THATCHING
Traditional Thatching
Working primarily across Dorset and the surrounding area, we cater for all your thatched roof requirements from thatch roof surveys, repairs and maintenance, through to entire new thatched roofs using both wheat reed and water reed.
Where possible we will undertake repairs and maintenance of your thatched roof to ensure that you get the best value for your money and that the lifespan of your roof is maximised.
How long can I expect my thatched roof to last?
The lifespan of a thatched roof depends on several factors:
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The skill of the Thatcher
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The quality and type of thatching materials used
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The pitch of the roof
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The prevailing weather and atmospheric conditions local to the property
Depending upon these factors it is possible for a thatched roof in water reed to last for between 25 years, and with regular maintenance, up to 45 years. A wheat reed roof typically has a lifespan of between 15 to 25 years.
As part of our inspection and quotation process, we will point out any issues and recommend to you whether or not the roof can be repaired, or needs a full re-thatch. Rest assured that we will always provide options where possible and have a keen eye on best value and economy for the property owner.
Thatching Materials
We only use the finest traditional materials in our work. This includes thatching straw from Devon, hand-made hazel spars from the New Forest, and premium quality Polish water reed.
We can also source traditional timber from Dorset if required for repairs and upgrades to the roof structure.
Our carful choice of materials ensures that your roof looks great, will last as long as possible, and that materials are acceptable for planning control and conservation professionals.
NEW THATCHED ROOFS
For new build properties, fire damaged properties, or those with major structural issues in the roof, we can create full brand new thatched roofs.
We will work closely with your building designer or architect to achieve a modern thatch solution, which complies with the latest regulations.
We are also very happy to work with associated trades, such as builders and carpenters working on your property, and can advise on sourcing traditional materials such as timber and lime if required.
RE-THATCHING
Unless there is underlying damage to the structure of the roof re-thatching does not require removal of all of the thatch.
The base coat can be from four inches to a foot thick and is often composed of multiple layers.
When re-thatching a roof we strip back up to two coats of existing thatch to prevent excessive weight load on the roof and to help achieve an even finish.
As part of our service we remove the stripped thatch from site for disposal and ensure that the premises is left tidy.
REPAIRS & PATCHING
A damaged or decayed section of thatch does not necessarily mean that the entire roof will need to be re-thatched.
Where possible we will undertake repairs and maintenance to your thatched roof to ensure that you get the best value for your money and that the lifespan of your roof is maximised.
Sections of your roof can be stripped back and re-thatched to form a water- tight seal to the old thatch, wire and leadwork can be replaced and roof valleys can be re-thatched.
We will carry out a full inspection as part of the quotation process to ensure that any repairs represent real value for money when compared with re-thatching costs.