Why an Article on Thatch Questions?
The Thatch Advice Centre deals with a wide range of thatch questions. Some crop up more often than others. We decided to just mention a few of the most common ones we have received over the last year. Then we realised it is a lot! So, we decided to group them into categories, the first one being general questions.
Moving forward, we plan to highlight these thatch questions – general first, probably followed by thatching questions and then maybe fire related questions. Questions are so varied and often straightforward things which need to be understood and dealt with accordingly. We do our best, as things are not always black and white. Involving our other friends and associates to assist can often be helpful and their input is always appreciated. Working together is our mantra!
Buying and Selling Thatch
Many questions from those looking to purchase thatch or need help with selling queries. Often people with no prior experience of thatch enquire with concerns which we can easily assist with. Recently we have noticed more vendors who are looking for advice in helping to improve a selling thatch situation.
Our knowledge and experience has been invaluable and we are pleased with the appreciation shown for our assistance on the various matters relating to the thatch property market
Insurance
Insurance cover and insurance costs are questions on which we are regularly contacted. Our Thatch Directory list of specialist thatch insurers is invaluable in having somewhere to direct queries to specialist insurers and brokers with myriad of policies. A case of shopping round to find the best policy to meet your needs from those who understand thatched properties. High rebuild valuations, solid fuel burning, holiday cottages, under renovation to name a few of the questions we are contacted about.
Listed Thatch
Concerns over looking after listed thatched properties are no longer mainly on the thatching materials. Questions have also been raised with a view to insurance cover and also rebuild valuations. The cost of rebuilding a listed property may vary considerably from its market value and should be understood. Additionally, availability of listed building / conservation departments for help, discussion and timely responses has also been identified as issues. However, we are not certain this last point is just for thatch but possibly a more widespread issue.
Roof Condition
Plenty of questions concerning roof condition.
When did you last look at your thatched roof condition and compare it from the previous time you looked at it? Has it changed? Keep an eye on it or take pictures to compare if you can’t remember. Specifically, please don’t leave it until it is in a state or leaking before you start getting quotes. If your roof is in dire need of attention getting a thatcher quickly may not be so easy. You will be lucky to find a thatcher to put another client’s job back in order to help you. Furthermore, you may have to incur the cost of applying a tarpaulin until help can be given. Getting prompt help, may also not be possible if your roof material is in short supply.
Listed thatch should be repaired “like for like” so keeping an eye on condition is even more important.
As part of maintenance, do you know what thatching material your roof is thatched in? We receive many questions from those who don’t….
Thatched Roof Inspection Reports
Roof reports are often asked for by insurers. It makes sense for them to do so for obvious reasons so, consequently, we regularly provide information on thatchers who can complete these inspections.
Some thatchers provide a tick box report but we like the full written reports (from thatchers who are not looking for work and so are independent). These are a useful document for insurers as well as owners or prospective purchasers moving forward. Such detailed reports include recommendations (e.g. fire safety and maintenance) along with potential costings. This is useful for understanding the roof and works required both current and for future planning of thatching works. Purchasers and vendors find these reports very useful documents as do homeowners for planning maintenance.
Pests
One of the many general questions we are contacted about regularly, is pests.
From vermin like rats and mice to birds, all of whom can affect your thatched roof. These pests can also include insects e.g. wasps, flies and even bees. Pest control measures are always recommended, which depends on the pest. Some pests can be harder to deal with than others.
Answers to the Questions
The Thatch Advice Centre enjoy helping with such a variety of questions related to thatch. The answers can sometime be easy and other times challenging. Our specialist Associates’ help is always appreciated and we are always learning to extend our knowledge in order to improve the service we offer.
Keep the thatch questions coming and we will continue to assist. We planned our articles in order to group similar queries together, to streamline the process and also provide readily available content to help visitors to our website understand how we can help.