Reed roof - what is it?
The modern reed roof is an advanced technology for processing raw material plus the experience of using this type of roofing for many generations. Even after centuries, the installation has not changed much, it does not need complicated devices or tools. The main thing is the skill of the roofer and the excellent quality of the raw material.
When asked what the straw roof differs from reeds, you can answer that there is no fundamental difference. To date, in the device of roofs the concept of "straw" is not the stems of cereals, but dried and prepared for the installation of stems of reeds. Therefore, when talking about the reed roof, they mean straw, and vice versa.
Suitable material for roofing straw are the stalks of reeds and reeds. Thanks to a special drying technology, they remain surprisingly flexible in the dried state, which opens up truly unlimited possibilities and prospects for creating a unique roof design.
Thanks to the flexibility of such straw, it is possible to create the most complex roofing options. Due to the peculiarities of this type of covering, the drainage system is represented by the French drainage( chain hanging vertically), gutters are also installed, but rarely.
Roofs from reeds - a variety of advantages
The technology of laying a reed roof is such that the part of the stem that during growth of the plant was in the water and practically does not rot is visible. In addition, reed roofing is made from environmentally friendly natural material that does not cause allergy and does not contain pathogenic bacteria.
In addition, the roof of the reeds will be pleased with its excellent resistance to extreme weather conditions, it does not fear frosts, heat and rain, the thickness of this roof will absorb the sounds of a falling hail, thunderous thunder and howling wind. The natural material of this roof is resistant to dampness, so that the roof does not swell and does not get wet.
Another important addition to the collection of advantages of this roofing material is that this roof in both winter and summer maintains a stable temperature. In winter, under such a roof will be warm, and in the summer it's cool. In addition, ventilation of the attic space when installing this type of roof is not required.
The thickness of the roof of reeds is about 30 cm, which is equivalent to the use of heat insulation about 15 cm thick. Accordingly, additional insulation such a roof is not needed. And by the way, a reed roof does not need heat and vapor insulation. If the roofing was done by professionals and used high-quality material, the roof from reeds will last more than 50 years. And, importantly, such a roof can be repaired if necessary.
Straw roof - some more interesting facts
The only thing that the straw roof is afraid of is a fire. To increase fire safety all raw material is treated with impregnants, due to this the risk of ignition of this roof has become very insignificant. The use of a material treated with an impregnant makes it possible to secure this type of roof for a period of about 20 years, but manufacturers advise during this period to check the condition of the coating every 7 years.
To prevent all negative effects, the exhaust pipes must be taken out to the highest point of the structure, and inside the fireplace and chimneys a metal grid must be installed to reduce the flying sparks.
I would like to dispel another myth about living rodents in such roofs. Since rodents settle in cracks, burrows, etc., then a qualitatively laid cane roof is not an assistant to them. The straw of the roof is packed so tightly that it is difficult to penetrate there, and processing the material with special compounds reduces the ability to gnaw this roof.
There are open and closed cane roof design .When the structure is open, the material is fixed on the lathing so that the inner layer of the roof is also the ceiling of the room at the same time. This type of construction, usually used in public places to give external effectiveness. Closed design is easier to install, the material is attached to sheets of waterproof plywood, which play the role of additional sound and waterproofing.
Reed roof - basic installation rules
The installation of reed roof includes 4 stages.
- Temporary fixing of reeds on the roof using clamps or special bollards. During the installation, these clips must be moved along the reed layer. For laying the roof you need an average of about 25 such clothespins. In addition, during the fastening of reeds it is necessary to measure the depth of the roof. The lower structure, consisting of waterproof plywood, fiberboard and other materials, must be undamaged, smooth, clean, dry and durable. It is necessary to carry out qualitative isolation of chimneys, mansard windows, etc.
- Compression. If the reed protrudes beyond the lower structure, it should be compressed approximately 50 mm, depending on the wind load. This action is made to the outside so that there are no gaps. The reeds should be adjacent to the inner edge of the roof and protrude beyond the pressure bar for 15 cm. The clamp is made of galvanized steel wire. The first is at a distance of 20 cm from the clamping bar, the second - 12 cm from the first, and all subsequent at a distance of about 30 cm
- Fastening. All of the above distances should be tightened with clamps. And on the corner beams sheaves of cane are stitched with stainless steel wire in 22 cm increments.
- Skate installation. Reed is stacked so high that the distance from it to the ridge is not more than 5 cm. Under the ridge, you must lay a strip of mesh. To finish the reed, as well as to compact it and give a neat appearance, it is necessary to use a special bit.
The roof of reed will always attract the eyes of others and delight the eye with its unusualness, and thanks to the unique properties of natural material, its operation is much more pleasant and more profitable than many modern roofing materials.
