A roof is the one part of a house you don't think about until it leaks. In the Cape Winelands, a lot of older homes — especially the classic Cape Dutch and farm-style houses around Paarl and Stellenbosch — still carry their original thatch. Thatch looks beautiful, but it comes with real running costs and risks. That's why roof conversions are one of the most common jobs we take on.
The same homestead — old roof stripped right back, then finished in a clean, hard-wearing new slate roof.
What is a roof conversion?
A roof conversion means replacing your existing roof with a different, longer-lasting one. In this region it almost always means going from thatch to tile, slate or metal sheeting. The old thatch is stripped off, the timber roof structure underneath is inspected and reinforced where needed, waterproofing is laid, and a new roof is built on top.
It's more involved than a simple re-roof, because the new material is heavier and the structure has to be right. Done properly, you end up with a roof that will outlast the thatch several times over.
Why convert a thatch roof?
People convert for a few very practical reasons:
- Fire risk & insurance. Thatch is combustible, and many insurers charge more to cover it. A tile or slate roof is non-combustible, which lowers the risk — and often the premium.
- Maintenance. Thatch needs regular combing and eventual re-thatching every several years. A tiled roof asks for very little once it's on.
- Leaks & lifespan. Ageing thatch starts to leak and rot. A new tile or slate roof, properly waterproofed, will comfortably last decades.
- Cost over time. Thatch is cheaper up front but you pay again and again. Many owners work out that converting once is the better long-term spend.
Your conversion options
Thatch to tile
The most popular choice — concrete or clay roof tiles. Hard-wearing, good-looking, and available in profiles and colours that suit both modern homes and Cape Dutch character properties.
Thatch to slate
A more premium, elegant finish that sits beautifully on heritage and estate homes. Slate roofs are handsome and extremely long-lasting.
Thatch to metal sheeting (IBR / corrugated)
A lighter, cost-effective option that goes on quickly — well suited to outbuildings, cottages, sheds and some modern homes.
Re-roofs & roof repairs
Not every roof needs a full conversion. Sometimes a tired tile roof just needs re-laying, or a section repaired and re-waterproofed. We'll tell you honestly which you actually need.
How a roof conversion is done, step by step
- Inspection & quote. We come out, measure the roof, check the timber and the pitch, and give you a proper written quote.
- Structural check. The existing trusses and beams are assessed — a tiled roof is heavier than thatch, so the structure is reinforced where needed.
- Strip. The old thatch (or covering) is removed and the site kept tidy as we go.
- Timber, battens & waterproofing. New battens and underlay/waterproofing are laid to spec.
- Tiling / sheeting. The new tiles, slate or sheeting go on, with ridges, valleys and flashings sealed properly.
- Finishing & clean-up. Gutters, edges and detailing are finished, and the site is cleared. You're left with a watertight roof and a clean yard.
What does a roof conversion cost?
Honestly? It depends. The price comes down to the size of the roof, its pitch, the material you choose, the state of the timber, and access to the site. Anyone who quotes you a firm number over the phone without seeing it is guessing. We'd rather come out, measure properly, and give you a real figure — the quote is free and there's no pressure.
How long does it take?
Most house roofs are a matter of weeks, not months, depending on size, weather and whether the structure needs work. We give you a realistic timeline up front so you can plan around it.
Roof conversions in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek & Wellington
Roof conversions are bread-and-butter work for us across the Winelands — in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Wellington in particular. The area has a lot of older thatch homes — from Cape Dutch farmsteads to town houses — and each one needs a slightly different approach. Heritage properties have to be handled sympathetically so the new roof suits the building, and the Winelands wind and winter rain mean the waterproofing and flashing details have to be spot on.
Here's a recent example — a roof conversion on a heritage stone cottage in the Winelands. The old roof was stripped right back to the structure, the timber rebuilt, and a new hard-wearing roof laid on top — all while keeping the character of the original stonework.
Why use a registered builder for your roof
A roof is structural — it's not the place to cut corners with a bakkie brigade. Goldengrid is a registered NHBRC home builder, which means your project is held to the standards that protect housing consumers in South Africa. You get a proper quote, a tidy site, and a roof done right.
Thinking about converting your roof?
Call or WhatsApp for a free, no-pressure quote anywhere in the Winelands — Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Wellington.