Thatching is a truly ancient roofing practice that has recently been making a comeback.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.
Pros
Today the main advantage of a thatched roof is its timeless good looks. A thatched home can be irresistibly appealing to buyers wishing to feel more connected to the natural environment. Thatch is also a natural and, where sourced locally, a comparatively eco-friendly roofing material that offers good insulating qualities.
If done properly, left undisturbed and sited away from overhanging trees, thatch can be remarkably durable. A Norfolk reed thatch – the material generally favoured by thatchers for its particularly durable qualities - might last as long as fifty years. However, some planning departments are requiring roofs to be re-thatched strictly according to the local vernacular using a broader range of materials, none of which are as long lived as Norfolk reed. A combed wheat thatch may enjoy a life of between 25-40 years, while long straw is recommended to last for only 25 years. On most thatched roofs the ridge – the part of the roof that receives the roughest treatment from the elements - will require more frequent attention and replacement after fifteen years.
Cons
What is not often considered by householders is the amount of time it takes to thatch a roof, which can vary from region to region. In East Anglia, for example, steep pitched roofs will require the full removal of the existing thatching material down to the bare boards, each time the thatch is renewed
Another downside is that thatchers themselves are in quite short supply, and those that are available may not be familiar with the techniques required by the local vernacular.
The risk of fire is one that cannot be ignored. Although the chance of fire is not greatly raised by a properly laid thatch, when fire does attack, it does so catastrophically. Many thatchers now recommend placing a fireboard beneath the thatch so that in the event of fire, it should provide around 30 minutes extra protection.
Infestations by insects, intrusion by birds or vermin and other damage to the thatch can all occur if it is not properly laid and adequately protected. Aerials, satellite dishes and so forth should be kept off, and movement by anything or anybody across the thatch should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Typical Owners
Sacha and Neo, self employed software designers from Shoreditch, have swapped fast food for real ale, rustic bread and a decent broadband connection.
