Bosazza Roofing & Timber Homes
Specialists in Converting Thatch Roofs
We specialize in converting thatch roofs to other roofing types. Thatch roofs on homes, holiday cottages and lodges can be changed to other roofing types. We offer a range of different roofing products when changing from thatch, and can recommend which is best for your particular roof.
Why do people want to change a thatched roof?
There are a number of reasons why home owners with thatched roofs may choose to convert to tiles or roof sheeting:
- If a thatch roof is in a bad condition it can become expensive to maintain over time especially in areas with overhanging trees and lots of shade
- Water can’t be harvested from a thatched roof and it’s becoming more and more important to have access to rain water
- If badly maintained, thatch can be at higher risk of fire and the associated insurance costs can be high
- Standard roofing products can reduce the risk of insect, bird and animal damage to the roof
Recent Projects
Thatch Rondavel Converted to Tiles 
Thatch Roof Converted to Roof Sheeting, Eastern Cape 
The completed roof 
See more thatch roof conversions on our Projects page >
How do you convert thatch to tiles?
We offer three different systems to convert thatched roofs – your choice will depend on the current condition of the roof, as well as whether you want to keep the original structure of the roof or renovate entirely:
Thatch Roof Conversion Systems
Structure Stays
This option removes the thatch from the roof entirely, but keeps the original roof structure. We recommend this method of converting especially if the existing thatch shows any signs of rotting and /or dust problems. It also gives you more options on the choice of internal finishes such as ceilings. Some clients decide to re-lay a thin layer of thatch over the laths to create a thatch ceiling. This retains the warmth and rustic feeling of the inside of a thatched home. When you convert thatch to tiles using this method, extra insulation needs to be installed between the ceiling and roof tiles to ensure heat management in the home.
Over Sheeting
Our most popular system to convert thatch to tiles is over-sheeting; this involves overlaying the original thatched roof with tiles or roof sheeting. Due to the fact that the original roof is being covered, there is much less disruption to the home or inside of the building during the process of re-roofing. The insulation properties of the thatch roof underlay also means that extra insulation does not need to be installed. The original thatch roof needs to be in a particularly good condition to make this a problem free roofing option. Most roofs need some maintenance work on the thatch before over-sheeting. Find out more >
Reconstruct
This system is for those looking to totally renovate and re-construct their roof. The entire roof covering and structure are removed, the roof is redesigned and constructed from scratch. In this case the roof can be constructed with pre-fabricated trusses or with a pole structure built on site. You can redesign and renovate your roof entirely, choosing a new roof covering, internal and eave ceilings and gutter systems. Often clients choose this system as a part of a larger renovation.
Client Referral
“We finally did it! We converted our thatch to a tile roof using a product called Onduvilla.
Mr. & Mrs. Saunders
No dust, leaks, no more wind chill. Living in the windy City of Port Elizabeth we previously had serious wind gusting through the thatch (absolutely freezing in winter) we were forever living in fear of bush fires and lightning storms. Maintenance on the forever decaying thatch is now a thing of the past.
Jonathan’s crew have an amazing work ethic, we have tackled major renovations in the past but nothing on this scale and their workmanship is inspiring, clean, neat and steady.
Thank you for giving us a new home.”
Residential Client, Port Elizabeth
What roofing products can you choose when changing from thatch?
There is lots of choice of roofing when changing a thatched roof to tiles or roof sheeting. Your choice will depend on the shape of the roof structure, the location and climate of your home and your personal preference of how you want the roof to look.
Asphalt Shingles
The shingle roofing system that we use is designed to be a lightweight, aesthetically stunning roofing solution. The tiles have a strong core, are extremely colour fast, weather resistant, maintenance free and beautiful looking. They are available in various colours and profiles
Metrotile
Metrotile is a lightweight aluzinc coated steel tile that is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and carries a forty year guarantee on the coast. The tiles are interlocking and flexible making them a great choice for thatch roof conversions. Various profiles and colours are available.
Aluzinc Roof Sheeting
AZ200 is a corrugated aluzinc roof sheeting which is becoming more popular for roof conversions due to both budget and aesthetics. Although the sheeting is not highly flexible, it has some give and looks extremely attractive when installed over a timber framework. AZ200 is available in a range of colours.
For advice on the most appropriate choice of roofing product for your roof conversion please get in touch with us.