What is OneThatch Premium Thatch?

ONETHATCH ® African Reed Thatch shingles consist of individual synthetic reeds bound by a long-lasting and versatile plastic binder strip. Synthetic reed thatch tiles are created to resist the problem of mildew, and the fading issues due to UV deterioration. For projects that call for a fire rating, the reed shingles also come in a fire-retardant (FR) version. Each synthetic reed is moulded from real reeds in UV-stabilised HDPE, and the finished shingle is PVC-free and 100% recyclable. Leaving PVC out was a deliberate choice. ONETHATCH is focusing on protecting our environment and our employees.

Known today simply as ONETHATCH synthetic thatch, the collection we once called Premium Thatch brings you synthetic thatch roofing materials with the feel and look of natural thatch, without the re-thatching that natural roofs need every few years. Over the years we have developed both the reed style and palm style synthetic thatch, and we continue to design, test and style these roofs ourselves. ONETHATCH thatch is tried and tested on real roofs, with original clients still choosing it for their new residential and commercial thatched buildings while their first thatched roofs keep standing up to strong sun and heavy rain.

ONETHATCH synthetic thatching material is crafted from UV-stabilised raw materials developed for long-term, direct exposure to the elements, and it is backed by a 20-year limited warranty. Where a fire rating is required, choose the FR version: FR PALM, FR REED and FR STRAW are rated Class A to ASTM E108, as our guide to Class A fire-rated synthetic thatch explains in full. In laboratory testing, ONETHATCH PALM (NIPA) passed ASTM D3161 at 160 mph (260 km/h) with no loss of attachment, as well as Florida TAS 100. Every style also spares you the pest treatments that natural thatch roofing systems demand.

All roof shingle designs are based on the very same design principle, which makes use of a plastic binder to hold individual natural-looking synthetic reed or palm leaves to form very easy-to-mount “tiles” or “panels”. This layout, together with the UV-stabilised HDPE we use, has earned ONETHATCH thatching material strong independent test results, including 5,000 hours of ASTM G155 accelerated weathering at Micom Laboratories (Canada) with no significant colour change. It has also given numerous satisfied customers thatch roofing systems that need no re-thatching, no sealing, no pest or fire treatments, just an occasional rinse. Additionally, our pre-assembled African Cape Reed or Palm thatch shingles are DIY friendly: there is no need to hire roof thatchers, and no thatching skills are required. Each of these tile styles has been set up to accurately re-create the feel and look of several different styles of standard thatching a few of which have “reeds” of varying forms and colors. All ONETHATCH roof shingle designs are crafted to capture the enchanting visual nuances of traditional thatch roofing. Since the product’s inception in the late ’90s, every generation has been refined for an even more authentic look and lasting quality.

Compare the results from independent testing laboratories, and you will see why discerning building owners looking for authentic-looking thatch roofing are specifying ONETHATCH synthetic thatch; when you are ready, request a quote for your own project.