Wooden Poles for Lapas must conform to South African Wood Preservers Association demands for thatch roofing materials and are SABS approved. Laths, like gum poles (Wooden Poles for Lapas), are further be treated to prevent decaying and timber borers such as termites from damaging the wooden poles for lapas which can head to dangerous frameworks. The materials that are utilized in thatching laths are easily grown, replenished and production of the canopy doesn’t damage the surroundings. It’s important that you always buy your gum poles and laths in the size that you need as cutting can expose an zone where the treatment has not reached the timber.
When lightning strike a thatch roof the energy flow though the steel wire structure generating a lot of heat which can set the roof on fire! That type of damage can be avoided by installing proper Lightning conductors for Lapas. Lapas are constructed using steel wire structures consisting of various loops around the roof area on different height intervals, almost like a contour map, to secure and strengthen the bundles of thatch in place, although this is a strong and sturdy method there’s something to address Lightning conductors for Lapas.
Without a lightning conductor, these roofs with the steel wire constructions become very dangerous and easy paths for the lightning to travel through to the ground, effectively it becomes an unwanted conductor that will cause serious damage not only to the structure but also to the items nearby and in more severe cases death.
By installing the correct Lightning conductors for Lapas you can avoid these disasters and hugely decrease the risk of lightning damage so that you can rest assured that you’re protected.
Laths are fine gum poles that are laid horizontally in lapas and thatch ceilings with the grass laid over it, therefore creating a more sturdy thatch roof. The inner framework of the thatch roof is erected with Gum Poles and Laths or as we call it – wooden poles for lapas. Thatching laths utilize wood, a thatched canopy is a really eco-friendly alternative of roofing a dwellings. If the roof is correctly laid with adequate grade wooden poles for lapas and the right grass is used a thatch canopy can hold up for about 25 – 30 years.
Lapas and thatched lapas are fairly popular in South Africa, nevertheless if they aren’t protected against lightning they’re furthermore at risk to catching on fire because of a lightning strike than any other type of roof. When correctly dried and installed a thatch ceiling is mostly leak-proof and keeps your interior cooler in the summer months and warmer during the cold winter months. Laths are also used to make beautiful privacy shields and also for the structure of verandas and carports.
Damages caused by lightning to these structures that aren’t protected by proper LPS Conductors can be devastating not to mention the extreme high risk of injury and in severe cases the loss of life.
Contact us if you want to protect your lapa against lightning damage.