FAQs
How Does A Thatched Roof Keep The Water Out?
The simplest way to explain is that all of the reeds/straw are laid at a steep angle so when any rain hits the thatch, gravity allows the drops to descend onto the reeds/straw below, until it finally reaches the eaves.
In a heavy storm the rain can penetrate the thatch approximately 3-5 cm. The top layer of thatch is usually 30-40cm thick so there is no laying water on the thatch, and it will continue to dry out after the storm passes.
What Are The Fire Risks With A Thatched Roof?
Many people worry about the fire risk of owning a thatch property. There are many modern ways of reducing the risk from fire barriers fitted to the top of the timbers below the thatch, to alarm systems around the chimney and roof space and even an external spray which can be applied.
All chimneys need to be properly checked and regularly maintained.
I would strongly recommend looking at the TAS (Thatching Advisory Service) website for detailed information regarding fire protection.
What Materials Do You Use?
The most common types of thatch are: Wheat reed, Long straw and Water reed.
We have to use like for like materials on listed buildings.
Most of our straw is grown in this country. However, the majority of water reed is imported from Europe. There is still water reed cut in Norfolk but not enough to supply many Thatchers outside the area unless specifically requested.
I sometimes use Norfolk sedge grass for ridging, but again, there is a limited supply.
Why Do Some Thatches Have Netting On?
The netting is usually on Wheat reed and Long straw to provide extra protection from unwanted pests, who may find grains on wheat in some of the thatch.
Also, birds may tend to find lengths of straw for easy nesting materials as our straw roofs are generally fixed with hazel spars and the straws are not as long as Water reeds. This is another good reason for netting.
Water reed is generally fixed directly to the timbers, making it much more difficult to be pulled out.
We always net our ridges as they are made up of straw and hazel spars. Our ridges are tight, and even more so with netting fitted correctly to the apex and around the pattern.
Why Are There Different Ridge Designs?
If the property is a protected listed building the styles have to remain the same each time the ridge is replaced.
The main styles are Block pattern ridges with semi circles, points, clover leaves, or a simple straight cut. These are just a few you will see around.
If the property isn’t listed I like to give my customers of a more bespoke design.
The other style is a flush ridge. This is simple and effective and more commonly seen on barns and occasionally other long straw thatches.
How Long Does A Re-thatch Take To Do?
The average re-thatch takes approximately 6-8 weeks depending on how many are working on the roof together, what the weather is like and if we need to strip it back and fit a fire barrier. If the roof has a lot of features, more time and skill are needed to create the best finish.
A re-ridge can usually be done in 1-2 weeks approximately, allowing for scaffolding and re-netting if required.
Can I Have A Thatched Roof on a New Building?
The answer is yes and since the early 90s I have worked on a number of new builds and many extensions.
Thatch is a sustainable material and will only be considered more in the future for your own grand design to commercial buildings. As you will see on this website, this is an area I feel passionately about. (Thatching For The Future.)
Do You Work All Year Round?
We do work all year round; there not many days we lose over to the weather.
Strong winds and exposed roofs are our main concerns.
We generally programme our total re-thatches out of the winter months if we need to take it back to the timbers.
Working in the rain is fairly common for us as long as the materials – especially Water reed – are kept reasonably dry. The straw is fine wet and years ago we always used to soak it prior to use, and with long straw we still do as part of the preparation.
How Long Does A Thatched Roof Last?
Wheat reed should last 20-25 years
Long straw can last the same in certain areas of the country. However, in the Hampshire region from my experience it lasts 15-20 years.
Water reed should last 25-30 years. That said, I have worked on roofs where the reeds are coming up to 70 years old. Water reed can take a good overhaul between re-ridges which will give it extra life.
All of the above is so dependent on the steepness of the roof, the quality of the materials and the skill of the thatcher, as well as how well the customer keeps it regularly maintained.
How Much Does It Cost?
Obviously this can only be a general answer, depending on how much work is required to make sure the roof timbers are strong and replace any rotten areas. Sometimes we have to strip back to the timbers and apply a fire barrier. Scaffolding must be used and all of the old materials disposed of at commercial recycling centers.
A small cottage 20-25K approx.
A larger house 50- 70K approx.
And other big projects will be more still.
How Do You Become A Thatcher?
Nowadays it’s easy enough to look online to find a thatcher near you and to simply email, write or phone to see if there is a possibility that they might be looking for an apprentice.
To give you an honest inside-the-craft point of view, not many youngsters manage the necessary 5-year apprenticeship, largely because any romantic notions of it being a tranquil job are soon dispersed! Being in all weathers year round, it is very labour intensive and one does not really start to earn a good wage until proficient at the trade; some indeed learn quickly and simply get it, whilst others struggle and have to really physically and mentally persevere.
The greatest part of thatching is knowing you can look at a job at the beginning and can visualize the finished project. As a Mater Thatcher I can overcome all problems and there is a tremendous amount of job satisfaction for ourselves and for our customers.
If you have any further questions or would like a free survey and quotation, please contact me.