As with the cost of a thatched roof, the lifespan of a thatched roof can depend on a variety of factors. On average, a thatched roof will last between 25 and 40 years. While size and materials affect the lifespan of thatched roof, excellent craftsmanship is key. That’s why should use a master thatcher with proven experience. As Simply Thatch, our 17 years’ experience enables us to ensure thatched roofs and repairs last as long as possible.

There are many advantages to having a thatched roof. Their attractive appearance will give your property a higher resale value, and will entice customers to a commercial property such as a café or pub. As well as their aesthetic benefits, thatched roofs are made from naturally weather-proof materials. They also contain natural air pockets, which makes for excellent insulation.

Normal insurance providers can insure a home with a thatched roof. Unfortunately, the insurance premium can be slightly higher due to an increased fire risk. While, statistically, thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than tile or slate, fires do spread more rapidly across thatched roofs. You can reduce your premium by taking extra measures to prevent fires. For further advice please get in contact.

Thatched roof materials are more costly than those used on normal houses. Re-ridging is required for thatched roofs every 8 to 10 years, and your insurance will want to know that your roof is in excellent working order to minimise difficulties. Your thatched cottage might possibly be a listed structure, which means that repairs and construction are subject to severe regulations.

If you had to file a claim, you’d also have to hire a roof repair professional, which may be pricey.

Grass, reeds, and other natural materials are used to make thatched roofs. Water reed, combed wheat reed, and long straw are the most widely used materials in the UK, while heather, turf, sedge, rye straw, and veldt grass are also employed, especially when historic preservation is a concern.

From the eaves up, thatched roofs are built by putting bundles of thatching material in overlapping layers all the way to the ridge. The thatcher next covers the roof with a ridge and completes the job by trimming eaves and verges, flashing around chimneys, and, if necessary, putting box gutters beneath windows. If a bespoke ridge is wanted for artistic purposes, more shaping and trimming will be required.

Thatched roofs only need to be replaced when the thatching materials have degraded to the point where they are no longer functional. A long straw roof may need to be replaced or re-coated after 15 years; on the other hand, a well-built water reed roof may endure 40 to 60 years before needing to be replaced.

Thatch is a great insulator in itself, and it rarely requires additional insulation. If a property owner wishes, insulation can be placed to the underside of a thatched roof. Insulation should be kept to a minimum, according to master thatchers, in order to allow roofing materials to breathe freely.