For many people, a thatched roof is a principal ingredient when it comes to buying the perfect Forever Home.
They are pretty, picturesque, durable, and a much-loved feature of the countryside. But, as with most unique house features, there are problems associated with them too. This blog examines the pros and cons of thatched roofs, plus how to make one work for your home.
Photo by Annie Japaud on Pexels.
The pros of thatched roofs
Thatched roofs are a novelty: England boasts an estimated 60,000 thatch properties and roughly 75% of these are listed buildings. This means they are quite rare and very fondly looked upon.
1. Can help lower construction and energy costs
Thatch is light and doesn’t need the heavy support structures that tiles and other roofing materials need. This lowers costs.
Thatch is very durable, with some thatching material’s lifespan lasting half a century or more. This means you might not have to spend as much on repairs as you would with other types of roofs.
It also provides natural insulation, meaning it keeps your home cool in summer and warm in the winter, which can help save you money on your heating bills.
2. Can increase the value of your property
A thatched roof can increase the value of your property, as long as it is well-maintained. That’s because some estate agents see it as a ‘rarity’.
However, in order for value to be added, the roof’s ridge will need to be in tip-top condition. Ridges usually need replacing every 10-15 years, which can be a heavy outlay. This means if you are planning on making a profit when selling your home, ensure that you do this within the short time-frame you have in order to avoid any extra maintenance costs.
3. A great option for the environmentally conscious
Not only this, but thatched roofs are a sustainable, environmentally friendly resource, making it ideal if you’re looking to save some money, or if you are concerned with the environment.
4. Thatch can be shaped easily
Thatch can be shaped to make stylish design features without much fuss, in contrast to the hard lines of other roofing materials.
5. No need for guttering in most cases
Thatched homes don’t have any gutters or drainage systems, meaning you’ll have one less thing to think about maintenance wise. However, it does make collecting water in a butt for your plants a much more tricky endeavour if you are a keen gardener.
Photo by Ritchie Valens on Unsplash.
The cons of thatched roofs
Unfortunately thatch isn’t without its own shortcomings:
1. Adding thatch to your home is a difficult job
Installing thatch is a big, labour intensive job. Depending on the size of the home, it can take several weeks to install, making it a very expensive initial outlay.
2. You’ll need to get regular maintenance on the roof
Add to this the fact that you’ll have to get the roof inspected annually to ensure it is sound, so adding thatch to your property might be more trouble than it’s worth.
The ridge cap may need regular maintenance and repair as it is prone to wear and tear. Leaks are the most common problem, which can cause more serious damage to other parts of the roof and inside the home.
3. You’ll need to protect the roof from fire and pests
Fire and pest infestation is common, so you will have to guard against it. Precautions you can take include:
- Cutting overhanging branches and foliage to prevent the thatch from retaining moisture
- Installing a lightning rod to disperse lightning strikes
- Installing a spark resistor for your chimney
- Using special thatch treatments to repel pests
4. They can attract unwanted wildlife
It is also true thatched roofs can be a haven for animals. There is not much worse than sharing your home with unwanted creatures. All thatch is protected with a wire netting which helps to prevent birds and rats nesting in your roof but it is, of course, not 100% animal proof.
Insurance for the thatched roof on your home
If your home has a thatched roof, you will need non-standard household insurance to keep it protected. The specialist home insurance providers at Adrian Flux have been insuring thatched roof properties for almost 50 years.
For a swift, hassle-free quote , call the experts on 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that suits you.