Thatch Insurance – Roof Condition

Roof Condition in Thatch

Roof Condition is one of the factors that insurance companies take into account when  they are insuring thatched properties.  Roof condition reports are often requested to enable cover to be given appropriately.  We help many homeowners in organising for a Master Thatcher to visit and provide a full written inspection report with pictures and costings.  The thatcher does charge for such a service.

The importance of providing good information to the insurers so that your insurance cover is correct should you need it, is imperative.  The roof condition of the your thatch is one of those areas.

Here is what some of our specialist thatch insurers had to say on this topic ( we gave them a 100 word limit)

Insurers responses

Lloyd & Whyte

Insurers will require you to sweep your chimney on a regular basis, although the frequency will vary according to who your insurer is. Check the roof ridge, roof netting, and any discolouration or cavities which can be a sign of potentially more serious problems.

Thatched roofs can sometimes be perceived as slightly more at risk than standard roofs. Specialised insurance can cover fire damage, providing financial support for repairs or reconstruction.

In addition, materials and craftsmanship required to repair or rebuild thatched roofs are often more expensive than conventional roofing. Thatched property insurance ensures these higher costs are covered.

The Home Insurer

Insurer typically need thatch roof inspections every 10 years with any works noted attended to promptly. Insurers will not cover property or roofs in poor shape; that is a claim looking to happen. Generally, if no works noted on inspection and the roof is waterproof and weathertight you are all good. If you ignore works requirements or general maintenance and there is a claim, expect trouble and a possible decline as maintenance is not an insured peril. Insurers can be flexible to allow repairs to happen, so talk to us and we will do our best to help.

Rebuild Cost Assessment

A well-maintained thatch roof is central to your home’s protection and insurance. However, many policies overlook the importance of proper roof assessments, which can lead to underinsurance if the condition isn’t accurately accounted for. RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com helps homeowners ensure their thatch properties are correctly valued, considering the unique materials and craftsmanship required. With over 76% of properties underinsured in the UK, it’s vital to have confidence in your policy’s coverage. Safeguard your property by understanding its true rebuild cost and maintaining the condition of your roof—a combination that ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.

Thatch Cover

Buildings insurance policies require properties to be in a good state of repair. For thatched roofs, which have a shorter lifespan, insurers typically include a clause for inspection by an accredited Thatcher every 5 or 10 years (depending on the provider) and set deadlines for repairs. Among the 20+ thatch insurance providers we access, most now require a copy of the inspection report on file, ensuring storm damage claims can be met. Speak to our experts for unrivalled advice on this and other insurance-related topics

Just Quote Me

Thatched roof home insurance often comes with specific conditions due to the unique risks associated with traditional thatched roofs, such as increased fire hazards and weather vulnerability. Insurers may require homeowners to take preventive measures, such as treating the thatch with fire retardants or installing firebreaks, smoke alarms, and sprinkler systems. Regular roof inspections may also be mandated to assess its condition. Some insurers may impose restrictions if the thatch is damaged or deteriorating. Homeowners should thoroughly review their policy’s terms, including maintenance obligations, to ensure they meet all requirements and maintain full coverage for their thatched roof property.

Thatch Assist

Thatched roofs, while beautiful, demand more maintenance than traditional ones due to their natural materials, which inevitably degrade with time & weather. You will find that insurance policies cover sudden, unforeseeable events but exclude wear and tear, which means claims related to poorly maintained roofs, whether thatched or not, won’t be covered.

Insurers require you to maintain your thatched roof, including inspections by a professional thatcher every 10 years to check for issues of wear, slippage, rot or pests. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent problems occurring, ensuring the roof stays in good condition and your insurance remains valid.

How we can Help you Understand your Thatched Roof Condition

Over the years, it has become known that homeowners have put in claims for storm damage for thatched roofs which were not in good condition in the first place.  This, presumably has been a driver for the increased requirement for insurers to understand the condition of the thatch they are insuring.  The Thatch Advice Centre has been busy in helping homeowners and organising for thatchers to visit properties and provide comprehensive thatched roof inspection reports.  These are not tick box standard forms but detailed information on the roofs state of repair.

These thatched roof condition reports are not only useful to the insurers of that property but also to the homeowner in understanding what repairs, thatching works and costs may be required.  This helps them to understand their roof better and plan for the future.

The better the thatched roof is understood and cared for the less likely a claim.  This surely  will have a knock on effect and, fingers crossed, help to keep the insurance premiums down.

Many thanks to those who have contributed to this article.  Their contact details are on our www.thatchdirectory.co.uk under the insurance category or click on the link in the titles to find their listings.

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