Are Tiki Huts Waterproof? Materials And Waterproofing

Have you ever had a neighbor that built a tiki hut in his backyard? You’d probably be jealous. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cool place to hang out in the backyard.

Or perhaps you have plans to live on an island? Well then, you may have considered building a Tiki Hut. But before you do so, you’re probably wondering if they are waterproof enough for your home.

Tiki Huts are naturally waterproof. The water is kept out by the tight overlapping of the thatch materials. If you bundle the thatch together, the water simply cannot penetrate and moisture does not typically get absorbed more than 2 inches.

 

 

How Are Tiki Huts Waterproof?

Thatched roof like that of those of Tiki huts is traditionally built with grasses or reeds called “cane”. These are interwoven together to produce a homogeneous surface.

Many of the materials used on Thatched roofs contain some amount of silica making it a naturally waterproof material. Not only that it is waterproof but during rainy seasons the stems of the cane become stiffer which in turn giving more protection from seepage.

Also, thatched roofs are typically built with steep angles thus making the rainwater run-off on the sides before it even gets absorbed by the thatch. A pitch of around 50 degrees is desirable to be the most effective.

To know more about other thatch materials to use for better waterproofing then keep reading.

Best Waterproof Roof Materials For Tiki Huts

If you are looking for the best material for tiki huts to make them waterproof then you should go with a synthetic palm thatch roof. This type of roofing material is weatherproof and highly wind resistant.

A synthetic palm thatch roof offers beauty and functionality for your tiki hut. The material is impermeable to water and you can use a sealant to make it even more waterproof.

A synthetic palm thatch roof is also good for those who live in wetter climates. It can be easily maintained and will last for years if properly cared for.

Synthetic Palm Thatch Roof

Viro Palm Thatch

Synthetic Viro Thatch Palm also referred to as faux thatch can be bought in Java and Bali styles. At a quick glance, you cannot tell the difference between a natural thatch and a viro palm thatch. In fact, the only way to tell that it is synthetic is to touch it. It is designed to be installed on an existing roof and the lush look that it has will last for years without losing its beauty.

Rio Palm Thatch

Rio Palm Thatch is another common synthetic palm thatch that contains real authentic palm leaf patterns to perfectly mimic the look of natural thatch. This excellent thatch is rot and mold resistant and will resist fading for a long time and not to mention it won’t attract those pesky insects.

Aloha Palm Thatch

Like the first two mentioned synthetic thatch, Aloha Palm Thatch also shares the same characteristics. The main difference with this thatch is that it is designed to appear similar to a shaggy palm thatch. If you are looking for affordability, then this thatch is the most cost-effective option than Rio or Viro Palm Thatch.

In terms of wind resistance, these synthetic thatch are design to withstand strong storms so you’ll don’t have to worry that it will be blown away. All these thatch passed wind and UV tests.

To learn more about these synthetic palm thatch roof, you can visit Amazulu Inc for synthetic palm roof options.

How To Waterproof Tiki Hut?

The lifespan of the thatch roof of your Tiki hut will depend on the climate of your area. If you live in more dryer climates then expect your tiki hut roof to last 4 to 6 years with proper maintenance.

However, if you are residing in an area with frequent rainfall then your tiki hut will be more susceptible to wear and tear. That means rain water will start to seep inside your tiki hut.

Thatch sealer is an excellent solution that you’ll need to spray on all of the sides of the thatch to prevent moisture or rainwater from seeping into the insides of your tiki hut. In fact, it can even prolong the lifespan of your tiki hut roof by more than 2 years with minimal effort and cost.

Benefits of using Thatch Sealer:

• Decrease the risk of damage from weather
• It preserves the natural and earthy look of the thatch
• It locks out the moisture
• It extends the lifespan of your Tiki hut roof
• It can prevent bacterial and fungal growth

How to Apply Thatch Sealer?

I’ve had several people ask me recently how you apply thatch sealer on your Tiki hut. I thought it would be a good idea to write the process from start to finish so you’ll how to apply it properly.

Step 1. Before applying the thatch sealer make sure you thoroughly clean them beforehand. It should be free from bird residue, cobwebs, and wasps.

Step 2. Put coverings on the inside of your tiki hut like furniture and the flooring. Make sure not to apply the thatch sealer on a wet surface as it can weaken the effectiveness of the sealer adhering to the roof.

A warm and dry temperature is more ideal when applying thatch sealer. make sure to close the sealer when it is not in use.

Step 3. The last step is to spray and pour the thatch sealer into the tiki hut roof. Begin spraying on the apex of the tiki hut roof and go downwards. Repeat the process until the entire roof surface is covered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tiki huts are waterproof as long as it is well maintained. You can also choose a synthetic thatch roofing material for your Tiki hut for better weather resistance. With the use of thatch sealer, you can extend the lifespan of your Tiki hut roof. Thatch sealers are easy to use and preserve the natural look of the thatch roofing.