Product specification
Thatch Marshal 8000 was developed by a team of chemical engineers with 30 years experience in the fire retardant industry. Thatch Marshal 8000 is water-based and environmentally friendly.
The working of Thatch Marshal 8000 is two-fold:
1. the intumescent ingredient as well as the polymer binder acts as a restrictor of oxygen in case of a fire
2. chemical saturation of the cellulose in the thatch causes petrification, making it very difficult to ignite
Thatch Marshal 8000:
extends the life of your thatch
increases water resistance
bind thatch together, making it more difficult for birds to dismantle
inhibits the growth of fungus, which can reduce sinus and allergies
enhances the appearance of the thatch
How does Thatch Marshal 8000 work?
Thatch Marshal 8000 comprises of a co-polymer emulsion combined with a fire retardant component. The co-polymer emulsion acts as a binding mechanism for the retardant
component to migrate into the thatch helm. This process takes 21 days on average. A white, powdery, non-toxic by-product will form as evidence of the product being fully
cured. It will wash out with the first rain.
What do we mean by fire retardant SYSTEM?
A fire retardant's efficacy is very dependant on how the product is applied to the roof. In South Africa the ASTM E-108 test is used to verify the effectiveness of the fire retardant
based on the manufacturer's specified application system.
The following system is prescribed for Thatch Marshal 8000:
• On the outside - 0.9 l per m2 is applied at a pressure of 3000 PSI to obtain a penetration of 2-3 cm
• On the inside - 0.3 l per m2 is applied at a pressure of 200 PSI – 300 PSI. In order to use the required amount of product, two coats have to be applied
All high risk areas like chimneys, gas appliance areas, braais and parts of thatch bordering open veld has to be treated with two coats.
Is it possible to treat the outside of the thatch only?
No. If any part of the process is not carried out as per the application instructions of Thatch Marshal 8000 the system will be incomplete and the fire retardant functioning
may not be the same as the test results of our ASTM E-108 tests done in 2010.
Can I use Thatch Marshal 8000 on timber poles?
No, Thatch Marshal 8000 has been not been designed to be used on timber poles.
What will happen if I dip a bundle of thatch into Thatch Marshal 8000 and set it on fire immediately after it has dried?
The outcome may be different from what you expect - the bundle might still burn because the product has not been applied according to the application system as
explained above. The fire retardant component's migration into the thatch helm takes on average 21 days. If you do the test before that time, results will not be optimal.
"Our lapa was struck by lightening recently. As a result, the chimney was damaged, causing hot bricks to fall everywhere on the treated thatch roof. Remarkably, only a small part sustained any damage. The thatch didn't catch fire - it only smouldered a little. The damage was contained to a piece the size of a rugby ball. I'm thankful that I had the treatment done!
- Siegfried Heydentych