 |
In addition to providing bespoke insurance for owners of thatched homes, Simply Thatch and Simply Listed also provide advice. We have answered some common questions relating to thatched roofs. If yours is not answered here, please contact us for advice.
| Q |
What are the different types of thatch? |
| A |
Water Reed/Norfolk Reed is the best quality thatch available and the most durable. This thatch has a compact even texture with clean cut edges and can last up to 50 years. It is also the least combustible.
Combed Wheat/Devon Reed is not reed at all, but winter wheat straw. However, its appearance and application are similar to that of reed. The life expectancy is 25 to 35 years.
Long Straw in appearance has a much softer, rounder shape and is generally deeper than reed or combed wheat. This is the material favoured in much of Southern England and East Anglia. However, Long Straw is more combustible than reed due to its open structure when applied.
Fibre Thatch is an unusual type of roofing and is made of glass reinforced plastic. It is made in sheets and moulded and coloured to look like thatch. This roofing systems has had its problems and very few properties still have this type of roof.
|
| Q |
Does the depth of the thatch affect my insurance? |
| A |
Thatch is an excellent insulator, therefore the deeper the thatch, the more the roof is susceptible to heat build up, where the flue/chimney is adjacent to the thatch. It is therefore recommended that the depth of the thatch is kept to less than 1 metre. |
| Q |
Should I have a spark arrestor fitted to my chimney? |
| A |
We do not recommend the use of spark arresters. They can quickly become blocked with tar and soot deposits. This prevents flue gases leaving the chimney which results in excessive build up of temperature within the chimney, ultimately leading to heat transfer to the thatch. |
| Q |
Why does the chimney to my wood burner need to be lined? |
| A |
Preferably, in a thatched building, all chimneys should be fitted with an appropriate lining. However, solid fuel stoves are the greatest risk due to the temperatures that flue gases can reach and the heat transfer to the thatch. |
| Q |
Why do I have to have the electrical wiring at the property checked? |
| A |
Electrical faults are the second most common cause of thatch fires. Therefore each thatched risk must have an inspection carried out every 10 years or as otherwise stated by a suitably qualified electrician. |
| Q |
Are there fire proofing products available? |
| A |
There is a product known as Thatchbatts available. These are barriers that can be fitted to the joists to provide a 60 minute barrier, often used in conjunction with aluminium foil. Although this is unlikely to stop a fire starting, it will reduce the amount of damage below the joists. It also reduces the amount of water penetrating down into the house. However, this can only be fitted when the roof is being rethatched (i.e the thatch is completely removed). |
| Q |
How much should I insure my property for? |
| A |
Your property should be insured for the total rebuilding cost, not the market value. In order to ascertain this information we would recommend that you contact a professional valuer or surveyor. |
| Q |
When is Listed Building Consent required? |
| A |
Consent is necessary for any works to the inside or outside of a listed buildings which affects its "special interests". As well as major changes, this usually includes minor alterations such as painting and re-thatching etc. If you have any doubt about whether a building is covered by listing or whether consent is required for specific works, please contact your local authorities. |
|
|
