ENGAbout reed
roofs
- The roof is the crowning moment in the construction of a house, no wonder there is a tradition to hang flowers from the eaves, thus symbolysing that the main task is complete – the house is under the roof. It is also like the visiting card of the owner – a testament to his way of thinking and attitude to the environment and aesthetical values.
- Latvia, along with the rest of the world, is gradually starting to use eco-friendly roof covering materials, and reed roofs are particularly suitable for Latvian landscapes. Reed is a flexible material which is suitable for sophisticated structures. Reed as a roof covering material has stood the test of time. Correctly and properly layed reed roofs last for more than a hundred years. Of course regular maintenance is recommended, but it is also easy to repair. Moss, which is the main enemy of reed roofs, must be cleaned off every 20 – 30 years. Moss accumulates humidity, which causes rotting. Roofs should also be protected from birds, who plant different kinds of seeds and acorns.
- Contrary to popular belief ,Reed roofs are not flammable. Reeds belong to a group of materials which are difficult to ignite. They are fireproof thanks to their density. If the house is built by following all fireproof regulations, a reed roof will be safer than a synthetic roof covering. Even misfired fireworks or cigarette butts won`t cause a fire.
- The roof is a thermoinsulant. Residential building reeds are at least 30 cm thick, thus creating 10 cm of insulation. It is also a natural thermoinsulant, which maintains a constant temperature in both summer and winter.
- Even though a reed roof is relatively expensive, it is one of the cheapest natural materials if you take into account the ratio of total cost and its lifespan. By choosing a reed roof you will save on thermoinsulation, air conditioning and ventilation devices. Also, you do not need gutters, because reed roofs create their own overhang. You do not need junctions, glands, screws and other materials. If you select a synthetic roof covering, you will spend double on additional materials, and it will not endure for a long time, therefore you will have to repair it. A reed roof is self-ventilating so anti condensation films are not necessary. Walls and other structures are safe against temperature fluctuation – they do not heat up during the day and cool down at night, therefore it will serve for a longer period of time.
- Reeds are the eco-friendliest roof covering material. They are not processed with harmful chemical substances.
- For roof ridges, small planks or chipboards are used. These are the most commonly used roof ridge in Latvia. You can also use tiles and clay sheaves. We also offer up to twenty different types of finished ridges.
- When selecting the facade paint for the house, it has to be taken into account that reed roof will lose its bright yellow tone in less than a year – it will become grey. Therefore, the facade paint should be selected according to how the appearance of the roof should look later.