Thatched Roof Surveys

Thatch roofs are a beautiful, traditional style of roofing seen among many historical and listed properties across the UK. If your property has a thatched roof, it’s important to care for it properly so as to prevent it from falling into disrepair. More than that, as the guardian of some of our most precious architectural heritage, you may feel a special responsibility to do whatever you can to ensure that the building can be enjoyed for a long time to come.

That said, the replacement and maintenance of high-quality thatch can be a worrying and costly experience. Thatching a roof is a specialist job; it’s not something that should be attempted by just anybody. It’s a highly skilled technique that requires the professional services of a trained and experienced artisan who really knows his craft. With trained thatchers in short supply and waiting lists commonly averaging about 1 year for a thatcher to replace your roof, getting a thatch roof survey is essential to ensure that you are made aware of any potential repairs or replacements that are necessary.

Alan Rance Surveyors can provide effective assistance and advice for properties with thatched roofs. Our comprehensive thatched roof survey analyses the type of thatch used, its state of decay, any repairs or renovations needed and the best way in which these renovations should be carried out. Please feel free to contact us for expert advice and professional assistance with thatched roofs.

What Are the Problems With Thatched Roofs?

Age, wear and tear, lack of maintenance and environmental conditions can all take their toll on the condition of thatch roofing, and the main problems encountered are well known:

Water penetration – Water leaks can occur in all areas of the roof including the ridge where cement cracking can occur on the capping, the valleys where two thatched sections are joined, and the corners that are most prone to high wind and rain ingress.
Compaction – Effective compaction of thatch is essential to ensure weather resistance and water tightness and reduce the risk of water ingress. Unsatisfactory compaction can lead to excessive oxygen flow which can increase the risk of wind and fire damage.
Moss and lichen build-up – 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.

Animal infestation – 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.
Insurance – Home insurance premiums for thatched buildings are considerably higher than for conventional houses. The main reason is that thatched roofs are viewed as a fire risk, mainly during dry winters when woodburners and open fires are lit in the homes below.

Why Should I Get a Thatched Roof Survey?

Buying a property with a thatched roof is a dream for many home owners, but in order for your dream not to turn into a nightmare, it’s important to exercise caution and the principle of ‘buyer beware’. Here is a list of essential questions you should have satisfactory answers to before proceeding with your purchase:

When was the roof last inspected, rethatched and repaired?
Who was the thatcher who carried out the work?
What materials were used for the thatch? Were any coatings applied to it?
Have any roof timbers been repaired or replaced?
Have any other alterations been made to the house, e.g. an extension?
When were the electrics last checked?
When was the chimney last checked and swept? Is it lined?
Are there any fire risks in the house, e.g. woodburners? When were they last checked?
What fire safety precautions are currently in place?

Professional guidance to help you assess the condition of the building and its thatched roof is highly recommended. At Alan Rance Surveyors, we have 30+ years of surveying historic properties and thatched roof properties. Our thatched roof surveys will assess the age and condition of the thatch and the materials used, highlighting any weak areas and making you aware of any potential repairs or replacements necessary and what they are likely to cost.

Armed with the findings of a thatch roof survey, you can draw up realistic plans and budgets for repair and maintenance to preserve this unique architectural feature of your historical home, or approach your vendor with an offer to renegotiate the purchase price. Either way, a specialist survey will give you the peace of mind of having all the information you need to make an intelligent decision, whether or not you choose to proceed with the property transaction.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Thatched Roof?

Thatched roofs come in different styles and materials, depending on local building techniques and traditions:

Long Straw has a short lifespan of 15-20 years. The thatching process is laborious but does create the iconic, smooth curved ‘tea cosy’ look that many cottage owners love. Long straw is particularly suitable for historic and listed properties as original ceilings and timbers are typically not affected by thatching.
Combed Wheat Straw, also known as Devon Reed, lasts 20-30 years. Originally a by-product of wheat farming, the preparation for thatching involved machines such as binders, threshers and combers, while these days more modern, less labour-intensive processes are used.
Water Reed (also known as March Reed, Norfolk Reed) can last for up to 50 years. This traditional material has been used in Norfolk since prehistory and is also the primary thatching material used in Europe, from where much of it is now imported. Thatching with Water Reed is easier than other methods.

What Is the History of Thatched Roof Houses?

Thatched roofs were the main form of roof construction for hundreds of years throughout many parts of mainland Europe and were particularly popular in Britain. Early forms of thatched roofs here can be traced back to Celtic Roundhouses (circa 750BC to 12BC) where a combination of straw and mud was used to try to provide a watertight environment. The Romans (circa 43AD to 410AD), Anglo-Saxons (circa 420AD to 650AD) and Vikings (circa 700AD to 1000AD) all continued to make use of natural resources such as timber for buildings and straw and reeds for thatched roof materials.

However, the Medieval Age (circa 1066AD to 1500AD) is arguably the period of UK history where the use of thatch really accelerated and there are many examples of these types of building still in existence today. Most Tudor Buildings (circa 1485AD to 1603AD) continued to make use of timber frames with thatched roof, however toward the end of this period other types of materials such as clay tiles were starting to be introduced in place of thatch.

It is clear that thatched roofs were popular, primarily because they were lightweight (compared to more modern materials) and could easily be supported by timber frames. Plus, subject to appropriate installation, they would be watertight for many years. The use of thatch began to decline with the evolution of transport, particularly rail, during the early Victorian Period (Circa 1837 to 1901), which allowed the transfer of materials such as Welsh slate across the UK as an alternative to thatch.

‘It is estimated that thatched roof construction in England decreased from one million properties in 1800 to about 35,000 by 1960, due mainly to lower transport costs and new techniques enabling other materials (such as cheap slate from Wales, or mass-produced clay tiles) to be used, with less skilled labour. The onslaught of combine harvesters had much to answer for too. With a far shorter cut, the wheat straw became unusable for anything other than grain production. Today, there are around 24,000 listed thatched buildings in the UK and about 1500 individuals engaged in thatching. Thatch is also being used on some new builds, so there is something of a revival in progress.’

It is easy to wonder how thatch is able to provide a watertight roof surface, given that the thatched roof structure is fundamentally straw or reeds placed on top of a building that is exposed to the elements, often over a long period of time. The answer lies in the manner in which the thatch is installed and the pitch (angle) to which the roof is constructed. In fact, if you compare a thatched roof to a roof constructed with concrete or clay tiles, you will often find that the thatched roof has a much steeper pitch, typically 50 to 55 degrees, which allows rainwater to be shed much more readily.

How Much Does a Thatched Roof Cost?

The cost of replacing a traditional thatch roof can be upwards of £100 per square foot. With an average roof size of 3,000 square feet, this can amount to over £30,000 for a full thatch replacement. In terms of the time needed for a total rethatch, a master thatcher can normally complete around 1,000 square foot of roof space in 3-4 weeks.

Depending on the precise roofing materials used, the level of maintenance and environmental conditions, a thatch roof can last anywhere between 15-50 years. It goes without saying that for any purchase considering this type of property, knowing the age and condition of the thatched roof is essential information.

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Client Testimonials

Adam

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Stuart Jones

Alan recently carried out a survey on a property I am hoping to buy. The report was much more detailed and thorough than I expected and drew attention to items I had not thought of. The report - running to over 100 pages- was emailed to me on the same day that the survey was undertaken. Overall I was very impressed with the service, thank you

Glenn Wigley

I was introduced to Alan when he carried out an EPC survey and a structural survey on behalf of our buyer. I was impressed with Alan's thoroughness and professionalism. Later when I needed a full structural survey on a property that I was purchasing I had no hesitation in asking Alan. Our survey was carried out quickly and professionally and we received the written report within 24 hours. I would have no hesitation recommending Alan Rance Surveyors.

Paul Rowden

Alan carried out a full structural survey which was really comprehensive and not only covered any work required to the property but on going advice regarding maintenance for each area of the property. Thankfully only one minor issue that was spotted and I have been able to rectify that myself. I would thoroughly recommend as a really helpful and knowledgeable chap who has also been incredibly helpful regarding a damp issue in one of our rental properties. Thank you, so much Alan.

Adam B

I have recently instructed Alan on two properties On the first he saved me from trouble, and I withdrew my offer. On 2nd his advice and guidance has enabled me to obtain quotes for the remedial works prior to agreeing the sale. Alan is very helpful, knowledgeable, and offers a very professional and efficient service. I would highly recommend Alan! He is brilliant!

Amy Walker

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L Blackbourne

If you are looking for a property surveyor then this is a first class professional service I totally recommend. The survey carried out on our behalf showed major issues with the property. On that information I retracted my offer saving me money and time. Thank you once again I will be using Alan J Rance Limited again.