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Thatch Roof Surveys
A thatched roof survey is substantially different from a regular house survey due to the complications, build complexity and risk associated with having a thatched roof. Who better to survey your property than the UK leading expert Thatchers.
While roof thatch is a beautiful and traditional type of roof, it is vital that you take the proper measures to ensure that it remains in good condition. This is where Simply Thatch comes in, – our comprehensive thatched roof survey services ensure that your roof is fully assessed to ensure that the roof is secure and in good condition. We’ll advise on the state of decay and an required thatch maintenance, repairs or replacements, including forecasts for when work is required.
Replacing worn out thatch and maintenance work is a highly-skilled job and should not be carried out by just anyone. Thatched roof maintenance is a costly job that should be carried out by a highly-trained specialist to prevent it from falling into disrepair. For this reason, it is important that you choose craftsmen from Simply Thatch who are fully trained and highly experienced in roof thatching.
Survey Types
Insurance Surveys
Looking for an insurance survey to assess how much risk your thatch roof has? Or are you looking for a way to lower your insurance premiums for your thatched roof property by minimising the risk? Either way we're happy to help!
First Time Buyers
If you've never purchased a property with a thatched roof before then we always advise you get a qualified master thatcher in to assess the state of your thatched roof of your property. We also have a range of additional information you may find helpful!
What Are The Potential Maintenance Areas
- Airflow – Keeping your roof in the best condition possible means ensuring that it is well ventilated. If your roof is able to dry out properly after rainfall, it will prevent the likelihood of moss and algae growth.
- Moss and lichen growth – Long wet periods of rain can encourage the growth of moss and lichens, and the moisture thus held makes it difficult for the thatch to dry out, promoting further growth. It’s a vicious cycle that hinders the roof’s functionality and looks unsightly. Do not assume that a neat ridge is a sign of a well-thatched roof. This could just indicate that a previous owner had the roof re-ridged recently. Instead, examine the eave. Discolouration or dips in the main coat-work can indicate more deep-rooted damage.
- Physical damage – If you are having other work done on your property, do not allow traders to damage the thatch with ladders, tools, or walking on the coat-work. Divots accelerate thatch degradation and should be avoided. What’s more, Birds, rodents and insects may all be attracted by the thatched environment that is often made from grain straw, and especially if the thatch is not laid tightly enough. Infestations can reduce the longevity of the roof and cause structural defects.
- Water resistance – Water leaks can occur in all areas of the roof and cause damage that isn’t obvious straight away. When we examine the roof, we will check the ridge, the valleys, and the outer corners which are prone to damage from wind and rain.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Thatched Roof
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. Size and materials do affect a roof life expectancy, however, excellent craftsmanship is key to ensuring that your roof lasts as long as possible. – Water leaks can occur in all areas of the roof and cause damage that isn’t obvious straight away. When we examine the roof, we will check the ridge, the valleys, and the outer corners which are prone to damage from wind and rain.
Do You Need a Thatched Roof Survey?
Thatched roof surveys are absolutely vital to ensure that your roof can adequately do its job. Neglecting to get your roof repaired can actually lead to danger for you and visitors, such as collapsing due to rot or thatched roof fires. For example, if your chimney is old and faulty, the poor heat transfer can result in your roof setting on fire. We suggest that you get your roof and chimney checked out regularly to avoid disasters.
If you’re purchasing a property with a thatched roof, it’s important that you satisfy yourself that the roof has been well maintained and that it is a safe property to buy.
If in doubt, you should have answers to the following questions:
- When was the roof last inspected, rethatched and repaired?
- Who thatched the roof originally? Was it a trusted company?
- What safety precautions are currently in place?
- What materials were used for the thatch?
- When was the chimney last checked, swept or repaired?
- When were the electrics last checked?
- Have any roof timbers been repaired or replaced?
- Are there any fire risks in the house, e.g. woodburners?
If in any doubt, it is highly recommended that you come to us for a thatched roof survey as we can answer many questions you may have on the property’s upkeep. Please note that a general surveyor will have little to no experience on thatched properties, and any advice they have may be misleading or even totally wrong.
– Water leaks can occur in all areas of the roof and cause damage that isn’t obvious straight away. When we examine the roof, we will check the ridge, the valleys, and the outer corners which are prone to damage from wind and rain.
Why Choose to Work with Simply Thatch?
Our Master Thatchers are ready, willing, and able to advise and provide quotations on how to renovate and repair your thatched roof.
With over two decades worth of experience, we’ve been brought in to work on properties across the UK, making us one of the most trusted Master Thatchers around. Check out our Google Review and you’ll see a host of happy customers who are more than satisfied with our work.
Just fill in the form and we’ll be in touch with you to arrange a time for one of our master thatchers to come over and assess your thatched roof and give you a quote!
