Thatching reed

Thatching reed is being classified according to its provenance. Depending on the country of origin and its prevalent climate reed shows different characteristics. Generally speaking a warm continental climate, as for example in Romania, Turkey and partially in Hungary, has positiv effects on the strength of the reed spears. Within these groups reed is futher subdivided according to the length and thickness of the spears. What kind of reed to use for thatching has to be chosen individually depending on the constructional conditions.

Requirements to the constructional material reed

The reed has to be free of grass, old and bended spears and of any other impurities. The spears should be strong, of yellow to brown colouration and should not break immediately once they are being bent. A bundle of reed should have a circumference of at least 0.6 m. Short reed can be up to 1.5 m long (with a spear diameter less than 6 mm). Reed of medium length is up to 1.8 m long (with a spear diameter of 3 – 9 mm) and long reed measures up to 2.3 m (spear diameter 6 – 12 mm). The bundle of reed must not contain mould and has to be processed and packed in a dry condition. Superficial dampness does not harm the reed but the interior of the bundle must be dry at any time. You can learn more about the requirements for reed in the product data sheet which you will find in the annex of the standards for thatching roofs with reed (ISBN 3-481-02033-3).