Thatch Maintenance and Repair

1) How long does a thatched roof last?

It depends upon the material, it depends on the pitch, it depends on the aspect of the roof, and it depends on the workmanship. Generally water reed is thought to last the longest around 30 - 40 years,

2) Will a roof require any maintenance?

Yes, a new ridge will need to be applied every 8 - 15 years and at this time the whole roof can be dressed and cleaned and any moss removed.

3) Why do some roofs have wire netting on them?

Netting may be added for two reasons:

a) With new roofs it is to protect straaw roofs from birds, it is also fitted to ridges for the same reason.
b) On older roofs it adds protection from strong windsetc, especially in exposed areas.

4) How much will it cost to emply a thatcher to work on my roof?

Thatch is usually priced by area or by "thatched square." 1 thatched square = 100 square feet. Patching work is usually priced by how long the work will take and the materials required, overheads, etc. Ridging work is usually priced by the linear foot or meter. Included below is a checklist for receiving and comparing quotes from thatchers.

Can I compare items like for like within the quote (i.e. is my ridge work going o have the same cut, pattern or depth - One may involve more work.)?
Does the quote include scaffolding, the disposal of waste, travel and accommodation, flashings and wiring?
How long will the thatcher be on site? - A one man band may be on your roof for 6 months, where as a larger team may do the work in four weeks for a similar price.
Are they insured?

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