• Cape thatching reed plants take between 5 to 7 years to reach a mature stage at which they are ready to be harvested. Stems have 5 to 7 years to become stronger.
• Cape thatching reed has a solid core.
• Because of the unique properties of Cape thatching reed, less material is needed when thatching.
• Cape thatching reed is more fire resistant than alternative thatching materials such as grass.
• A structure, professionally thatched with Cape thatching reed, will last for a period of at least 30 years in humid conditions and twice as long in a dry inland climate. This is a very conservative estimate, some roofs have lasted for 70 years and longer.
• Because of its unique properties, Cape thatching reed can conform to curving and undulating surfaces like no other roofing material.
• Cape thatching reed will not bend when pressed tightly. This gives it better sealing properties.
• A roof professionally thatched with Cape thatching reed is far less susceptible to wind damage.
• Aesthetically, Cape thatching reed is recognized as being a most beautiful roofing material.

• Other grasses are harvested on a yearly basis.
• Other grasses and leaves have a hollow core.
• Double the amount of thatching material usually has to be used when thatching with other grasses.
• Grass burns more easily.
• Grass and other thatching materials have to be replaced more frequently
• Because they do not have a solid, flexible core, grasses and other thatching materials are less flexible.
• When tightly pressed grasses tend to bend, reducing their sealing properties.
• High velocity winds can damage grass and palm thatched roofs.
• While other types of thatch may look pleasant, they cannot compare to the warm russet tones of Cape thatching reed.

Known accross the world as African Thatch, Cape Reed, South African Reed, or Africa Thatch. Grows exclusivelly in a limited area of the Western Cape in South Africa.

We harvest, bundle, and supply Cape Reed in bulk to national and international buyers. Our harvesting and bundling is managed strictly to the specification of the South African National Standard.

SPECIFICATION FOR CAPE REED SANS 10407:2004

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD Thatched Roof Construction Edition 1 Page 5: SANS 10407:2004 4.1.1.2

Cape Reed harvesting from the selected areas is controlled and managed in order to promote sustainability .

Thatching reed (Thamnochortus species) for use shall:

• have a minimum cutting length of 1,2 m;
• have a minimum diameter of 1,2 mm and a maximum diameter of 4 mm at the butt end;
• be acceptably straight;
• be workable;
• not to be cut in the growing season (to ensure that the nodes are tight);
• be mature and ligneous;
• be free of sand and silt; and
• be sun-dried for at least 7 days before bundling

Bundles

Thamnochortus species: Diameter of the bundle must be 75 mm.

Approximate mass of the bundle must be 1,1 to 1,3 kg

Thickness of thatch layer must be 180 mm

Minimum mass of thatch layer per m2 must be 72 kg

Minimum design mass of thatch layer must be 120 kg

Our Cape Reed bundles are of high standard and quality. We pride ourselves in harvesting with in harvest season to ensure the supply of strong and durable Cape Reed Thatch.

Email your orders to info@gardenroutethatch or contact Jannie Janse van Rensburg+27 072 6443622 Marzena Janse van Rensburg +27 287 352334