The most common cause of thatch fires is inappropriate installation, or irresponsible use of wood-burning stoves. Flush ridges require less material, last as long as block ridges and were commonly the traditional ridge type. While a thin rick coat might last about three years, a thicker coat may last up to ten.Ī flush ridge might be considered rather than a raised block ridge. Roofs with more extensive wear can be protected using a thin coat of combed wheat reed or long straw with surface fixings (known as a ‘rick coat’). In such times, consider timely, localized repair rather than complete rethatching to extend the life of a roof by several years.
One of the main problems with owning a thatched roof is that there are occasional shortages of materials, usually due to a poor harvest. Regional variations in thatching materials and styles have evolved over the centuries, so it is vital to perpetuate these, not only to retain local diversity but to avoid problems with durability. Select a reputable thatcher working in the local tradition who does not automatically replace long straw with reed. Modern screw fixings are less damaging to ancient timberwork than metal crooks.Ĭonsult an architect, surveyor or engineer over any structural concerns before work starts. It is important not to strip roofs where a rare medieval smoke-blackened thatched roof survives. With straw, however, a new surface coat is usually fixed – or ‘sparred’ – over existing base coats, taking care to avoid a build-up of excessive thicknesses of thatch. Rethatching of water reed usually entails stripping the existing roof back to the timbers.
#New construction with thatched roofs how to
(Image credit: Jody Stewart) How to rethatch a roof
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