Many, if not half of our clients, have establishments with thatched roofs or a part thereof. As such we decided to focus on thatch so that you are 100% up to speed on how to install, maintain and protect your thatch. If these tips are not adhered too, don’t be disappointed if your insurer asks ‘difficult’ questions when you submit a claim.
Without trying to sound like we are educating you or giving you a general knowledge quiz, a surprising statistic is that a lightning strike is more likely to cause a power surge and damage your electronic equipment/ appliances than start a fire. Did you know that a lightning mast installed next to thatched buildings could be more of a liability if it’s not properly maintained? Are you aware that different types of fire extinguishers are required for thatch, as opposed to the ‘regular’ fire retardants? Are you mindful of the fact that you need to completely replace thatched roof periodically?
If you comply with the relevant criteria –having the thatch professionally installed, regularly maintaining it and taking the obvious steps to reduce the risks of fire – you should be provided you with good cover, when you submit a claim.
The installation of thatch
You will not be covered if your roof is of defective design, specification, construction, workmanship or material. All thatched roofs need to be installed and maintained by professionals.
The top layer of thatch rots over time and requires brushing every 5-8 years. When a thatched roof is originally built, its thickness should always allow for this maintenance. As soon as the thatch starts to thin, it is time to re-thatch.
The location/ size of the thatched area is relevant to the insurance cover;
- Is it located within five metres of the main residence?
- What is the square metreage in relation to the main residence’s roof?
The maintenance of thatch
You will not be covered if the thatch is not maintained properly or has been damaged by mildew, damp, or wet/ dry-rot.
The top layer of thatch rots over time and requires brushing every 5-8 years. During the rainy season dampness can lead to the growth of fungus, which decomposes the thatch. Lack of drainage leads to premature rotting and leaks. In dry weather conditions natural debris becomes loose on the thatch, making it far easier to brush off, maintaining your thatch further.
Protect against fire
As you know thatch is highly combustible and becomes more so over time, as the thatch layer becomes thinner and heats up quicker. Any chimneys in a thatched building must comply with National Building Regulations regarding factors such as height and materials used, and non-combustible flashing must be installed around the chimney. Whilst having fire retardants easily accessible is advisable, they will only slow heat build-up, they will not stop a fire. Fire retardants also need to be maintained as per the manufacturer’s specification, which is usually every three years.
Additional preventative measures which you may like to consider are;
- Inserting fire-retardant blankets between layers of thatch
- install at a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher in every kitchen/ cooking area
- check extinguishers’ labels. The reason being, CO2 or “B” class extinguishers are best in cooking areas. Water extinguishers or “A” class are best to use directly on the thatch and should be kept on every floor or loft if the building is higher than one storey
- Extinguishers require servicing annually
Protect against lightning
Common causes of lightning are a power surge, damaged electrical equipment and appliances.
A surge protector is designed to limit the voltage supplied to the property by blocking or short-circuiting unwanted voltage to the ground. While surge protection devices cannot eliminate the risk of damage entirely, there are many instances in which they can substantially limit the damage caused by lightning and power surges. It is highly recommended to protect the distribution board with an adequate device, and in some cases, this may be the only requirement that your insurer will have as protection against lightning.
Freestanding lightning masts must be earthed and bonded sufficiently. The mast needs to be at a height where the 45-degree protective angle covers the entire roof.
Masts must be maintained annually to prevent an electrical surge leak into the ground, causing widespread surge problems.
Last tips
Make sure you keep all the certificates and invoices of installations made and maintenance work done by qualified professionals. Scan all hard copies and save such information in the cloud, so that it is easily accessible to everyone.
Understand what your policy will or will not cover; if in doubt, please ask us, we are here to help you. info@satib.co.za
