Why are Natural Thatched Houses Replaced by Artificial Materials?

Selecting roofing materials is one of the necessary steps in building a beautiful home. A perfect rooftop which is weather-proof, mold resistance and cold-resistance, plays an important role in the architectural aesthetics.

Over the centuries, natural straw and palm leaves were very popular in the world. They are cheap and easy to get. But nowadays, they are no longer the mainstream choice in the market. What does this mean? When it comes to the natural thatch, people will think over the damage of the fire. It is human nature to seek interests and avoid risks. 

Above is the last primitive tribe in China, Wengding Village. Their houses were made of bamboo, wood and thatch. The all-timber building requires frequent maintenance. It is precisely because people are diligent that they have built the village for about 400 years. No one predicted the danger one day. That day is 14^th February, 2021, which should be a celebration day for the couples in the village. They were supposed to be like other couples across the country. Why did huge fire happen in the village?

1. Natural Straw Thatch is dry and highly inflammable. You can imagine endless wildfires in the mountains. The flames come, the wind blows. The flames burned effortlessly from the entrance to the end of the village.
2. Natural Straw Thatch needs frequently maintenance to keep nice condition. Along with very poor durability caused by damage from climate conditions, insects, rot, as well as exposure to sun, natural thatch needs to be replaced every 2 to 5 years.
3. Being travel source developing, people didn’t live in the village but was village worker from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm every day . So while the fire was burning, no one saw it to put out.

If they choose artificial flame-retardant thatch earlier, they will reduce property damage and time consumption. Designed to conform to the new safety standards, some synthetic thatch is fire resistance, 100% recyclable and free maintenance with same pleasing look. So artificial material is a reliable and hassle-free alternative as rooftop.