All You Need to Know About Thatched Roof Maintenance

Winter is here, but before you ‘batten down the hatches’ checking your thatched roof is a good idea. Get the help of a professional thatcher to establish whether your roof needs repairing. Proper maintenance can help reduce the risk of making a claim on your thatch insurance. Keep your roof in good condition to safeguard against unnecessary damage to your roof.

Does re-roofing require listed building consent?

If your property is listed, you might need permission from your Local Planning Authority to repair or restructure the roof. It’s best to err on the side of caution when owning a listed building, and we advise that you consult your conservation officer before starting roof repairs.

There are various factors to consider when owning a house with a thatched roof. The following checklist can offer guidance as to what to look out for:

Discolouration & Cavities

Look out for holes, dents, and discolouration in the thatch. Even a small gap, a dip in the thatch or subtle changes in colour can be signs of potentially larger problems. If there is a hole it can be ‘patched’ with the same material as the rest of the roof providing there are no underlying issues with the roof that is causing the hole to appear.

Check the roof netting!

Birds and rodents can access the roof under loose netting and burrow into the thatch which can cause underlying issues with the integrity of the thatch and sometimes the structure. In addition, leaves can get trapped between the loose wire and the roof. An experienced thatcher can secure the netting so that it sits flush to the roof itself.

The ridge

Most thatch ridges will need replacing every 10-15 years. Indications that the ridge may need repairing or replacing include raised netting or fixings left in place after the thatch has worn away or degraded.¹ It is worth noting however, that missing thatch from the ridge doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the ridge structure, but it is worth checking this with a thatcher.

If the ridge does need repairing or replacing, the ridge thatch is usually stripped back to the base layer and new thatch reapplied so that it sits securely in the ridge frame.

Flashings

Lead or cement flashings act as waterproof seals under windows or between the thatch and chimney. Flashings are also used in the roof ‘valleys’ as added protection between the roof and the walls where water runs down, and in areas where thatch could wear away more rapidly. Check for cracks if your house has cement flashings – often found on listed buildings.

Moss & Lichen

Moss and lichen may need to be removed from your thatched roof, but in some cases it might be better to leave it in place as removing it can affect the structure of the roof. A professional thatcher will be able to make an informed decision around this.

Chimney Pot

If you have a bird guard, check that it’s safely secured. Be aware of signs around mortar wearing away and make sure the brickwork of the chimney stack is in place. Enlist the services of a professional chimney sweep as your thatched property insurance will require you to have your chimney swept regularly, although the frequency may vary between insurers.

Why do you need specialist thatched home insurance?

Thatched property insurance is crucial due to the unique vulnerabilities and risks associated with thatched buildings. Here are the key reasons why it is so important:

Fire Risk: Thatched roofs are highly susceptible to fire, which can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage. Specialised insurance can cover fire damage, providing financial support for repairs or reconstruction.

Higher Rebuilding Costs: The materials and craftsmanship required to repair or rebuild thatched roofs are often more expensive than conventional roofing. Thatched property insurance ensures these higher costs are covered.

Specialist Repair Requirements: Thatched roofs require specialist contractors for repairs. Insurance tailored for thatched properties can provide you with access to qualified professionals and cover for associated costs.

Comprehensive Coverage: Standard home insurance policies might not provide adequate coverage for the unique features of thatched properties. Thatched property insurance offers comprehensive protection tailored to your specific needs.

If you would like to review or update your thatch insurance policy, please don’t hesitate to contact our thatched insurance specialists. For a new quote, call our helpful thatched home insurance team today; they will be able to talk you through the process of finding appropriate thatched home insurance and recommend a policy that suits.

Alternatively, email us at:

heritageclientsupport@lloydwhyte.com

1. https://nsmtltd.co.uk/thatched-roof-lifespan/

What matters to you, matters to us

1. 1. https://www.thatchadvicecentre.co.uk/thatch-information/care-thatch/maintenance#:~:text=Generally%20the%20ridge%20of%20the,drying%20it%20or%20rain%20dispersing

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