Owning a house or cottage with a thatched roof is a dream for many, but potential buyers are often put off by worries over cost, safety and regular maintenance. Luckily, many of these concerns are unfounded, and looking after a thatched roof is not as complicated as it may first seem.
The basics
A typical thatched roof can be expected to last for as long as 35 years, so anyone who is concerned they would need replacing far more frequently can rest assured. However, that is not to say the thatch will not require maintenance – this is typically needed every ten to 15 years, with more regular checks needed as the roof approaches the end of its life.
Things to look out for
If you are the new owner of a property with a thatched roof – or hope to be in the future – then there are a few things to look out for. It is generally much easier to tell if a thatched roof is in poor condition when compared to a tiled property, so look out for gaps in the thatch, which are a sign that it is approaching the end of its life and will need replacing.
Watch out for moss too, as this could be preventing the thatch from breathing property and causing it to become damp. Inside, look for dark wet patches on the eaves, as these could indicate a leak.
One part you will need to keep a close eye on is the ridge – a layer of thatch running along the top of the roof that gives it its aesthetic quality while at the same time hiding the last fixing rod used to hold the material in place. These can require replacing as frequently as every five years, but high quality examples should last for well over a decade.
If you are fortunate enough to move into a thatched home that is a listed property, there are more regulations governing repairs and it is likely you will need to seek consent from a Building Conservation Officer before having any repairs made.
Day-to-day living
One of the key concerns regarding properties with thatched roofs is the high cost of insurance. This is a bit of a myth, as insurance for thatched properties is rarely as expensive as many people think, especially if it comes from a specialist insurer that has experience of providing cover for thatched homes.
Fire is another obvious concern, but again, it should not put would-be buyers off purchasing a thatched home. It is perfectly possible to use an open fire inside a thatched property safely and statistics indicate they are at no greater risk of fire than houses with conventional roofs.
Not just for period homes
Any mention of a thatched roof conjures up images of period cottages nestled in the countryside, but the feature is by no means exclusive to older homes. Property firms have acknowledged the appeal a thatched roof can have and many new developments often feature houses that boast a thatched roof. Opt for one of these and you can have the best of both worlds – a modern, energy-efficient home with a roof that sets it apart from the rest.