Advantages
- Environmentally friendly. One of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials available is thatch. ...
- Excellent insulation. Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, so your home will stay warm when it’s cold outside and cool during the hot summer months. ...
- Durability. Thatched roofs are typically last longer and are very durable. ...
- Ages well. ...
- Adds character. ...
What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?
What is thatch roof?
Why is it important to have a thatched house?
When do thatch fires occur?
How long has thatching been around?
Can a fire start in a thatched roof?
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What is a big negative about having a thatched roof?
It may not surprise you to learn that insurance rates are considerably higher for thatched roofs than they are with other, less precarious materials – sometimes up to three times as much! This is mainly due to the fire risk that thatched roofs pose, particularly during dry winters when fires are lit in the homes below.
Are thatched roofs good for the environment?
Thatch is an affordable roofing option and is friendly to the environment. It is easy to grow and harvest and minimal equipment is required for harvesting. Even though thatch roofs cost more during installation due to the need for intensive labour, the material is a resource that is sustainable.
How effective are thatched roofs?
Thatch is incredibly durable with some thatching material able to last up to 65 years. Water reed is the most durable material, with a lifespan of 55 to 65 years. Combed wheat reed has a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. Long straw has a life span 15 to 25 years.
How long does a thatched roof last?
between 15 and 40 yearsContrary to popular opinion, a thatched roof lifespan may be as long as that of a standard roof. According to Heart of England Thatchers, they can last between 15 and 40 years if properly maintained. The ridge may need to be replaced more frequently; between 10 and 15 years.
Do thatched roofs smell?
The reeds that are used to thatch the roofs are usually imported from Eastern Europe and Turkey. The first indication that the thatch is rotting comes when these reeds start to give off a nasty mouldy smell.
Do thatched roofs attract bugs?
Thatch roofs attract all sorts of animals all year round; they would also like to make these atmospheric spaces their home. Common thatch pests may include birds, rats, insects and squirrels.
Do thatched roofs get moldy?
Natural thatch, if done properly can resist it, but over time, many do develop thatch roof mold. This is so unfortunate because thatch roofing is inherently durable and beautiful.
What happens to a thatched roof when it rains?
Materials used in thatching such as water reed are naturally waterproof. The inside of water reed is hollow, water is kept out by tight overlapping cells on the plants outer layers. When enough of these plants are bundled together, the water simply cannot penetrate the material and will simply run away.
Do thatched houses have more spiders?
Living within a thatched property is little different to a house with other forms of roofing when it comes to pests. The plastered ceilings and draught proofed windows hinder the migration of spiders and various insects into the home.
Are thatched roofs warm?
Thatch has a much greater insulating value than any other traditional roof covering. With the right choice of material and detailing, a well-maintained thatched roof will keep a building warm in winter and cool in summer and has the added advantage of being highly sound-proof.
Why are thatched roofs no longer allowed in London?
Whilst thatched roofs remain popular in rural England it has long been regarded as a dangerous material in cities. London's first building begulation, the ordinance of 1212, banned the use of thatch to try to avoid the rapid spread of fire from one building to another.
Are there any thatched roofs in America?
Thatch is less common in the US, but thatcher William Cahill estimates that there are thatched buildings in at least every state.
Are thatched roofs a fire hazard?
Statistically, homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs, however if they do the results are often rapid and spectacular. It seems worse, mainly because thatched fires in unprotected properties usually causes severe damage and therefore receives maximum publicity.
Are thatched roofs expensive?
new thatched roof cost. The cost of installing a brand new thatch roof is likely to be around the same as replacing an existing one. You can expect to pay around £22,500 for a replacement thatched roof.
Can you have a thatched roof in America?
Thatch is less common in the US, but thatcher William Cahill estimates that there are thatched buildings in at least every state.
How do houses with thatched roofs keep cool in summer?
Mud is a bad conductor of heat and so is the air trapped in the thatched roof. In summer the heat from outside is not allowed to flow in and hence it keeps cool. Similarly in winter, the heat from inside does not flow out and it keeps the house warm.
Why do you need to maintain a thatched roof?
As with metal roofs, thatched roofs need regular maintenance programs in order to ensure the longevity and durability of the roof.
What Is a Thatched Roof?
The thatched roof is a roof that is made from plant material such as straw, oats, rice, wheat, rye, or bamboo.
Why does my thatched roof leak?
Over time, thatched roofs can leak as the thatch deteriorates. Some of the issues include damage from stormy weather and subsidence caused by the weight of the roof material.
What is a thatch roof made of?
Thatch roofs are a traditional form of roofing that is traditionally made up of straw or grass that is then thatched together into a thatched material
How does a thatched roof keep the house cooler?
By providing an insulation layer between the top of the roof and the ceiling, thatched roofs keep living spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Why is a thatch roof prone to fire?
Thatch roofs are easily prone to fire because of the materials they are made from. When burning, it will create sparks that could lead to a large fire.
How long does it take to thatch a roof?
It takes approximately two to four days for a team of three thatchers to thatch a roof. The time required to thatch a roof varies on the type of roof, the roof size, and the amount of rain in the area.
Where are thatched roofs used?
Thatched roofs have been used for centuries in locations around the world. Though not common in the United States, many buildings and homes in England and France still have thatched roofing! Beyond a pleasing aesthetic design, thatched roofs have a number of benefits. And they are not just reserved for old-world cottages.
What is a natural thatch roof?
Natural thatch roofs are temperature regulators by nature, as they allow hot air to escape between the leaves. These qualities and much more make thatched roofing a unique solution for your next construction project. When you buy natural thatch roof covering, please know that you are using a building product that is both sustainable ...
What is synthetic thatch?
Artificial thatch, faux thatch and fake thatch. However, don’t let the name fool you. Synthetic thatch is very low-maintenance and resists mold, bugs, and other parasites.
Is thatch roofing sustainable?
When you buy natural thatch roof covering, please know that you are using a building product that is both sustainable and eco-friendly - If you are committed to a green lifestyle, thatched roofing is an excellent eco-friendly material choice. Since it consists of dried vegetation, it is considered a renewable resource.
Is synthetic thatch good for the environment?
Synthetic thatch is very low-maintenance and resists mold, bugs, and other parasites. Additionally, synthetic thatch is environmentally friendly and does not contain any materials that are harmful to the planet. It is also recyclable. Natural thatch roofs are temperature regulators by nature, as they allow hot air to escape between the leaves.
Is thatch a renewable resource?
Since it consists of dried vegetation, it is considered a renewable resource. However, not all thatch suppliers are the same. See for yourself. Buying Thatching Supplies from a Reputable Roof Thatch Supplier.
Is thatched roofing good for the environment?
From something as small as an outdoor tiki bar to something as large as the roof of a commercial building such as a resort or theme park attraction, thatched roofing is a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly choice.
Is thatch a natural product?
Thatch is a natural product of reed, grass or heathers, when properly cut, dried, and thatched forms a waterproof roof. It is a naturally weather-resistant material and when properly maintained does not absorb a lot of water.
Is straw thatch a good insulator?
Thatch is also a natural insulator, and the air pockets within a straw thatch roof insulate the building in both warm and cold weather. A thatched roof will ensure that a building will be cool in summer and warm in winter.
How long does thatch last?
Durability: Thatch is incredibly durable with some thatching material able to last up to 65 years. Water reed is the most durable material, with a lifespan of 55 to 65 years. Combed wheat reed has a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. Long straw has a life span 15 to 25 years.
How long does it take to install thatch?
Installation costs: Installing thatch is labour intensive – and can take up to four weeks – so it’s not the cheapest to install.
Is a thatched roof more expensive to insure?
In fact, they don’t need to be a higher fire risk than any other roofing material, provided your roof is done by an experienced master thatcher and you carry out routine inspections and maintenance. They’re also not more expensive to insure, provided you go to an insurer with experience in thatched roofs.
Does thatch keep your house warm?
Insulation: Thatch is naturally insulating, so it will keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter – saving you money on your heating and cooling bills.
Do ridge caps need maintenance?
Maintenance: The ridge cap may need regular maintenance and even repair as it is prone to wear and tear. Leaks are the most common problem, which can cause more serious damage to other sections of the roof.
Is thatched roof a new material?
Thatched roofs are getting renewed attention in the UK, thanks in part to their eco-credentials. Thatch is not exactly a new material, having been around for about 10,000 years. In fact, most of the thatched houses in England are on old listed buildings, but many people are starting to appreciate their aesthetic qualities and question the validity of the disadvantages which have discouraged their use.
Why are thatched houses so popular?
Most thatched homes tend to be very old and this often means that they have large gardens and are built in excellent locations. The reason for this is that, due to their age, there were many good places to choose to build such properties. Often thatched properties are found near to a natural water supply and are on sheltered, slightly sloping land which gives good drainage and, thus, reduces problems with damp.
Why do birds attack roofs?
The materials used in the thatch mean that the roof is at threat of attacks by birds that are nesting or are looking for insects. Holes may appear in the thatch and should be repaired as soon as possible as, left unrepaired, the birds will concentrate on these areas and the holes will become much larger. Most bird damage to roofs tends to be under the eaves or at the junction of the chimney and the roof. Some roofs have wire netting in these places to prevent this occurring, whilst others are completely covered by wire netting. Unfortunately, roofs that are totally covered by wire netting are often subject to higher insurance premiums as there will be the added difficulty of pulling the wire netting off in the event of a fire. This will delay the fire from being extinguished and result in more widespread fire damage.
Why does my roof ridge leak?
Leaks are usually caused by one of the wooden spars that are used in the ridge becoming broken and sometimes, after a spell of dry, warm weather the thatch may open slightly and then leak when it rains, however this is self-healing as the thatch will close again naturally.
Does Highhouse Insurance cover thatched homes?
At Highhouse insurance, we are one of the few intermediaries in the United Kingdom that run their own scheme for thatched home insurance. We have a very developed appreciation of Thatched buildings and understand all of the risk factors that go hand in hand within owing this historic type of building; frequently we are able to offer cheaper insurance for thatched buildings as we understand that when looked after and cared for they are no more of an insurance risk than a building of standard construction. If you are seeking more information relating to this quintessentially British building, we hope you find our following article to be of interest.
Does reed roofing help with soundproofing?
The thick straw or reed roofing provides excellent natural soundproofing from overhead aircraft as well as road traffic nearby. Likewise, it gives great insulation meaning that the thatched home remains cool in summer but warm in winter, helping to keep fuel costs low. The smaller windows that are normally to be found on such a property also contribute towards this insulating effect.
Do thatched houses have water?
Due to their age and sometimes remote locations, not all thatched properties will be connected to a mains water or sewerage supply. Instead, water may be drawn from a nearby private or shared well, and either a cesspit or septic tank may be used for sewerage. Cesspits need frequent emptying, therefore a septic tank is preferable as they do not require as much attention as long as they are well below the ground level of the house and have good draining soil surrounding them. Also as a consequence of their remote location, thatched homes may not have any nearby street lighting and it may be necessary to install outside lights on the property.
What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?
This process can take a good few weeks and is priced on the size of your property ; the larger the property the higher the price is likely to be .
What is thatch roof?
No matter what size or shape your roof is, thatch is a flexible, soft material that can be shaped on any roof. Cool designs and patterns can also be formed at the ridge and the edges, so it can be customised to your taste.
Why is it important to have a thatched house?
It can raise the selling price of a house and proves a good investment.
When do thatch fires occur?
Most thatch fires will occur between September and April as more people are likely to use a log burner etc. and if the chimney bricks are cracked or not insulated properly then a fire can occur. If you would like any advice on thatched roofs or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
How long has thatching been around?
Thatching is the oldest form of roofing, it has been around for 10,000 years and it still exists and is still used on many buildings today, from commercial through to residential.
Can a fire start in a thatched roof?
However, a fire is no more likely to start in a thatched property than a regular property, it is because of the materials used to thatch a roof means a fire will spread quickly and the damage done is greater and costly.
