The Tetőépítők Országos Egyesülete( Roof Builders’ Association) is the professional community and officially recognized representative body of carpentry, roofing, and sheet metal enterprises in Hungary. Our mission is to advance the professional standards of roofing trades—including traditional and natural material roofing systems—and to ensure the transfer of expertise to future generations.
Founded in 2010 through the collaboration of professionals active in roof construction, the Roof Builders’ Association (TEGY) initially brought together entrepreneurs primarily from Fejér County. Since then, our membership has quadrupled, and we now maintain an active presence in 15 counties across the country.
Our professional activities cover the full spectrum of roof construction, with particular emphasis on thatching as a traditional yet modern, sustainable, and technically advanced roofing solution. As a commitment to strengthening this field, in 2025 our association joined the International Thatchers’ Society (ITS), which represents the professional interests of high quality thatched roof construction worldwide.
Hungary possesses exceptional natural conditions for reed harvesting and processing. Approximately 12,800,000 bundles of reed are harvested annually. According to our calculations, an average of 9 bundles are required to complete 1 m² of thatched roofing, meaning that the annual yield would be sufficient to cover roughly 1,400,000 m² of roof. A portion of the harvested reed is also used for producing reed panels and reed flooring. Despite this, a significant share of the available raw material is exported, while domestic utilization remains below its potential.
Historically, thatched roofs in Hungary were built almost exclusively from locally harvested materials using manual techniques. The craft was governed by strict professional rules, with knowledge passed down through generations, and execution relied heavily on practical experience. These traditional roof structures were simple yet offered excellent thermal and moisture regulating performance.
Today, thatched roof construction is a professionally regulated process supported by modern technologies. Carefully graded materials, appropriate thatch thickness, advanced fastening systems, and fire protection and durability enhancing solutions ensure that thatched roofs meet contemporary building and safety standards. The integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern technical approaches guarantees high quality, long lasting results.
The Roof Builders’ Association is dedicated to supporting current and future carpenters, roofers, tinsmiths, and specialists working in niche roofing fields—including thatching. Our goal is to help our members operate stable, professionally prepared, and competitive businesses, while contributing to the preservation and continuous development of Hungary’s rich roofing heritage.
Roof Builders’ Association: https://tetoepitok.hu/