Insurance and Fire Barriers
When we started our planning for Insurance related articles, this fire resisting and fire barriers one was the item we least looked forward to writing. Perhaps it is because the reason for a fire resisting barrier is surely to protect the fabric of a build should the thatch itself catch fire. Our aim has always been to promote Thatch Fire Prevention. So, reducing the risk of the thatch catching fire has always been our priority.
Not only that, we have been around long enough to understand the evolution (perhaps that’s not the best description) of the different barriers under thatched roofs, along with their pros and cons. But that’s perhaps another story ….
The Different Barriers
Is there a difference between a fire barrier and a fire resisting barrier? As we have always understood the situation, it depends on the material and the tests it has achieved. So, yes there is a difference.
The words fire barrier are often used when a fire resisting barrier is meant. This gives concern over lack of understanding of the differences. Clear details are needed on the different materials, tests achieved, different properties and any varying protection therefore provided. For more information on Building Regs in this regard see our Building Regulations Page, in particular clarification from Building Control.
Thatch can burn at very high temperatures, so good protection over time from both the heat and the flames should be an aim, via a fire resisting barrier. The roof frame must be protected from the burning heat in order to provide best results. Ultimately, they are there to give time for the fire service to attend. This may be important to your insurers. Please also check with Building Control for any new work.
Some Comments on Fire Resisting and Fire Barriers from our Insurers
We were pleased to receive interesting comments from some of our specialist thatch insurers on this fire resisting and fire barrier topic.
Just Quote Me
With the increasing risk of fire in thatched properties, comprehensive thatch insurance is more important than ever. These unique homes, often rich in heritage, are highly vulnerable to fire—particularly from solid fuel use and chimney-related incidents. Fire barriers and fire-resisting barriers are essential safety measures, significantly slowing the spread of fire and providing crucial time for emergency response. Insurers now emphasize the installation of these protective layers to reduce risk and maintain insurability. Investing in quality fire protection not only safeguards the property but also preserves our architectural heritage for future generations.
Lloyd & Whyte Heritage
Fire barriers are a type of protection which can delay the spread of damage caused by fire until the fire services reach your property. They are installed over the rafters and underneath the thatch when the roof is under new construction or stripped down to its timber wood framework.
Fire barriers are made in a range of thicknesses and composite materials and must meet building regulations. If you are not sure as to which type of fire barrier your property needs, please consult the Thatch Advice Centre, or a professional thatcher.
The Home Insurer
Fire resistant barriers under the thatch are great for your peace of mind. They help prevent or delay the spread of fire. With some insurers they also attract a small discount on the cost of your annual insurance. Various types and styles are available, but our insurers tend to only ask whether a barrier or fire-retardant spray are present without asking specifically which sort.
Purely from an insurance point of view, the reduction in risk is deemed small and the saving in premium cost reflects this and is small also.
What Type of Fire Barrier Do You Have?
We therefore prefer to recommend only those barriers which provide a minimum proven ½ hr fire resistance (tested for insulation and integrity) per the B4 building regulation /Dorset Model/Thatch-Safe Model. Protecting from heat and flames over the rafters and under the thatch. The fitting of barriers can be an interesting issue to be aware of including complexities of the roof design.
Know what barrier you have, as its properties may affect your insurance premiums in a positive way. Please make sure it is correct because you don’t want any insurance invalidated due to concerns that the barrier wasn’t meeting their requirement. Always confirm with your insurers, in writing.
Fire Resisting Barrier Models
The Dorset Model is well known and was set up over 25 years ago to meet the requirements for “the extension or construction of new buildings with thatched roofs that are within 12m of a boundary”. Did you know how much it has changed over time? Both product recommendations, joints and fitting (eg counter battening). Back to the “perhaps another story”……
Another model which meets the Dorset Model requirements of a minimum ½ hr fire resisting barrier – Thatch-Safe – was specifically designed for use under thatch, understanding the other issues which affect installations.
Fire Barriers and Roof Longevity
The question of “What if the roof does not catch fire” arises. Maximising the longevity of the thatch over any barrier is also a consideration for many. In the past, barriers put up over the rafters to keep the house underneath dry whilst rethatching e.g. roofing felt were then slashed on completion to allow good airflow (to improve the ventilation and lifespan of the thatch). Perhaps, with the emphasis on ticking boxes for insurance and building regulations the thatch roof has been a little overlooked?
We have no definitive information on this. All we know is the concerns from experienced thatchers who have probably seen effects of lack of ventilation in thatched roofs. Perhaps this would be worth looking into? The problem of defining any cause of premature roof decay is not straightforward as it can have many potential sources. Magnesium oxide fire boards are definitely no longer to be used, as we know of whole roofs being removed in order to deal with the issues caused by them.
Other Fire barriers
There are flexible barriers used over the rafters but please be aware of the tests achieved and ability to meet building regulations/Dorset Model requirements and, of course, the effect on the insurance should there be a claim. Many thatchers do not understand the tests, building regulations and applications in the same way as we do. Always check with your insurers (we would recommend confirmation in writing for peace of mind).
Fitting of all Types of Fire Barrier
Over the years fire barriers used under thatch have taken many forms. That being said the fitting of them has been seen by us, and others, to be an important point which is not always given enough emphasis. Damaged boards with gaps, or unfilled holes made from fixings missing the rafters do not providing the integrity of a complete barrier.
In the past, even a foil was used, a little protection maybe but look at the picture above and the one below. The barrier was not fitted over the ridge and also the brackets were not fixed to the timbers!! Integrity?
This identifies the importance of checking the installation of any barrier.
We are certain insurance companies are expecting it to be fitted appropriately.
Conclusion on Insurance and Fire Resisting and Fire Barriers
Thank you
We thank our insurance Associates for their input on this topic.
Using a Fire Barrier
Understand, if you choose to use a fire barrier, or are building an extension etc what the barrier is and what protection it offers based on tests achieved. Remember if you take a roof off to timbers, needs to bring up to new build regulations. We know of buildings where this has been done and no fire resisting barrier applied and councils were then not happy. This sadly, seems to be one of our post code lottery situations again, but should it be?
Be aware of Listed Building issues and consents required. Take the thatch off the roof to a firm foundation and only to timbers if absolutely necessary is good advice.
Inform Insurers about Fire Barriers
Tell you insurers what you are doing. Think about installation, fitting, weight and even effect on roof should the thatch not catch fire.
It seems that not all insurers are concerned about fire barrier protection, or the differences. A fire barrier does not guarantee full protection from a fire but, depending on the fire barrier used (we recommend fire resisting barrier to protect from heat and flames over the rafters which are supporting the roof – we are in the group not comfortable using rafters as part of the fire resistance). Barriers may well give additional time for the fire services to attend and may even save the roof.
And Finally
There is no need to panic if you don’t have a fire resisting barrier. It seems to us that the majority don’t or can’t and insurers are also not seemingly too worried about it. New build should always have a fire resisting barrier to meet regulations.
Understand and reduce the risks of a fire starting in the first place, so please read our Thatch Fire Safety leaflet and understand and reduce the risks.
We will continue to look at thatch insurance and ways of reducing risk to property. Always happy to receive information on new ideas and products to assist.