From Africa to the United Kingdom, and from Mexico to Asia, thatched roofing has been used for centuries in many countries around the world. The Ubud Pavilion Company is an Australian business that imports thatched grass roofing material from Bali. The thatching is made from an indigenous Indonesian grass called Alang-Alang.
Thatched roofing is ideal for garden pavilions, pool houses, entertainment areas and the entire roof of a house. Thatching is not only attractive and decorative internally and externally, it has inbuilt insulation qualities and will reduce outside heat by up to 15 degrees (Celsius)
The Ubud Pavilion company has been importing Alang Alang thatched roofing for eight years and each roof has remained in excellent condition during those years. In Indonesia the major resorts usually start maintenance on thatched roofs after 8-10 years and as the Australian climate is not as wet or humid no one can speculate on their full life expectancy here. However if the roof is kept free of plant debris the life of the thatch will be increased.
A thatch is suited to a square or rectangular pavilion style structure with a roof pitch of around 35 degrees. The steep pitch allows the rain to run off rapidly which will ensure a longer life. When laid by an accredited Thatcher, the roof won't need a lining, as it will be totally waterproof.
The grass arrives from Indonesia lashed to bamboo battens approximately three metres long. The thatching method is essentially the same as has been used for centuries, but has been adapted to Australian building standards.
Once the thatch has been laid it is left to settle. The edge of the thatch can then be finished in a number of ways, either left with a fringe, partially trimmed or cut sharply depending on the effect desired. With time, the grass will weather and change colour but the underside will remain the same warm and rustic colour as when it was laid.
Birds and vermin are not considered a problem for thatched roofs because the grass it is made from has sharp edges which makes nesting uncomfortable. The thatch can also be treated with a fire retardant if required.
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