02-22-2013, 07:59 AM
Traditionally, two types of thatching material were used in Hawaii: coconut fronds and pili grass. pili grass is not easy to find in large enough quantities, due to development. Coconut fronds should be split down the midrib, so that they can be laid crosswise to the slope of the roof with the midrib up. Since one end is wider than the other you have to alternate base and tip. For good rainproof coverage you need to lay the fronds down as close together as possible. To make sure the roof is sturdy, plan to lash the fronds to the support poles no farther apart than 3 ft. each. Needless to say, you start lashing your fronds at the bottom on both sides of the roof and work your way up. The peak uses unsplit fronds so that the leaves hang down on both sides. I helped do a re-roof in the Solomons using this method. It goes quickly if you have all your materials, trimmed to size, laid out ahead of time, your lashings cut to size, and a crew to hand up the materials. 2 ladders so someone can hold one end in position while the person on the other end secures it is also helpful.
Have fun.
Have fun.