Why You Must Know Deeper About Thatched Roof in the Philippine Setting?
Owning a thatched roof seems to be getting renewed attention as people look for roofing options that does not break the bank, whilst also providing a bang for the buck experience! To be frank, thatch is not even a relatively new material, heck, it’s been here for centuries now, passed from generation to generation!
Thatched roofs are popular in the Philippines and most commonly exists in the form of Bahay Kubos, where the roof is thatched and made out of renewable materials. To the ordinary person, thatched roofs may seem cheap and fragile, however if you delve into the topic more in-depth, you will find a plethora of advantages and benefits thatched roofs offer, coupled with of course, some disadvantages.
The Philippines is an archipelago located near the equator, meaning it has a tropical climate, where it is usually warm and hot. If you plan to get a thatched roof here in the Philippines, here is a guide on the pros and cons on this type of roof so you can make an informed choice on whether to have them!
Pros:
1. Insulation
Now this is where thatched roofs really shine, and is one of the reasons why Bahay Kubos in the country utilize this type of roof. Thatch is naturally insulating, meaning it can keep the cozy insides of your house warm in winter and even cool in summer, thus making you save a lot of money on potential cooling and heating bills!
2. Lightweight
Again, this is a reason why Bahay Kubos are actually portable! Thatch is light and it does not require any external heavy support structures to depend on for a stable build. Ergo, it lowers costs by a lot!
3. Durability
For the untrained eye, it might seem fragile and easily weathered down, however, it is secretly really durable and can even stand its ground during a storm! Thatch is material that can last up to 65 years, depending on the type of thatch used and also how well maintained it is over the years!
4. Sustainability and eco-friendliness
As thatch is sourced from a natural resource and does not require any external machinery to process and craft it, it is thus totally 100% sustainable and eco-friendly, and is the best option for roofs if you ever want to go green!
Cons:
1. Safety precautions
There are a lot of things you have to consider safety-wise if you want to have a thatched roof as your main roofing! Things such as cutting down overhanging branches or trees so as to avoid getting moisture on the thatch, getting your chimney regularly maintained and looked after, using special treatments to deter pests from infesting the thatch, etcetera! Other things include safety precautions for fire hazards, electrical hazards, etcetera, also!
2. Maintenance
Maintenance on a thatched roof ain’t one bit easy. If you want it to stay for the long run, get ready to have it properly maintained then! You have to have it inspected, insured, and well maintained every year to once every few years to ensure that it is in good shape! You don’t want any compromise in quality or build awaiting to be further exemplified in the future! So, get your roof professionally checked and insured if you want it to stay cool!
So, that was some pros and cons of having a thatched roof in an environment here in the Philippines! Hopefully, you have learned a lot to make an informed decision on whether to get a thatched roof and have a warm and rustic vibe to your current humble abode!