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Home & Garden Articles
Planning a Thatched Roof or Lapa in South Africa
Sat 03 Feb 2007 - 17:12
Planning a Thatched Roof or Lapa in South Africa
By Jan Lombaard
If you are thinking of planning your own thatched roof or lapa, or buying a thatch dwelling you should consider the following aspects, which may be vital to you in the years to come.
Thatching has been practiced all over the world for many years in different countries in different ways. Thinking of thatch, people almost always think of the negative aspects, however, a lot has been done to rectify this in industry. Our aim is to give you a general introduction to the Thatching trade in South Africa so that you can gain some knowledge of the trade in order to appreciate the value of "good thatching".
There are thatched structures in South Africa that has lasted for many years with the correct building techniques used and maintenance done, and there are many other thatched roofs that are merely just existing or rotting away. We feel this is due to the lack of knowledge of good thatching practice in the market. We strive to give knowledge about thatching in general so that you can make informed choices about your lapa or thatched roof.
We like to compare thatching to the general building trade. As you get cheap products with inferior qualities and characteristics you also get expensive products with good features and characteristics. The fact is the one gives you peace of mind for many years and the other may give you peace of mind only for a relatively short time, and cost you a arm and a leg to maintain. Thatch need not be an expensive liability. Regular maintenance will prolong its life and maintain its attractive appearance and investment value but sound advice and expert craftsmanship are essential.
Because of the diversity of thatched roofs there are many factors that play a role in the erection of a proper thatched roof. The foundation of any thatched roof must be planned and executed correctly to get the desired final product that you want as the lifespan of a thatched roof is directly related to correct design, quality materials and good workmanship. Thatch expertly applied and maintained is cool in summer and hot in winter. Its excellent insulation properties and the consequent conservation of energy can represent considerable savings in electricity costs.
Jan Lombaard is the founder of http://www.builditall.co.za The National Building, Renovating and Home Improvement Directory of South Africa. He has been actively involved in the building and renovating industry for the last 12 years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Lombaard
http://EzineArticles.com/?Planning-a-Thatched-Roof-or-Lapa-in-South-Africa&id=439090
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