Thatch fire protection is about slowing a fire down and giving people time, because dry grass catches easily and burns fast. No grass roof is fireproof. What works is a mix: keeping fire away from the thatch, a fire retardant on the grass, a fire barrier under it in new roofs, a drencher system that wets the roof, extinguishers and a hose reel close by, and a firebreak in veld fire country. Insurers often ask what you have. Send one request and we pass it to independent installers and applicators near you, who quote you directly.
Drencher and sprinkler systems
A drencher is a pipe along the ridge with nozzles that spray water down over the thatch when it is opened, by hand or by a detector. It wets the roof against sparks and radiant heat from a nearby fire. It needs enough water and pressure: many systems use a tank and a pump so they still work if the mains pressure drops or the power is off. Ask the installer how long the system can run, how it is switched on, and how it is tested. Test it now and then, ideally before the dry season, and check that nozzles have not blocked with dust or insects. Drenchers are common on lodges, venues and estate homes with large roofs.
Fire retardant and fire barriers
- Fire retardant is sprayed onto the thatch and makes it slower to catch. It wears off and needs re-application at the maker's interval and after heavy weather. Ask for a certificate after each application. See thatch fire retardant.
- A fire barrier is a fire resistant board or membrane between the thatch and the roof space. It is fitted when a roof is built or re-thatched, and it slows a fire from reaching the rooms below.
Chimneys, braais and the house rules
Most thatch fires start close to home. A chimney should end well above the thatch and have a spark arrestor. Keep braais, fire pits and patio heaters well away from the eaves, and never braai under a lapa without a proper built braai and chimney. Keep extinguishers and a hose reel near thatched buildings and check them. The National Building Regulations (SANS 10400, Part T covers fire protection) set fire safety distances to boundaries and between buildings for new thatch: check with the municipality.
Veld fires and lightning
On farms, lodges and smallholdings, a firebreak around thatched buildings, short grass and no dry wood stacked against the walls make a big difference when a veld fire comes through. Lightning is the other main cause of thatch fires, so pair fire protection with a free-standing lightning mast. Ask your insurer which of these they want to see.
What to put in your request
- What is thatched and roughly how big each roof is
- Water supply: mains, borehole, tank and pressure
- What your insurer or estate has asked for
- Chimneys, braais and fireplaces near the thatch
- Whether the property borders open veld
Thatch Fire Protection for homes, lodges, farms and venues
- Homeowners: a fire retardant on the house roof and a spark arrestor on the chimney
- Estate homes and HOAs: drenchers and retardant certificates that meet the estate's and insurers' rules
- Game lodges and bush camps: drenchers on the main boma, firebreaks and hose reels across the camp
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: retardant on guest rooms and extinguishers by every thatched unit
- Farms and smallholdings: a firebreak, a tank-fed drencher and retardant for veld fire season
- Restaurants, pubs and beach bars: a drencher over the dining roof and the kitchen chimney checked
- Resorts and holiday parks: fire protection planned across rows of thatched units
- Wedding venues, schools and churches: a wedding lapa protected with retardant, extinguishers and braai rules
- Builders, architects and developers: a fire barrier, drencher and fire distances planned into a new roof
Frequently asked questions
Do you install fire protection yourselves?
Can a thatch roof be made fireproof?
What does my insurer want?
Can a fire barrier be added to an existing roof?
Thatch Fire Protection by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg