Can I Use Coal in a Thatched House?

The use of coal in thatched properties is a mixed bag of benefits and hazards. In this article, we look at the ways in which coal in wood burners can be an efficient type of fuel to use. We also explore why using coal in open fires can be hazardous. Finally, we look at how to position your bonfire and barbeque to mitigate fire risks.

Combustible Coal

Using coal in open fires within a thatched home can be dangerous. The primary risk comes from the highly combustible nature of thatch. Coal fires burn hotter than wood, producing more intense sparks and embers. These can easily ignite the thatched roof, leading to potentially devastating fires. The higher temperature of coal fires also increases the likelihood of chimney fires, especially if creosote build-up is present, which can spread rapidly to the thatch.

Carbon Monoxide

Coal combustion can produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that is lethal in high concentrations. Thatched homes often have older ventilation systems, which may be insufficient to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, which can increase the risk of poisoning.

Coal and Chimneys

Moreover, the soot and residues produced by coal can lead to faster creosote accumulation in chimneys, necessitating more frequent cleaning and maintenance. If not properly managed, this can further increase the risk of chimney fires.

Safety Precautions

Chimney Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspections are essential. Coal produces more soot and creosote, which can accumulate and increase the risk of chimney fires. Ensuring the chimney is well-maintained and lined can help prevent these hazards.

Proper Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide build-up. Installing and regularly testing carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of the home can provide an early warning system against this colourless, odourless gas often known as ‘the silent killer’.

Quality of Coal: Using high-quality, smokeless coal can reduce soot production and minimize environmental pollutants. This can also enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the heating system.

Firebreaks and Spark Guards: Installing firebreaks in the thatch and using spark guards on wood burners can help contain any stray embers and prevent them from igniting the thatched roof.

While coal can be used in wood burners in thatched homes, it necessitates rigorous safety measures. Regular chimney maintenance, proper ventilation, using smokeless coal, and installing firebreaks are essential steps to mitigate the inherent risks and ensure the safety of your thatched property.

Bonfires and Barbeques

Leisurely barbeques with friends and family, held during hot sunny afternoons and lasting long into the evening are a true delight. But did you know that many insurers will have specific guidelines around outdoor fires lit in the garden of a thatched home?

The correct distance of a barbeque, fire pit or chiminea is at least 5 metres away from the property, however advice from organisations and businesses may vary, so it is worth checking guidelines with us.1 Nearly

a quarter of thatched properties attended to by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service over the last six years were completely destroyed through catching fire.2

Bonfires should be at least 100 metres from your property.3 Please note however, that we strongly recommend you check these guidelines with us, as your broker, because insurance policies can differ.

Given these hazards, it is advisable to avoid using coal in open fires in thatched homes. Safer alternatives, such as wood or modern heating systems, should be considered to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of your home.

Prevention is better than cure

The best way to avoid any risk of fire is not to have barbeques and bonfires if you own a thatched property. However if the lure of al fresco dining and outside fires is too strong to resist we recommend the following precautions:

• Keep an outside tap on-hand which includes a ready-to-use hose long enough to reach around the property and on to the roof.
• Fit smoke alarms on all floors and in the roof space.
• Let the Fire and Rescue Service know the location of your property and the exact location of the nearest usable water supply.
• Keep barbeques away from rubbish bins, mulch, low lying trees and hedges.
• Make sure your neighbours are aware of the dangers to your thatched property from their own bonfires and barbeques.
• Make sure the prevailing wind direction is away from your house before lighting a bonfire.
• Light your bonfires and barbeques in the evenings when the temperature has dropped and the outside conditions are cooler, lowering the risk of tinder landing on dry sun-baked thatch.

1. https://www.firesecureltd.co.uk/thatched-roof-fire-protection/
2. https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/home/thatched-properties
3. https://www.firesecureltd.co.uk/thatched-roof-fire-protection/