What material is used for a thatched roof?

Water Reed
There are three main thatching materials used on roofs, Water Reed, Combed Wheat Reed and Longstraw and there are other materials used. These vary in application, style and longevity.

How do you thatch a roof?

How do you install a thatched roof?

How long do thatch roofs last?

Overall, thatch is a great building material that is sure to add a unique look to any home or business. It keeps out rainwater, can stand up to heavy winds, can last up to 60 years with proper care and maintenance, and give your building a timeless look that turns heads.

What is the average cost of a thatched roof?

Install thatched roof: cost
Surface roof Newly built thatched roof Renovation
100 m² £ 8,700 – 11,000 (approx. £95/m²) £ 10,500 – 12,500 (£115/m²)
200 m² £ 17,500 – 22,000 £ 21,000 – 24,500
300 m² £ 24,500 – 31,500 £ 31,000 – 37,000

How do you waterproof a thatched roof?

Thatch can be made more waterproof by using a water repellent coating – this adds a long lasting, anti mould, protective barrier from moisture absorption, reed mould, growth of moss and algae, rotting and discolouration.

What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?

Being an organic material, thatch is susceptible to decay and decomposition and precautions must be taken to minimize the possibility of this process taking place. In warm, wet climates thatch is prone to fungal attacks. Animals can cause damage.

Are thatched roofs expensive to maintain?

Are there any maintenance costs with thatched roofs? Yes, you are likely to need to spend money annually to maintain your thatched roof. It’s recommended to have an experienced thatcher check over your roof and make small repairs roughly once a year.

Is it more expensive to insure a thatched house?

Are thatched roofs more expensive to insure? Expect to pay more for your buildings or contents insurance as a thatched roof is a bigger fire risk than a slate roof. They also have a more expensive rebuild value than conventional houses because they’ve been built using specific materials by specialists.

Why do thatched roofs not rot?

Straw is organic and can rot. However, on a thatched roof, due to the angle of the thatch, only the top layer will penetrate water, this actually runs off quickly and can dry out easily so the likely hood of rot is slim.

Do thatched roofs attract vermin?

Why are vermin a problem

The important thing is that you don’t want rats and mice or even squirrels in your thatched roof. … These are a food source for the vermin. If they get into the thatched roof, the problem is that it is warm, dry and cosy and they probably get enough moisture up there too!

Can you replace a thatched roof with tiles?

Yes, it is possible to replace a thatched roof with tiles. Some people choose to do so because their thatching is in such poor shape that it’s not worth replacing. … However, be aware that replacing thatch with tiles requires your roofing contractor to strip everything down to the bare timbers and start from scratch.

How thick should a thatched roof be?

An optimum thickness for maximum longevity would be between 228mm and 381mm for water reed and 228mm and 300mm for combed wheat reed and long straw. Therefore, the point to remember is that there are an almost infinite number of specifications depending on pitch of roof and length of the thatching material.

Why do they put chicken wire over thatch?

Thatched roofs are often covered with a layer of wire mesh, sometimes known as chicken wire. The primary purpose of this is to prevent damage from animals. Thatch, particularly in wheat straw, presents an attraction to various pests such as rats, mice and squirrels. Birds can also be a severe and difficult solve issue.

Can you build a new house with a thatched roof?

“Where the location suits we’ll often build a thatched home to act as a landmark building and provide a characterful approach to the site.” … New-build thatched houses, however, offer modern insulation and lay-outs as well as the natural insulation that the roofs offer.

What straw is used for thatching?

Longstraw
Longstraw is produced from straw specifically grown for thatching. The new varieties of straw for cereal production have straw which is too short for thatching. Long straw is grown (often the same variety as Combed Wheat Reed) but hollowed stemmed varieties are best for thatching eg Maris Widgen, Maris Huntsman.

What reeds are used for thatching?

Water reed has been used as a thatching material in the UK for centuries. It is also the primary thatching material in Europe. The latin name is Phragmites Australis but this thatching material is more commonly known as Water Reed, Continental Water Reed or Norfolk Reed.

Are thatched roofs a fire hazard?

Thatched roofs are always at risk from fire. Once a fire has taken hold in a thatched roof, it will spread rapidly. Some main causes of fire in thatch are: stray sparks from the chimneys, discarded cigarettes and garden bonfires.