No fire, no problem: know your thatch types
No fire, no problem: know your thatch types
As you may know, thatch is not just thatch. Depending on where you live in the country the thatch on your roof is likely to be one of three main types:
Water reed (or Norfolk reed)
This is a tall and very tough material – grown in reed beds along rivers and amongst the Norfolk broads (like bulrushes). It’s the most durable of all reeds used in thatching and can last for 70 years or more. When a roof is thatched with water reed the existing reed is stripped right back and the new reed fixed directly to the rafters; a complete re-thatch.
Alongside its toughness, it’s also the least combustible reed – owing to its dense structure and compactness on the roof – leaving less space for air pockets.
The depth of water reed on a roof is usually 18-24 inches and aesthetically it has a clean cut, sharp appearance.
However, water reed isn’t used for the ridge, only the coat work – because it doesn’t bend very well. Not an ideal physical property for ridging, which can be fiddly.
Wheat reed (or Devon reed)
This is none other than… wheat.
The reed is passed through a combing machine before it reaches the roof, removing the ears and any weeds or broken bits. It’s generally shorter than water (Norfolk) reed and gets bound up in thick bundles. It’s less durable than water reed, but tougher than long-straw – and can last around 40 years. It’s also an ideal ridging reed, due to its flexibility when wetted.
In terms of combustibility – it sits between water reed and long-straw (a medium-dense structure).
Wheat reed gives the “poured custard” and “fudge box” cottages, synonymous with the deeper parts of the South West.
Long straw
The term long-straw refers to a style, rather than a material – and uses wheat reed.
It has an open and loose structure by comparison to the others (although pretty when properly done), and is considered quite an old-fashioned way of thatching (ironically). A base coat is tied to the rafters and new coats are applied over old coats as they wear out. Re-thatching over several centuries can lead to thatch depths of a couple of metres.
An easy way to identify a long straw roof is by the patterned spars around its edges, rather than just the ridge.
It’s the least robust, and most combustible of the three types listed here.
Risk rating
When we speak about “combustibility”, what we don’t mean is how likely a certain type of thatch is to randomly go up in flames. Honestly it’s not great for any thatch roof to catch alight.
You shouldn’t be worried about your thatch roof, only know that some types carry a higher risk rating for insurance purposes; for example, water reed carries a lower rating than long-straw.
With thatch, it’s all about taking preventative measures. No fire, no problem.
There are many factors at play (not just the reed on your roof) that influence insurance decisions and also the fire safety within your property, including –
Electrics – especially old wiring
Wood-burners (and how they’re used)
Chimney flues (and linings)
Spark arrestors – No, no.
For your own benefit it’s worth visiting the thatch advice centre – a comprehensive resource for keeping you and your home safe.
From an insurance perspective, why not request the Lloyd & Whyte Heritage Thatch Insurance Guide – because safety is one thing, but how does it all work with insurance?
Finally if you’d like to get to it, and obtain a quote for your thatch insurance – we have a form you can fill out.
Or if you’re pressed for time and simply want a friendly chat about it – you’re welcome to call us on 01823 250702.
At Lloyd & Whyte Heritage we specialise in thatch and listed home insurance – and promise to clear up any perplexities, making things easier for you.