Thatched roofing has a long history that began with temporary shelters for nomadic peoples. Between 5000 and 1800 B.C., the first hunter-gatherers colonized the areas between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea and eventually settled there long-term.

When did thatched roofs originate?

The earliest documented record of thatched roofing we have to date is circa 700 AD. Although little is known of thatched roofing history during the eighth and ninth centuries, historians assume that thatching with wild grasses and straw was probably fairly common for the day.

When were thatched houses built?

Most thatched-roof houses in the British Isles are remnants of an earlier time, dating to the 19th century or even as far back as the 16th. But as 21st-century buyers build second homes in the countryside, they often choose to have the older, rustic look thatching gives.

Are there thatched roofs in America?

And many people don't even know what a thatched roof is. While there are 55,000 thatched homes in the United Kingdom, there are only eight in the United States, McGhee said.

What is the purpose of a thatched roof?

Thatch roofs are known for being great at keeping water out of your home or building. Thatch roofing materials are naturally waterproof so they won't become waterlogged and seep into your interior, and they're piled on top of each other so that it becomes impenetrable to rain and other elements.

How Thatch Roofs Work and Were Made in the Middle Ages [Medieval Professions: Thatcher]

25 related questions found

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.

Do thatched roofs get moldy?

One of the common complaints about natural thatch roofs is the potential mold problem. ... Natural thatch, if done properly can resist it, but over time, many thatch roofs do develop mold. This is so unfortunate, because thatch roofs are inherently durable and beautiful.

How thick is a thatched roof?

The courses of thatch are usually around 6 inches (150mm) thick; depending on the type used. A suitable angle of material within the coatwork, of around 20 degrees, can be maintained by the skilled use of some Backfilling.

What is the R value of a thatched roof?

As a rule of thumb 10” of thatch has the same R-value as 7” of fiberglass batt, or an R-value of R26.

What are thatched roofs made of in Ireland?

Thatch is a natural reed and grass which, when properly cut, dried, and installed, forms a waterproof roof. Traditionally thatchers use locally available materials. If local farmers were growing wheat, then wheat reed or straw was used. Rye, barley and oat straw, and even heathers have been used.

What is the lifespan of a thatched roof?

Generally speaking, though, the lifespan of water reed thatch is about 30 years, combed wheat is about 30 years, and straw is about 20 years. It's not unknown for thatched roofs with regular maintenance to last up to 60 years, though!

What does a pitched roof look like?

A pitched roof is a roof that slopes downwards, typically in two parts at an angle from a central ridge, but sometimes in one part, from one edge to another. The 'pitch' of a roof is its vertical rise divided by its horizontal span and is a measure of its steepness. ... For more information, see Flat roof.

How does a thatch roof stay dry?

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 a Thatcher?

/ ˈθætʃ ər / PHONETIC RESPELLING. ? College Level. noun. a person who thatches. a rake or other tool designed to remove thatch from a lawn.

Are thatched roofs a fire hazard?

Thatched roofs are always at risk from fire. Once a fire has taken hold in a thatched roof, it will spread rapidly. Some main causes of fire in thatch are: stray sparks from the chimneys, discarded cigarettes and garden bonfires.

Can you change a thatched roof to 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.

Can thatched roofs handle snow?

One of our most commonly asked questions if whether our thatch roofing materials can be used in areas with heavy snow. Yes! Endureed can be used in all types of climate.

Can you have a wood burning stove in a thatched cottage?

The fundamental recommendation is that wood burning and multi-fuel stoves should not be used in thatch roofed buildings.

What are the disadvantages of a thatched roof?

Thatched houses are more vulnerable to fire risk than those covered with other materials, and it is therefore imperative that precautions be taken to reduce the risk. Insurance costs can be higher due to this factor.

Why do thatched roofs not leak?

Compaction. Ensuring that a thatched roof is watertight and weather resistant is a difficult task, and largely relies on effective compaction. This is the process of binding the thatch together tightly enough so as to increase its strength while reducing the oxygen that can flow through it (a fire hazard).

How often do you need to thatch a roof?

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.

How do you clean a thatched roof?

A thatched roof has to be cleaned by hand. With help of different types of rakes the roof is freed from leaves, fir needles and moss. The easiest way to get rid of moss is to wait for a dry spell. The reason is that under dry weather conditions the moss loosens its grip on the reed.

Are thatched roofs expensive to maintain?

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.