Essential Guides & Advice Guide To Thatched Property

Date Published:

21/05/2008

Thatching is a truly ancient roofing practice that has recently been making a comeback.

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Thatched roofs have a charming, quintessentially English appeal with each UK region enjoying its own subtle variations in style and materials.

Straw, essentially a by-product of wheat farming, was at one time the most popular roofing material. But as agricultural practices changed, thatchers increasingly preferred using Norfolk reed (or water reed) because of its durability. Today, due to more stringent planning restrictions which protect the local vernacular, thatchers have had to return once again to the materials of the past.

There are thought to be over 60,000 thatched homes in the UK, three quarters of which enjoy listed status. However, thatch is still very much a living trade with new build companies like County Homes by Ambrosden Court, continuing to build contemporary thatched homes.

If you are thinking of buying a thatched property, do seek out an insurer with experience of thatched roofs to avoid crippling premiums. Likewise, ensure that those trusted to survey and replace your roof are experienced, knowledgeable and have a good track record in maintaining thatched roofs in the local vernacular.

Grants are sometimes available for re-thatching – ask your Local Authority for advice.

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