Cool shade, typically 10º cooler than canvas shade, warm air escapes through the reed. • Withstands exceptionally high winds, never has to be taken down, even in the severest winters. • 99% waterproof. •Totally natural thatch reed, eco-friendly, replenishable resource. 9ft. Thatch Reed Umbrellas, Marriot Frenchmans Reef, St. Thomas • Very durable, lasts 5 - 7 years outdoors, depending on climate. • No maintenance, no shedding, no mildew.	Safari uses only freshly harvested Sable, Cabbage and Date palm fronds (Sabal Palmetto & Phoenix Dactylifera). These are natural, renewable, eco-friendly resources where harvesting promotes growth. A professionally thatched roof of 45º will last 5 to 10 years - high figures for hot dry climates, low figures for hot wet humid climates. Palm thatch has traditionally been vulnerable to extreme winds, but this can be overcome by the installation of Safari’s Thatchlock netting which is an extremely strong but almost invisible netting that retains the palm fronds in extreme winds.