Reed thatch makes the outdoors more comfortable.
Largest Inventory
Forever Bamboo has the largest inventory of eco-friendly, economically priced natural and synthetic thatch products. African reed thatch is one of our many thatching products for enhancing your business or home. Give your backyard a tropical touch by using our African thatch products on existing or new building structures. Cape reed is naturally flexible enough to cover flat, curved or circular shapes. If you are searching for a distinctive-looking thatch, African reed is the product for you.
Environmentally Friendly
African reed thatch is a natural product that is resistant to damage from pests. With society's increased awareness of sustainability, we have made sure to provide our customers with the highest-quality, eco-friendly products on the market. The reed used for our panels and cones is a renewable resource that is naturally sturdy and durable. Another benefit of using reed thatching is the low maintenance required to keep it in good condition. Our thatch is easy to install and can withstand many different changes in weather.
Quality Control
Quality is paramount for providing our customers with the best products available on the market. Before we sell a thatch product, it must pass an intensive quality control process. We do not select or sell any thatch that does not meet our stringent quality standards. Our exclusive supplier rejects any damaged thatch products before sending them to us for assembly. We take these steps to guarantee you receive a product that exceeds your expectations.
Weather-Resistant
Our African reed products are highly resistant to harsh weather conditions and provide excellent insulation during the summer and winter seasons. With the proper maintenance and care, African reed thatch can last between eight and 10 years. During hot summer days, heat escapes upward through the layers of reed, consistently keeping your structure cool. Compared to non-breathable roofing materials such as tile, tin and polycarbonate, thatch roofing provides comfortable circulation and insulation.
Applications of African Cape Reed Thatch
Customers most commonly use our African Cape Reed thatch for its traditional purpose — roofing and cover. Its resistance to weather makes it an ideal choice for exterior shade. This material adds light shelter to structures such as:
- Palapas
- Covered decks
- Gazebos
- Pavilions
- Outdoor lounges
- Tiki huts and bars
However, you can also use African Cape Reed thatch panels for interior spaces and other unconventional applications. Creative uses of thatch include the following.
- Covering vertical surfaces like cubicles, walls, fences, gates and railings: Apply panels in an attractive pattern to turn a space into a tropical hideaway. You might also layer them like you would for roofing to create the classic layered thatch look.
- Arranging panel sections to create a statement decoration: Cut a panel into thin rectangles and layer them into different shapes. Add another decoration like a Tiki mask or faux hibiscus to create a one-of-a-kind adornment.
When you think beyond African Cape Reed thatch's typical uses, you can create innovative designs that will impress your guests or customers. Whether you use it in an interior or exterior space, consider sealing your thatch for added durability. We sell Thatch Safe fire retardant, which makes your thatch fire-resistant.
African Reed Thatch Umbrellas
If you are planning on building a round umbrella or square structure with our thatch panels, use our 31-inch top cone cover for the perfect finishing touch. Each top cone cover consists of the same woven thatch we use to make our panels. With proper care, African reed top cone covers can last 10 years or longer. A large brown node on the tip of the cone ensures maximum durability and longevity. Complete your project today with our versatile and attractive African reed top cone covers.
To save you time and effort, we also sell African Cape Reed thatch umbrella kits that contain everything you need to make an umbrella from the ground up. Each kit includes:
- A steel frame
- Umbrella struts
- An African Cape Reed thatch top cone
- Cape Reed thatch umbrella panels
- Round, pressure-treated 6" x 10' pole
- All hardware required for assembly
You will only need to get the tools required for the project — we'll handle everything else. No need for an extra set of hands, either — one person can assemble the kit on their own.
African Cape Reed Thatch for Homes and Businesses
The Forever Bamboo team has plenty of experience working with residential and commercial customers alike. We understand that entrepreneurs and homeowners have different goals in mind when they use our products. Most importantly, our work with resellers and service industry companies has taught us that they often need to buy in bulk. To make ordering in large quantities easier, we provide a convenient wholesale form on our website. Complete the requested information, and we will provide a customized quote.
How to Care for African Reed Thatch
African reed thatch is an excellent choice for locations with tougher climates and conditions, thanks to its temperature resistance and natural strength. Following essential tips for how to maintain African reed thatch will help preserve its look and function. Proper care and maintenance can build its resistance to the elements, including harsher weather. Use these tips for how to protect African reed thatch and keep it in top condition.
Use Thatch-Safe Sealant
An essential aspect of preventive maintenance for African reed thatch is to apply a protective sealant coating. Use eco-friendly Thatch-Safe sealant right away to provide protection from the elements. Before applying, make sure the reeds are clean and dry to allow for a thorough layer of sealant. Then, use a roller, brush or sprayer to coat the reeds and give them 24 hours to dry off.
Make Sure It Has Access to the Sun and Breeze
Where you place the thatch will also impact its lifespan. Be sure to install your African reed thatch where it will have access to the sun and wind. Made of natural materials, thatch will dry on its own when wet. However, a closed-off or heavily shaded location will hinder its ability to dry, which could lead to unwanted moisture buildup. Put it in a sunny, open spot.
Store During Harsh Conditions
Though African reed panels are the sturdiest thatch option, extremely harsh conditions could affect them. If you're anticipating winds higher than 50 or 60 miles per hour, you may want to store the thatch in a safe place. Doing so will offer you peace of mind by protecting the thatch from any potential damage.
Remove With Care
If you ever need to remove your African reed thatch, do so carefully. Handle the panels gently and stack them together in a clear, safe area. Choose a storage spot free of moisture, insects or anything else that might damage the thatch. Removing the panels before a severe weather event can help preserve them, but conscientious handling and storage are necessary.
Hose It Down
Another vital part of maintenance is to hose the panels down once or twice per day for about 30 days after installation. Otherwise, rain runoff can leave behind unsightly stains on the ground. If you continue to see runoff after the first 30 days, keep hosing the panels until runoff no longer occurs. Let the thatch dry naturally, under the sun.
Clean It Often
Regular cleaning will also help preserve your African reed thatch. To clean the panels, gently sweep away any debris starting from the top down. Wipe the frame using warm water and a small amount of detergent. Let it dry in the sun when you're finished.
Commercial Use
Interested in resale or using our products for your commercial project? Complete our commercial inquiry form, and we'll get back to you with a custom quote.
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