Although it isn’t modern roofing, a thatched roof can serve you well. But, it needs regular by a roofing industry specialist. Before picking this roofing material, consider costs and its life expectancy. A properly maintained thatched roof lasts between 15 and 40 years.
In the article, we’ll look into a thatched roof cost. And also if thatch materials are better than other natural materials. How long a thatched roof last depends on these main factors
- Quality of materials
- Thatching services
- Weather
- Maintenance
Apart from that, we’ll discuss thatched roof costs. And factors affecting their lifespan.
Contrary to popular belief, a thatched roof may last as long as a regular roof. For example, a thatched cottage roof survives 15 and 40 years if properly maintained. However, between 10 and 15 years, the ridge may need replacements more often.
What is a Thatched Roof?
Thatch is used on the roofs of many traditional buildings. Also, thatched Roofs are from bundles (sheaves) of reeds. Also, straws are set together and knotted at the top. Thus, preventing the sheaves from moving.
Some bundles would be upside down in an alternating check pattern. This arrangement goes by the name “under-thatch” or “sick thatch.”
Homeowners know these bundles of reeds exposed to the elements as
- “weather-thatch” or “over-thatch.”
And are a less costly roofing material. The ends of these thick bundles overlap to prevent water from getting between them.
The second layer of bundles was then spread crosswise at right angles to the first. And the roof finishing was with a thatched cap. Moreover, that removal would be around doors. And dormer windows as needed. Thus, enabling all light to enter the space.
A Brief History of Thatched Roofs
Thatched techniques have been in use for centuries. There were numerous native Americans who used to thatch their dwellings. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, thatching became fashionable in England.
However, building thatch roofs was common in
- The United Kingdom
- The Netherlands
- Denmark
- Germany
According to a report, roofers used thatch roofing materials in 150,000 installations. That was in the Netherlands only. But in England, thatch roof installations were 60,000.
What Materials are Used in Thatched Roof
WATER REED Thatch: Water reed is widely utilized in the West Country and East Anglia. However, water reed is usually used to thatch new properties.
That’s because it is the most durable of the thatching materials. And has the longest lifespan. However, many factors impact the lifetime of a thatched roof. Thus generalizations are dangerous.
Long Wheat straw: Long straw was originally in use throughout the main corn production regions. And that’s from Dorset to the north. But it is now mostly found in the counties of East Anglia. However, there are examples all around the country. It is harvested with the aid of a binder.
Combed wheat reed: Combed wheat reed is often known as ‘Devon’ reed. They’re mostly utilized in the country’s south and west. Although it appears to be a water reed, it is straw.
A combing machine separates the grain from the straw. However, the straw does not have to go through the drum. Instead, it exits the machine. And that’s with all its butts pointing in the same direction.
Roof ridge: The ridge of a thatched roof takes the brunt of the weather. And because the fasteners are exterior, it requires maintenance. That is every 10 to 15 years on average.
The material in the water reed is generally the same as that in the main coat work. However, it is excessively stiff and brittle. As a result, sedge is frequently used to make the ridge of a water reed roof.
Pros and Cons of Thatched Roof
Pros
- The roof is naturally breathable, which helps to keep it from decaying.
- Because there’s excess trapped air and hollow reeds, they’ve excellent insulating capabilities. And are rarely necessary to insulate the loft.
- Because of their poor heat transmission, thatched roofs are also cool in the summer.
- Because they are of natural materials, there is no need for mining or quarrying. Thus, making them more ecologically friendly.
- They are gorgeous and eye-catching, and they give character to any property.
- There is a financial saving because guttering and drainpipes are not required.
- They have the potential to raise the value of a house.
- Because thatch is lighter than tiles, roof timbers can be smaller.
Cons
- They can be a fire hazard, but with proper fire protection, they are quite safe.
- Insurance rates may increase due to the anticipated fire risk.
- Birds might pull out the straws when foraging insects, requiring care.
- If the angle is too soft, rain and snow will not slide off as efficiently. Thus, causing rotting and, in the event of snow, overloading the structure.
- Thatched roof cleaning must happen every few years. However, fresh reeds need replacing when damaged, rotten, or lost.
Factors Affect the Durability of Thatch Roofs
Type of material: The material in use is most likely the crucial deciding element. Therefore, it determines how long a standard roof of thatch lasts.
In addition, the various thatch materials have numerous distinguishing traits. Thus, they make aesthetically pleasing quality products. Moreover, with proper care, thatch roofing materials can
- Withstand wind, moisture, high humidity, and damp conditions
- Hit the bronze age
Frequency of maintenance: A thatched roof in a popular area would probably require more upkeep. And that’s compared to a secluded self-built hut. Of which people do not directly visit.
Climate factors: The roof site’s weather and climate influence the lifespan of a thatched roof. For example, high humidity locations are likely to develop mildew. And also rot due to the dampness, lowering the lifespan of a thatched roof.
Building structure: The construction of the roof itself also has a significant impact on how long a thatched roof lasts. If the walls are not linked, natural elements such as wind and rain erosion may cause damage over time.
Location: Placement on particular structures significantly impacts how long thatched roofs last. That’s due to their exposure to various weather fluctuations. Therefore, causing roof damage over time if not adequately cared for or maintained.
Thatch species: The species used for thatching the roof greatly impacts the roof. That is, how long it lasts and also because there are many different sorts. However, each has its specific and often unique combination of traits. Thus, making it ideal for certain situations over others.
Maintenance: Aside from location, other elements like maintenance impact how long thatched roofs last. If any damage or wear develops, it needs urgent action to prevent additional harm.
How often do Thatched Roofs need Replacing?
When thatching materials degrade, they lose their effectiveness. When this happens, your thatched roof will need replacement. The thatch roof material in use determines the roof replacement frequency.
Apart from the material, the roofing contractor is a factor too. For example, if a professional roof thatcher installs it, replacement is after 15 to 25 years.
Also, a roof built of water reed by the same thatcher might survive between 25 and 40 years. Meanwhile, you may have your thatched roof repainted to extend its life.
How do I Know when to Replace my Thatch Roof?
When you buy a house with a thatched roof but later on, discovers that the roof has another 20 to 30 years of life. So, what guarantees this homeowner the roof’s remaining lifespan is correct? After all, you can’t see much of a thatched roof from the ground.
However, this is why regular inspections are critical. Inspections by an original thatcher reveal minor issues that may need solving quickly. Thus, extending the life of a roof. Droops or water leaks indicate that your fire retardant roof area needs replacement.
How Much does a Thatch Roof Cost to Install?
Thatching is a highly sought-after and skilled trade, and the price reflects this. Various thatching materials are available, including Norfolk Reed, Combed Wheat, and Long Straw.
Each has its price and lifespan. However, a thatched roof may cost between £15,000 and £30,000. But, of course, that depends on its size and complexity. Also, the cost of repairing and replacing a thatch roof is likely the same. So for a new thatched roof, it’ll set you back around £22,500.
How to Maintain a Thatched Roof
- Remove anything that might obscure the light or prevent rain. And snow from spreading above the roof.
- You should eliminate moss as soon as possible since it collects moisture. However, moss in small areas is typically not a concern.
- Clear any leaves, debris, or netting to prevent water pool on the roof.
- Never allow roof thatchers to walk directly on the roof’s surface. And also, correct falling object divots or depressions when feasible.
- Using the same substance, patch any isolated holes. You can secure patches using spares or screws.
- A basic rule of thumb when dealing with these roofs is to cause as minimal damage as possible. An artisan, for example, should not walk directly on the thatch. And that’s when working on the chimney. Instead, he should walk on the roof by climbing a ladder.
- Leaving a thatched roof alone requires doing some other things. Aerials or dishes, for example, should never be installed on a roof. If they cannot be inside, they should be on the side of the house, on a garden pole, or on a post.
Are Thatched Roofs Expensive to Replace?
Cost Considerations in General
The size and intricacy of the roof, as with any other, dictate the price of materials and labor. An average cottage has a roof area of roughly 12 squares.
Therefore, owners should budget between £10,000 and £14,000 for replacement. However, several critical factors affect these expenses:
Structural Repairs
If an existing thatched roof needs replacement, consider the following.
- Labor expenses of removing the old thatch
- Transportation and disposal costs of your old reeds
Also, removing the old thatch may reveal unforeseen issues. For example, corrosion or damage to the wooden battens that hold the thatch.
Replace or Repair the Ridge
On average, ridge replacement costs around 25% of replacing the cost of a roof. Thus, this suggests that repairing a ridge in a typical dwelling will cost roughly £4,000.
Netting Costs
Adding netting to the thatch’s exterior surface can assist reduce insect invasions. As long as there aren’t too many critters living in your thatch, they’re unlikely to cause major harm. But, of course, you’ll need to consider internet charges. That is, for applying over the internet.
Fire Retardants are Expensive
But can help reduce the fire hazards connected with thatched roofs. Although they do not prevent thatch from catching fire, they slow the spread of fire across a roof.
As a result, many insurance companies need fire retardant applications on new roofs. However, these fire retardants can be costly.
Scaffolding is Expensive
It would help if you always got quotations from different thatchers. Doing so guarantees you favorable pricing. When comparing quotations, be sure that you compare like with like. And that the scaffolding charges are included.
Conclusion
By today’s standards, thatched roofs from good materials look beautiful. And are quite unusual, to say the least, rare.
Also, when you combine their eco-friendly features, they become extra appealing. And that’s for many native homeowners who love houses with personality and character.
All said and done, if you like your thatched roof, maintain it well. Otherwise, a thatch roof’s long lifespan reduces.