From Natural Reed From Innovative Reed
Lifespan max 30 years, possible with regular annual inspection min 120 years
UV resistant? The reed turns grey when exposed to UV light.
Intervention is necessary if darker patches appear on the roof,
or if existing patches are increasing in size,
if thatch clumps protrude from the roof surface, or if birds frequently damage the roof.		 yes
Flammable? yes no
Fire safety
classification		 F (without the use of a flame retardant) V-0 This is the safest fire safety classification
in the Netherlands. Innovative reeds do not burn and do not contribute to fire spread
Insurance company
expectation		 After impregnation. Impregnation shall be
repeated at the prescribed frequency –
failing which at least every 2 years.		 none
Invasion by mosses
and other plants		 Yes. The shady side of thatched roofs is a place preferred by
mosses and plants that don’t need sun.
These plants do not directly damage the roof covering, but they do retain water on their surface and keep the roof moist, and their roots can also transport moisture to the deeper layers of the roof.
This moist medium is colonized by parasitic fungal species,
the cellulose-degrading enzymes of which can cause the reed to rot.		 no
Fungus
growth		 Yes. Dark discoloration of the reed tips is usually caused by a fungal infection. The appearance of decay indicates an advanced stage
of infection and a loss of cellulose content in the reed material.
In the early stages of infection, damage can be well managed by
removing the infected thatch from the roof and replacing it with healthy thatch.
In the case of widespread infection, the entire cover of the affected area may have to be removed and rebuilt.		 no
Does it provide
a favorable habitat
for bugs, insects
and rodents?		 Yes. In looser nodes of the roofing, insects and beetles can settle
or hide their eggs in the reed stems and between the fibers.
Their presence attracts birds, which can damage the roofing by chipping, breaking, and pulling out the reeds while foraging.
The best protection against birds and insects is to make the thatch cover sufficiently dense.		 no
Wear and tear? Yes. no
Does it require
regular maintenance?		 Yes. The volume of the reed is reduced by drying and the bindings loosen. It may occur after 1-2 years after construction, it is a natural phenomenon, but it requires intervention.
The roof can then be renovated by a so-called “dressing up”.
During dressing up ~ 50 cm long reed bundles are stuck under the fixing wire and then beaten up with stampers. After the dressing up the roofing will be denser and its
color will also get lighter.		 no
Thickness 30-40 cm 12-18 cm
Inclination angle min 40 degrees min 25 degrees
Roof load 68 kg per square meter for a thickness of 30 cm 16.8 kg per square meter
for a thickness of 12 cm
Environmentally friendly? Considered hazardous waste under current Hungarian legislation Yes, made from recycled material