A new mud hut will last 1-2 years, depending on the amount of rain and erosion. The huts can be built using mud, cow spillings, bricks or grass in some cases. Architecture Inside a hut looking towards the ceilingĪn African round hut is a seen as vernacular architecture since they are built of readily available materials. They can be different in shape and size depending on the region in which they are built. The mud hut is extremely common throughout rural parts of the African continent. The thatched-roofed, plastered type mud houses construction was found early East Africa, where various local indigenous tribes built them, using them as homestead alongside lifestyle with agriculture and farming. It has been constructed for thousands of years. It is most commonly made out of mud and its roof is often made with grass and with local materials. It is constructed usually with a conical foundation and peaked thatched roof. The hut has different names in various African languages. The African round hut known in literature as cone on cylinder or cone on drum hut. Rodents can also cause extensive damage.īefore deciding on a thatched roof for your house, you need to weigh up all the above pros and cons.African architecture A traditional African hut in Ethiopia Birds looking for food, gathering nest-making materials or nesting in the roof itself becomes a greater possibility when the thatch is not processed appropriately for its intended use. Branch trimming should be done as the branches can cause the thatch to dry out, increasing the risk of fire.Īnimals can cause damage. Any overhanging trees close to the house must be cut back when you have a thatched roof. However, most short-term insurance companies do insure thatched properties, and installing significant fire retardant measures should result in lower premiums. Due to the higher risk of fire damage, home insurance is higher than houses with tiled, steel or aluminium roofs. The maintenance cycle varies depending on the type of thatch material, roof pitch, sun and shade, exposure to pollutants, and extreme weather. To keep a thatched roof at its best, regular maintenance is needed. It also retards bacterial growth and does not alter the natural appearance of the thatch. The Micon Thatchsayf product also improves compaction while allowing the thatch to breathe, preventing rotting. In warm, wet climates, in particular, thatch is prone to fungal attacks. This means you need to take precautions to minimise the possibility of this process taking place. Because thatch is an organic material, it is susceptible to decay and decomposition. Micon Thatchsayf consists of a water-based solution of fire-retardant and intumescent chemicals in a polymer emulsion binder that protects the thatch.ĭecay. One process is Micon Thatchsayf which was developed in South Africa by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to be environmentally compatible. Fortunately, sophisticated and effective fire retardant processes are available.
Without the proper precautions, thatched roofs can be a fire hazard. Installing a thatched roof is more labour intensive than other roofing methods, so it is generally more expensive.įire hazard. Brick, steel and glass can create a clinical atmosphere, which is softened by thatch to produce a welcoming ambience.Įxpense. A thatched roof adds warmth and character to a property. As it darkens with age, thatch tends to blend into the surrounding greenery.Īdds character. Thatched roods age well and will shape into natural forms that add to their charm. In addition to proper maintenance, the length of time a thatched roof will last depends on the original materials used and the skill and experience of the thatcher.Īges well. With appropriate maintenance, they can last up to 60 years or more. Thatched roofs are typically last longer and are very durable. In addition, this superb insulation enables you to save on electricity for heating and cooling.ĭurability. Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, so your home will stay warm when it's cold outside and cool during the hot summer months. This means the industry also creates jobs, which are much-needed in South Africa, considering the high unemployment rate.Įxcellent insulation. Thatch reed is grown and harvested without machinery and is usually sourced from rural communities. One of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials available is thatch.
These are the advantages and disadvantages you need to know: AdvantagesĮnvironmentally friendly.
Thatched roofs are lovely to look at and offer some excellent benefits - but there are disadvantages. Owning a house with a thatched roof is something that many people aspire to have.
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