How Long Does a Thatched Roof Last?
Introduction
Nothing evokes the beauty of rural England more than a traditional thatched roof. The practice of thatching however, which harks back to the Bronze Age, isn’t unique to the English – traces of thatched houses date back millennia in other societies too.
These days, there’s been something of a revival of thatched buildings, which are not only environmentally friendly due to the recyclable nature of their materials, but could also provide superior insulation against the cold of winter and heat of summer compared to more contemporary materials. Thanks to improved fireproofing technology, they’re also becoming safer than they were even a few decades ago.
If you own a thatched property, or you are interested in purchasing one, you’ll probably have concerns regarding maintenance and expenses. We will answer some of these frequently asked questions:
- How long do thatched roofs last?
- How often do thatched roofs need replacing?
- How much does it cost to thatch a roof?
- What are thatched roofs made of?
- How can I make my thatched roof last longer?
- What are the signs a thatched roof needs repairing?
How long do thatched roofs last?
Well-made thatching can provide you with roof protection anywhere from 15 to 40 years, according to Heart of England Thatchers, just like traditional roofing materials. The ridge however, which takes the full force of the elements, usually lasts about 10 to 15 years, so will need more frequent repairs or replacement.
There are several important things that affect how long your roof will last, including:
- The thatching material – water reeds tend to last significantly longer than straw.
- The workmanship of the thatcher – a seasoned Master Thatcher ensures quality thatching.
- The steepness of the roof – the steeper the roof, the less the likelihood of damage due to water retention.
- The exposure of the roof – south-facing roofs dry out better after rainy periods.
In summary, there are so many different conditions under which your roof ages differently; so it’s important to conduct frequent checks.
How often do thatched roofs need replacing?
As time passes by, these materials slowly deteriorate and fail to keep away the elements. At this point you’ll need to consider replacement, although the frequency of replacement will largely depend upon the nature of materials used.
As a rough guide, here’s how long a thatch roof will last:
| Material | Typical Lifespan* |
| Longstraw | 15 – 25 years |
| Combed wheat reed | 25 – 35 years |
| Water reed | 25 – 40+ years |
A full replacement won’t be necessary during those lifespans, and a thatcher could provide a new coat occasionally to prolong the life of your roof. Nevertheless, there comes a point when the cumulative weight becomes excessive and may cause damage to the structural elements below. There is a possibility that your local building codes may also place an upper bound on how many coats should be applied.
The Master Thatcher will certainly help you decide which one is best for you – re-coating, replacing the ridge, or rebuilding your roof entirely.
How much does it cost to thatch a roof?
‘How much does a thatched roof cost?’ This may well be the number one question – and probably the most difficult one to answer with a definite sum. There are many factors affecting the price of thatch roofing including:
- Size and pitch of the roof – the bigger and the steeper the roof is, the more materials and manpower it needs.
- Complexity – dormer windows, multiple chimneys, unique designs etc. all increase the complexity of work.
- Materials used – water reed is usually more expensive than the straw, especially due to supply issues.
- Additional protection – a wire net to prevent animals from damaging the roof could add a significant amount to the total cost of the job.
- Scaffolding – an inevitable part of any thatch project depending on the roof’s size and height, and can be expensive.
The good news is you don’t always need to re-thatch your roof. Repairing or replacing only the ridge is much more affordable and less time-consuming, giving you more time until the full roof re-thatching is required.
Top advice: Always get at least three estimates from different thatchers. Ask friends and neighbours owning a thatched roof for advice and check their recommendations, too, and make use of the growing online community of thatched property owners for their thoughts.
What are thatched roofs made of?
You may be amazed at the diversity. In the UK, there are three main options:
Longstraw – the traditional option, and it is characterized by its roughness and shagginess. Longstraw is the least durable of the three, but it contributes to the authentic look that many owners favor.
Combed wheat reed – this material looks more refined compared to longstraw, and its durability is somewhat better.
Water reed – this material is the most common in the UK. It’s waterproof and has hollowed stems, which makes it very effective for insulation.
However, water reed is the most expensive of all the three. The Norfolk Broads in the UK do not yield enough water reed for the entire country, and it has to be imported from continental Europe.
Do you need Thatched property insurance? Enquire today for comprehensive thatched property insurance.
How can I make my thatched roof last longer?
The main enemy of thatch is moisture. It is the wetness that leads to the development of moss, algae, and other microorganisms, resulting in the deterioration of the material. Luckily, there are a few simple measures one should take to increase the life of their thatched roof significantly:
- Trimming trees close to the roof will improve drying, by allowing air and sunlight to dry it off.
- Regular removal of moss and other debris by gentle raking.
- Application of algaecide spray for preventing algae to grow on the roof.
- Annual roof inspections carried out by an experienced thatcher to detect potential issues with the roof and fix them in time (such as damage due to animals).
Such simple actions will help to extend the life of the roof significantly and save you a lot of money on repairs.
What are the signs a thatched roof needs repairing?
How do you know when to replace a thatch roof? Considering the resources invested, most people find it more reasonable to fix than to replace for as long as they can. Watch out for the following indicators:
- Wire mesh or fixings visible – if you can see the structure underneath, the thatch has worn thin to the point where it can’t be fixed anymore.
- Thick layer of moss or lichen – at some point, trying to remove them does more harm than good.
- Damaged flashing around the chimneys – cracks and gaps on the sides of your chimneys allow water to enter and create problems.
- Detached material and shedding – the thatch is breaking up if you see pieces of material coming off.
- Dips or hollow areas – this means that the wear and tear is not evenly spread across the roof.
- Leaks inside the building – the clearest sign that something isn’t working properly.
Ife you aren’t sure, do not take chances – contact a Master Thatcher for a professional opinion on what should be done to restore the roof’s integrity.
Got questions about insuring your thatched property?
Thatched homes are beautiful, but they do come with unique insurance considerations. Speak to the John Albion team at Jensten Insurance today, we specialise in thatched property insurance and can make sure your home has the right cover in place.