What material is used to thatch roofs?
The three main thatching materials in use today are water reed (often known as Norfolk Reed although a large amount is imported from Eastern European countries), longstraw and combed wheat reed. Sedge, a grass-like plant which grows in wetland areas, is also used extensively in ridging.
How long does roof thatch last?
Contrary 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.
What is the best type of thatch?
Water Reed
Water Reed or Norfolk Reed are the best quality thatches available and the most durable. This thatch has a compact, even texture with clean-cut edges and can last up to 50 years. It is also the least combustible so a lower risk when it comes to choosing your thatched property insurance cover.
What reed is 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.
How thick should thatch roof be?
Thatch should have a minimum thickness of 175 mm and a maximum thickness of around 250 mm and the thatch should be well-compacted. Good compaction of the thatch results in better durability and will also slow down the spread of fire. A thatch roof should have a minimum pitch of 45°.
What is used to thatch houses?
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. Thatch is an environmentally friendly building material.
Do thatch roofs leak?
Thatched roofs need well-maintained and if they are not, they will leak. This can also happen if they are often not fitted perfectly. Some areas of the roof may be more prone to leak than others. Thatch itself will also deteriorate over time and become less water-resistant.
What are the problems with thatched roofs?
Perhaps the most common and obvious problem with thatched roofing is the potential for leaks. These can come from all areas of the roof, including the ridge, valleys and corners.
How thick is a thatched roof?
The courses of thatch are usually around 6 inches (150mm) thick; depending on the type used. A suitable angle of material within the coatwork, of around 20 degrees, can be maintained by the skilled use of some Backfilling.
Are thatch roofs waterproof?
Thatch roofs are known for being great at keeping water out of your home or building. Thatch roofing materials are naturally waterproof so they won’t become waterlogged and seep into your interior, and they’re piled on top of each other so that it becomes impenetrable to rain and other elements.
How is roof thatching done?
How to Thatch a Roof – YouTube
Why are thatched roofs bad?
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.
What are the disadvantages of having a thatched roof?
Disadvantages
- Expense. Installing a thatched roof is more labour intensive than other roofing methods, so it is generally more expensive.
- Fire hazard. Without the proper precautions, thatched roofs can be a fire hazard.
- Decay.
- Maintenance is required.
- Higher insurance costs.
- Overhanging trees.
- Animals can cause damage.
Do thatch roofs smell?
Although thatched roofs do smell, it’s usually a pleasant smell. If you have a thatched roof and notice musty smells coming from it, take it as a sign there might be something wrong. The best thing to do is call in a qualified thatcher so they can diagnose the problem for you.
Do rats live in thatched roofs?
Squirrels and rats usually find their way into thatched roofs via an existing hole in the building or fault in the wire netting. Climbing plants growing up the outside walls also serve to encourage vermin into the roof.
Is thatched roof waterproof?
Do thatched roofs rot?
Does Thatch 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.
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.
What is the process of thatching?
Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge (Cladium mariscus), rushes, heather, or palm branches, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof.
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.
Does a thatched roof smell?
Do thatched roofs attract spiders?
Roofs, especially those with straw (and ridges) are often netted to deter them but they can also enter from wall spaces, via attics etc. Insects such as spiders live in thatch and are only a pest if you are scared of them. We think they do a good job.
Do thatched roofs attract vermin?
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 you get rats in thatched roofs?
Do thatched roofs attract rats?
The truth is, prevention is better than cure. Most pests are opportunists, continuously on the look out for food and shelter. Thatch is warm. If it is a straw roof, there will almost certainly be some grain left in it, providing a source of food for rodents.