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Before-and-after collage of a Bali hut roof and its underside

Ideas, advice & outdoor living

Mudbug Repair

Mudbug replacement and Bali hut repairs for damaged roof hips, ridges, crowns and finials. Learn the warning signs and request an assessment from Brisbane Thatch & Decks.

Wrapped and unwrapped bundles of Alang Alang thatch used as mudbugs
Mudbugs
Poolside Bali hut with repaired mudbugs, ridge capping and finials
Mudbug Repairs on Bali HutsExamples of mudbug repairs and replacements completed by Brisbane Thatch & Decks.
View from inside a Bali hut showing daylight through damaged roof hips where mudbugs need replacement

Symptoms of a Bali Hut needing a Mudbug Job

If you look up inside your Bali hut and see daylight through the hips, the mudbugs may have deteriorated or come loose. All may not be lost: in many cases the roof needs a professional mudbug replacement and ridge build-up rather than a complete re-thatch.

Other signs include gaps at the corners, loose hip coverings, water entering near the ridge, damaged capping, or movement around the crown and finials. Send us photos from a safe position so we can assess the likely scope.

If we cannot repair your Balinese hut, we can discuss rebuilding it.

Repair Balinese Huts and Gazebos

Mudbug Replace and Bali Hut Repairs

Mudbug repair and replace

Why choose Brisbane Thatch & Decks to replace the mudbugs on your Bali hut?

If you look up and see daylight through the hips of your Bali hut, these are the areas that should be covered with mudbugs. “Mudbugs” is the name widely used in Indonesia for the round bundles of thatch that cover the hips where the thatching strips meet at the corners.

Alang Alang thatch is supplied in tightly woven grass strips tied to long pieces of bamboo. When the strips meet at the hips, small triangular openings remain. Mudbugs cover these openings and protect the vulnerable roof joints.

A stronger installation method

Some installers tie mudbugs to a long piece of timber and screw it into the hips. This is a quick installation method, but the hip coverings can deteriorate rapidly. Our method is designed to secure the mudbugs more effectively and deliver longer-lasting results.

We use high-grade mudbug thatch and proven installation techniques. Our team has repaired and replaced mudbugs on many Balinese huts and understands the details that make the ridge and hips last.

What the repair includes

  • Assess the Bali hut and identify weaknesses around the hips, ridge and crown.
  • Remove the existing damaged mudbugs and associated waste from the site.
  • Install replacement mudbugs using our specialist fixing method.
  • Repair and build up the ridge so the roof does not retain weak joints.
  • Check the terracotta ridge capping, crowns and finials and discuss replacements where required.
  • Complete the work using experienced thatchers familiar with steep Bali hut roofs.

After-sales service

If you have concerns about maintenance, damage repairs, mudbug replacement or re-thatching, contact us. We can review your photos, discuss the work and arrange a site inspection for a quote where needed.

Request a free quote 0424 785 755
info@brisbanethatch.com.au