Harvey Thatch
Love the charm. Not the maintenance.
Nothing matches the African safari feel of thatch. It creates a warm atmosphere and is loved for giving a sense of character inside and outside the home. But ongoing maintenance, re-thatching, fire and lightning risk reduces the charm of natural thatch.
Harvey Thatch solves all these natural thatch roof problems by retaining the African look you love without the inherent drawbacks. Whether it’s a new roof or re-roof, Harvey Thatch is installed over a layer of natural thatch so you still enjoy the charm and insulation properties within your home. As a durable, flexible light weight steel tile, Harvey Thatch provides excellent functional benefits.
Natural Thatch
Natural thatch requires combing, maintenance and costly repairs. Damage and the decay of natural thatch caused by vermin and birds is unsightly and adds to maintenance costs. The use of Harvey Thatch Tiles also eliminates dust, a common occurrence with natural thatch.
Re-roofing A Thatch Roof
Everything that applies to new thatch roofs apply to re-roofing... and the hassle and disruption inside a home or building is invasive and disruptive for as long as the re-roofing process lasts. Re-roofing using Harvey Thatch is hassle-free as the existing thatch is left intact ensuring no disruption to the interior of the building, and retaining the natural warmth.
Low Maintenance
Where natural Thatch roofs require combing and repairs approximately every two years, Harvey Thatch requires very little maintenance and is made to withstand the harshest elements.
Lightning Safe
Harvey Thatch’s non-combustible, fire resistant properties ensure that your roof is safe in the event of a lightning strike.
* The use of a lightning conductor is not mandatory. However, the roof has to be earthed as in the case with any steel (IBR/Corrugated) roof.
Vermin, Bird & Pest Proof
Damage from birds, monkeys and baboons quickly destroy the functionality and aesthetics of a natural thatch roof, while unsightly chicken wire covering only provides a temporary solution. In addition vermin like rats and mice gain access through the natural thatch covering. Harvey Thatch eliminates all these problems with a durable, water and airtight solution.
Natural Colour
Harvey Thatch uses natural stone as grit. Beware of imitations that use coloured sand prone to fading.
20 Year Warranty
Harvey Thatch is low on maintenance and has excellent functional benefits, offering a 20 year Product Warranty (Terms & Conditions apply).
Superior Fire Resistance
Natural thatch poses a significant fire risk to owners and occupants. Harvey Thatch
gives you complete peace of mind as fire risk is reduced to a minimum. Harvey
Thatch is certified with an ‘A’ Fire Rating, the highest roof material fire resistance as
tested to the SANS 10177-12 standard*.
*When installed to specification
HARVEY THATCH: Q&A
Do you have questions regarding Harvey Thatch? Browse these Frequently Asked Questions to discover more about the ultimate low maintenance thatch solution.
1Can I get different colours of Harvey Thatch?
Yes, there are four natural stone coated colours available: Thatch Dark, Thatch
Light, Greystone and Midnight Black.
2Why is natural stone important?
Some tile manufacturers (imported from China) use a coloured sand coating. To obtain a uniform film coating on a non-spherical mineral is almost impossible and will fade rapidly and unevenly when exposed to UV- rays.
By using natural stone, Harvey Thatch tiles will not change colour. Also the stone coverage and the bonding of the stone is to a much higher standard when compared to other metal tiles. This is important particularly over time because it ensures the basecoat and substrate are protected from weather damage and thus ensuring that the product looks better for much longer.
By using natural stone, Harvey Thatch tiles will not change colour. Also the stone coverage and the bonding of the stone is to a much higher standard when compared to other metal tiles. This is important particularly over time because it ensures the basecoat and substrate are protected from weather damage and thus ensuring that the product looks better for much longer.
3Can I apply Harvey Thatch over existing Thatch?
Indeed – it is cost effective and easy - refer to our installation manual for guidance in this regard.
4Why do we use 0.45mm thickness of steel?
Over the years Harvey has established that the steel used must achieve the
optimum balance of strength and flexibility.
As South Africa's original manufacturer and largest producer of metal roofing tiles, we believe that we have proven expertise in this field. Thatch Tiles are manufactured using a Zinc – Aluminum Substrate which provides added corrosion protection.
As South Africa's original manufacturer and largest producer of metal roofing tiles, we believe that we have proven expertise in this field. Thatch Tiles are manufactured using a Zinc – Aluminum Substrate which provides added corrosion protection.
5Why don't you produce a longer or wider tile?
There are certain efficiencies to be achieved, particularly when maximizing loads in shipping containers. Also steel is generally supplied in coils and this is usually most cost effective in the size purchased to manufacture the tiles at the width that they are.
Longer tiles lose strength in the installation and also look less appealing.
Longer tiles lose strength in the installation and also look less appealing.
6Can anyone install Harvey Thatch?
Although it is easier to install a Harvey Thatch roof than many other types of roofing, there are certain key steps that need to be adhered to, which is why we recommend using experienced installers who have been trained to install Harvey Thatch.
However for the DIY person, follow the guidelines as per our installation manual. A list of approved installers are available on our website.
However for the DIY person, follow the guidelines as per our installation manual. A list of approved installers are available on our website.
7Does the stone coat collect more dust?
It is normal that in a dusty environment ALL roofs will collect dust and dull the colour. Our roofs are no different and will be easily restored after rains.
8Is rain noise more audible on a Harvey Thatch roof?
The timber and layer of natural thatch/cape reed used under our installations absorbs a lot of the residual rain noise. When the tile is installed, it is firm and there is very little reverberation compared to that experienced with corrugated metal roofs.
The stone coat also reduces rain noise further, so when compared with natural thatch or concrete tile roofs, the rain noise is only measurably higher by a negligible margin, whereas a corrugated roof sheeting will create higher noise levels.
The stone coat also reduces rain noise further, so when compared with natural thatch or concrete tile roofs, the rain noise is only measurably higher by a negligible margin, whereas a corrugated roof sheeting will create higher noise levels.
9Can you collect water from a Harvey Thatch roof?
Yes, you can harvest rainwater from a Harvey Thatch roof.
10Does moss and algae grow organically on Harvey Thatch?
Harvey Thatch Tiles contain a biocide in the basecoat which is harmless does not affect the potability of water collection. Over time any organic growth will depend on the location and environment and will be the same for all types of roofs.
On Harvey Thatch roofs, this organic growth can be milled with a sodium hypochlorite, dilute to a working concentration of available chlorine of 3% and applied liberally to the roof. After rainfall the growth should clear.
On Harvey Thatch roofs, this organic growth can be milled with a sodium hypochlorite, dilute to a working concentration of available chlorine of 3% and applied liberally to the roof. After rainfall the growth should clear.
11Can Harvey Thatch be used on any type of building?
Yes Harvey Thatch is suitable for most building types. Harvey Thatch is commonly used on both newly built or re-roofed game lodges, residential complexes, Cape vernacular architecture and bushveld residences. Many of Southern Africa's most prestigious hotels and reserve lodges are protected by Harvey Thatch roofs.
12How long does it take to install a Harvey Thatch roof?
The installation process varies depending on the scope of the project. But it's relatively quick and easy to install a roof with Harvey Thatch, as the tiles come in larger panels rather than individual tiles. Nails are used to secure the tile panel to the roofing structure.
13How long do Harvey Thatch tiles last?
Harvey Thatch comes with a 20 year warranty inland (1km from breaking surf & ocean spray) and 10 year warranty for distances 400m+ from the coast. But we expect them to last much longer than this!
14Are Harvey Thatch Tiles environmentally friendly?
A Harvey Thatch roof is a green roof — it is made from material with a recycled content of up to 60% and its long service life guarantees sustainability. Add in energy efficiency and the ability to be installed over most existing roofs (avoiding landfill disposal of old materials) and you have what is one of the most environmentally-friendly roofing materials available.
15How does Harvey Thatch reduce transport costs compared to other roof products?
Compared to traditional concrete roofing materials, Harvey Thatch is one sixth of the weight. This means that one truckload of Harvey Thatch tiles can offer the same roof coverage as six truckloads of traditional roof materials.
16Why is Harvey Thatch's light weight important?
Aside from reduced transportation costs, Harvey Thatch's light weight enables it to be installed over existing roofing materials without additional expensive roof structures. The same principle applies to new builds, where Harvey Thatch customers save on costs of excessive load bearing roof structures.
17Is Harvey Thatch suitable for all climates?
Yes. Harvey Thatch products can withstand freeze/thaw cycles, as well as extreme heat. They are also resistant to mold, as they will not absorb water, and they can be installed year-round. Harvey Tiles eliminates dust entering the roof.
18How will Harvey Thatch stand up to extreme weather?
A Harvey Thatch roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. Under high wind conditions, a well installed Harvey roof will have high wind resistance well in excess of SANS requirements.
Harvey Thatch roof tiles are secured by a system of precision overlapping and fastened to battens by nails. The result is a leakproof, secure unit that withstands gales force winds, hailstorms and continual excessive rain. The natural stone coat of all Harvey Thatch colours is fade-proof against the sun's UV-rays.
Harvey Thatch roof tiles are secured by a system of precision overlapping and fastened to battens by nails. The result is a leakproof, secure unit that withstands gales force winds, hailstorms and continual excessive rain. The natural stone coat of all Harvey Thatch colours is fade-proof against the sun's UV-rays.
19Can Harvey Thatch withstand severe UV exposure?
Harvey Thatch tiles do not naturally degrade over time because UV protection is built into each tile. Harvey Thatch only uses natural stone based coating that does not degrade like synthetic pigments.
20What will happen to a Harvey Thatch roof in a lightning storm?
Lightning will generally strike the highest object in an area, regardless of the material from which it is made.
Harvey Thatch does not create nor attract lightning and if struck, is noncombustible. One does not require a lightning pole, however the roof should be earthed like all metal roofs.
All wiring should be insulated.
Harvey Thatch does not create nor attract lightning and if struck, is noncombustible. One does not require a lightning pole, however the roof should be earthed like all metal roofs.
All wiring should be insulated.
21Is Harvey Thatch safe against fire?
A Harvey Thatch roof is completely non-combustible and provides great protection from external fires. Additionally, the low weight of our products minimizes any cave-in threat which might occur with an interior house fire.
Harvey Thatch gives you complete peace of mind as fire risk is reduced to a minimum. It is certified with an A-Class Fire Rating, the highest roof material fire resistance as tested to the SANS 10177-12 standard.
Harvey Thatch gives you complete peace of mind as fire risk is reduced to a minimum. It is certified with an A-Class Fire Rating, the highest roof material fire resistance as tested to the SANS 10177-12 standard.
22What about hail?
Metal does not lose impact resistance with age — unlike most other products which become more susceptible to damage with each passing year. In the event of an especially severe storm, even if an indentation does occur, a metal roof will be as watertight as before and still structurally sound.
23Is Harvey Thatch roofing energy efficient?
Harvey Thatch's low thermal mass means that it cools down quickly after a long hot summer day, providing cooler interiors. Conversely during the winter a highly insulated roof system responds quickly to retain heat within the structure and provide immediate comfort.
In most cases the charm of natural thatch as an underlay will cool the dwelling.
In most cases the charm of natural thatch as an underlay will cool the dwelling.
24What is the minimum roof pitch suitable for Harvey Thatch?
Without Underlay: Between 15 and 45 Degrees. With Underlay: Between 10 to 15 Degrees.
25Do you provide technical support?
Definitely — from general enquiries to assistance with specification, from input via site visits and on-site training, Harvey is with you every step of the way before, during and after your rooftop installation.
Training of contractors are done at no charge.
Installers offer a workmanship warrantee and it is recommended you insist on this as such.
Training of contractors are done at no charge.
Installers offer a workmanship warrantee and it is recommended you insist on this as such.
26What maintenance is required?
Almost zero — Harvey Thatch only requires routine inspection from time to time.
27I've heard that Harvey Thatch is bird, vermin and vandalism proof.
Harvey Thatch is extremely secure, against both vandalism/burglary and animals. The dry-fix installation method makes it impossible for vandals to pull the tiles from the roof by hand. No more hassle of restoring natural Thatch by damage caused by monkeys and birds.
28What kind of accessories are available for a Harvey Thatch roof?
Harvey offers everything you require for a full roof installation. From a full range of ridges, caps and flashing to specialist accessories such solar brackets.
29Can Harvey Thatch be walked on?
Yes. It is always recommended that you walk diagonal across the roof and step onto battens.
30How does the cost of Harvey Thatch compare to natural thatch and other alternatives?
Harvey Thatch products will be comparable in cost to other high-end roofing such as natural thatch, slate, clay tile, and other composites. The cost savings will be most evident in the maintenance costs. Harvey Thatch roofing is economical to install and does not require costly additional structural support to accommodate the extreme weight of slate, concrete or clay tile. Harvey Thatch is also virtually maintenance free.
Consult with your insurer – they should offer you a reduced premium.
Consult with your insurer – they should offer you a reduced premium.
31How much water does Harvey Thatch absorb?
There is minimal, if any, water absorption which eliminates freeze/thaw cycle effects. It also protects against mold/mildew/lichen growth practically eliminating costly maintenance.
32Can Harvey Thatch be installed on curved roofs?
Yes. Harvey Thatch offers a full range of accessories for all roof shapes.
33Can Harvey Thatch be installed vertically (mansard roofing, siding etc?)
Yes. Harvey Thatch has been used on many mansard roofs.
34Will the Natural Thatch decompose under the Harvey Thatch Tile (re-Roof?)
The use of Harvey Thatch Tile will in fact slow down the decomposition of the natural thatch.
35Will methane gas develop and cause ignition?
We have not experienced any feedback / reports of ignition as a result of methane developing. The tiles have adequate ventilation (through the end lapping and accessories as well as the fact that the tiles are nailed onto the battens) and if this was indeed the case, many International Resorts would have been exposed and / and or experienced this phenomenon?
Our standard recommendation for re -roofing over natural thatch is that the top layer has to be cleared (trimmed) and treated with a fire retardant.
Our standard recommendation for re -roofing over natural thatch is that the top layer has to be cleared (trimmed) and treated with a fire retardant.
36Can I install solar panels onto Harvey Thatch Tiles?
Yes, the panels must be elevated and all wiring must pass through an isolated conduit.
We supply solar brackets – no need to pierce the tiles and risk water ingress.
We supply solar brackets – no need to pierce the tiles and risk water ingress.
37Do I need to vacate my house during installation?
No, that this a key benefit of re-roofing with Harvey Thatch – installation is also easy and done in a short time span.
38How secure is my investment?
Harvey has been around for almost 60 years. Many international lodges and resorts can attest to the quality and beauty of having Harvey Thatch. These are amongst others:
• SanPArks ( Kruger National Park)
• Ulusaba (Sabie Sands – Sir Richard Branson)
• KZN Wildlife Projects
• SAPPI Staff Quarters
• Cathedral Peak Hotel
• Fairways Resort
• Champagne Valley Resort
• Royal Natal National Park
• Bona Bona Game Lodge
• Ngwenya Lodge
• Leopard Hills
• Drakensberg Resort
• Sabie River Bush Lodge
• Kiara Lodge
• Mabalingwe
• Dikhololo
• Waterberg Game Lodge
• Pilansberg National Park – Mankwe Hide
• SanPArks ( Kruger National Park)
• Ulusaba (Sabie Sands – Sir Richard Branson)
• KZN Wildlife Projects
• SAPPI Staff Quarters
• Cathedral Peak Hotel
• Fairways Resort
• Champagne Valley Resort
• Royal Natal National Park
• Bona Bona Game Lodge
• Ngwenya Lodge
• Leopard Hills
• Drakensberg Resort
• Sabie River Bush Lodge
• Kiara Lodge
• Mabalingwe
• Dikhololo
• Waterberg Game Lodge
• Pilansberg National Park – Mankwe Hide
Tile Specification (Approx.)
Overall length: 1 675 mm
Cover length: 1 625 mm
Overall width: 395 mm
Cover width: 350 mm
Mass per Tile: 3.9 kg
Mass per m²: 6.9 kg
No. of Tiles per m²: 1.76
