Why an Article on Thatching Questions?
After our first article, General Thatch Questions, it was logical that the next one would be on the more specific thatching questions we receive. Thatching covers a lot of enquires e.g. variances and availability in thatching materials, thatching technique and appearance coupled with conversations regarding the actual thatchers. It has therefore been a more substantial article to write.
The point of dealing with thatching questions is to assist visitors in making their decisions. We provide information and expertise on a wide range of thatching topics and links to other specialist Associates, so that best conclusions can be achieved.
Thatching Questions Covered
We decided to look at the most recent thatching questions received, e.g. over the last year to eighteen months or so, neatly grouped under the following headings:
- Straw Shortages
- Change of Material or Style
- Waiting Lists for Thatchers
- Cost of Thatching
- Quality of Thatching
Our General Thatch Questions article covered the Roof Condition, Inspection Reports and Pests side of thatching queries we receive, because we felt it was better suited there.
Straw Shortages
Two previously bad harvests of thatching straw have definitely started to bite and have a knock-on effect in availability of straw for maintenance (repairs and full rethatching). See our recent article on thatching straw issues for more information. Early dry weather and continuing hot weather has caused some concerns for this year’s crop.
That being said, harvest is well underway/done and interestingly, the conversations so far are more positive than we anticipated. If quality is good, we hope the length and quantity will also suffice. Price is an area we have not yet discussed fully. Another factor for another time.
Change of Thatching Material or Style
In times of straw shortages, changing from Straw to Water Reed material, for coatwork or from ornamental block to flush ridge, is an option for non-listed properties or those not in a conservation area. Consent is required for such changes to Listed buildings.
We have been contacted about changing roofs away from thatch completely e.g. to tiles and this is of concern.
Waiting Lists for Thatchers
All thatchers have been busy, very busy. Do we have enough competent thatchers? Straw availability and skills (especially in terms of longstraw) have also meant that the waiting lists have become long – into years! We are hoping that the new apprenticeship will start the process of improving numbers of thatchers being trained in all materials. It will, however, take time to fix this situation. It is felt that assistance from the those with influence and authority would be beneficial. Additional funding is being investigated to assist further.
Cost of Thatching
Straw shortages, and previous issues with Water Reed supply have pushed up the price of thatching material. The cost of this year’s crop will be more apparent once the threshing and combing/yealming is completed.
Other materials (spars, rod, screws and wires etc), insurance, scaffolding, fuel, labour etc have also increased which further affect the cost. Those who have been waiting for a thatcher for a few years should not be surprised if the cost of the thatching work previously agreed needs to be reassessed. Please contact your thatcher and check. Some seem to have increased their prices a lot less than others, which is interesting. We are not certain of this reason but please don’t assume that price given two years ago still stands.
Perhaps look at flush ridge instead of ornamental block as a potentially cheaper option (less material required, quicker and easier to apply while still doing the job).
Quality of Thatching
Sadly, it seems that we have had far too many unsatisfied customers getting in touch for advice. Thatching is a craft and craftsmen’s finished article may vary in appearance. The issues start when the basic craftmanship is not correct or fit for purpose.
Thatching issues
Just because it looks pretty when complete doesn’t always mean it will perform well. Spars incorrectly aligned in a ridge, or coatwork, will cause premature leaking. This leaking will not necessarily be immediate. Coatwork fixed too tightly can accelerate degradation due to lack of air flow and furthermore fixings too close to the surface mean that the coatwork goes up fast but it will wear fast too. As soon as it is worn down to the fixings it will need thatching again. 100mm over the fixings is recommended. Incorrect angling of material and bad choice of material for roof design are also are contributory factors to premature wear. These are all areas we have responded to.
Thatching apprenticeship
There is a reason why the apprenticeship group was formed and why the thatching trade will benefit from some recognised independent training and assessment. A qualification to start off a new generation of thatchers correctly will mean that the concerned older generation of excellent thatchers can retire knowing that appropriate skills and traditions are being handed down.
The term Master Thatcher is now used by all – irrelevant of competence.
Good thatching
Thatchers (even the good ones) are always learning. Seeing tricky roofs and overcoming problems of awkward roof design, joins, aspect or pitch to name a few issues. Good quality thatching is having pride in the work being done correctly and well, for a fair price.
A recent thatching project had obvious differences between two thatchers doing either side of a roof which unfortunately was very apparent in the standard of the thatching. Membership of organisations is not always the best benchmark, and does not seem to give any protection to the clients, we have found. Please visit or get references from previous satisfied clients whose roofs have performed well over several years, is our best advice.
On the other side of the coin, we have also helped thatchers with explanations on the appearance of roofs which are well thatched but look different due to the pitch and design of the roof affecting the look.
Pride in the finished work being fit for purpose and aesthetically pleasing is to be commended. Well done to all the great thatchers out there, its hard work!
The Final Thatching Question
The final thatching question has yet to be asked…. We receive so many and, as can be seen from the above, they cover such a range.
One of the thatching questions yet to be addressed is that of thatchers understanding products they are using and building regulations. That being said councils are still a postcode lottery when it comes to thatching.
How many people have said to us that more competent thatchers are needed? We have lost count.
The materials used, availability and issues with listed thatched properties continue and it is hoped that this year’s straw harvest may alleviate some of the pain of the last few years.
Keep the thatching questions coming everyone, we are pleased to assist or point you in the direction of someone who can. We understand the situations, have no hidden agenda so what we do remains for the love of thatch and thatching.
Until next time….