Table of Contents
How is a thatched roof constructed?
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. It is a very old roofing method and has been used in both tropical and temperate climates.
How long do thatch roofs last?
Overall, thatch is a great building material that is sure to add a unique look to any home or business. It keeps out rainwater, can stand up to heavy winds, can last up to 60 years with proper care and maintenance, and give your building a timeless look that turns heads.
How thick should a thatched roof be?
The amount of thatch below the fixing can vary, this being determined by the length of material and any backfilling, giving an overall thickness of anything between 9 and 15 inches (225/375mm) to a thatch roof.
What materials are used to make thatched roofs?
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.
What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?
Being an organic material, thatch is susceptible to decay and decomposition and precautions must be taken to minimize the possibility of this process taking place. In warm, wet climates thatch is prone to fungal attacks. Animals can cause damage.
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.
How much does it cost to re thatch a roof UK?
Estimated Thatched Roof Cost by Size Roof Size New Thatched Roof Estimated Total Cost Medium thatched roof (9 squares) or 900 square feet) £5,000 to £7,900 £6,250 to £16,600 Large, thatched roof (12 squares) or 1200 square feet) £6,700 to £9,400 £8,400 to £22,250.
Do thatched roofs attract vermin?
Why are vermin a problem The important thing is that you don’t want rats and mice or even squirrels in your thatched roof. These are a food source for the vermin. If they get into the thatched roof, the problem is that it is warm, dry and cosy and they probably get enough moisture up there too!Oct 27, 2020.
Why do thatched roofs not leak?
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.
What is the average cost of a thatched roof?
Install thatched roof: cost Surface roof Newly built thatched roof Renovation 100 m² £ 8,700 – 11,000 (approx. £95/m²) £ 10,500 – 12,500 (£115/m²) 200 m² £ 17,500 – 22,000 £ 21,000 – 24,500 300 m² £ 24,500 – 31,500 £ 31,000 – 37,000.
How do you waterproof a thatched roof?
Thatch can be made more waterproof by using a water repellent coating – this adds a long lasting, anti mould, protective barrier from moisture absorption, reed mould, growth of moss and algae, rotting and discolouration.
What can I use for a tiki bar roof?
When building an outdoor tiki bar or tiki hut, there’s a good chance you’ll need thatch roofing, bamboo or eucalyptus poles.
What straw is used for thatching?
Longstraw is produced from straw specifically grown for thatching. The new varieties of straw for cereal production have straw which is too short for thatching. Long straw is grown (often the same variety as Combed Wheat Reed) but hollowed stemmed varieties are best for thatching eg Maris Widgen, Maris Huntsman.
What is the most popular material used for thatching roofs?
One of the most enduringly popular thatched roof materials is reed. Reed tends to be the most durable material and reed thatched roofs have a lifespan of 25-40 years. Another popular thatched roof material is straw.
Are thatched roofs expensive?
How much does a thatch roof cost? Thatching is a sought-after and highly skilled service, so it does tend to be quite expensive. There are also different types of thatching material, including Norfolk Reed, Combed Wheat and Long Straw.
Are there 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. However, there are at least 100,000 in Japan, 4,000 to 5,000 added annually in Holland, and an estimated two million in Africa!Dec 6, 2019.
Can you replace a thatched roof with tiles?
Yes, it is possible to replace a thatched roof with tiles. Some people choose to do so because their thatching is in such poor shape that it’s not worth replacing. However, be aware that replacing thatch with tiles requires your roofing contractor to strip everything down to the bare timbers and start from scratch.
How often does a thatched roof need re thatching?
Generally the ridge of the thatch will require replacing every 10 – 15 years. The coatwork will vary depending on the material used and its associated lifespan. To keep the roof in best condition: Allow it to dry well, remove trees and plants which may hinder the sun and wind drying it or rain dispersing.
