How To Re Thatch A Roof

Dickie wright from rj wright and son master family thatchers explains the key elements to thatching a roof as he demonstrates his skills at the royal bat.

How to re thatch a roof. The best reeds are harvested. And they are the most difficult ones to answer as nearly every thatch roof is a unique combination of the size shape and location of the roof and the materials and thatching skills used to create it. Bundles of reeds are fixed to the timbers angled downwards at about 20 then piled on top of each other so that the final angle of the roof edge is between 45 and 50. A beginners guide to the craft of thatching.

Begin at the bottom. The top layer of thatch on any thatched roof rots over time. Contact a reliable roofer to do the job. Removing the old thatch may also expose unanticipated problems such as deterioration or damage to the wooden battens which support the thatch.

Brushing a thatched roof. Moisture is not typically absorbed into thatched bundles any deeper than 1 or 2 inches whereas thatched roofs are typically 12 inches deep. Start installing the thatch at the bottom edge of the roof and work in a horizontal row. You can always just contact any roofer that you can find on your area.

Here are some tips to help you get started on replacing your thatched roof. A total rethatch can involve stripping a roof to a firm foundation or stripping the roof to timbers. This is the most regular maintenance a thatched roof usually requires. The original thatched roof is attached directly to the roof timbers.

Use a hammer or staple gun to attach the thatch to the roof and check to ensure you are installing it with the rough shaggy side facing up and the woven knotted side facing down. This layer of rotten thatch needs to be brushed off every 5 8yrs to ensure no deeper rotting and thatch degeneration. If stripping to timbers this option is the one where building regulations should be addressed. Other structural issues may also be found that need to be corrected before the roof and can be re thatched.

How long does thatch last and how much will it cost these are the questions every thatcher is asked most frequently. Which answers two questions. As much as possible you must only contact with a credible and dependable roofing company that has years of experience in dealing with thatched roofs. Repairing or replacing the ridge.

Obtain the dried reeds either from a local source or by purchasing from a dealer. The pitch of a thatched roof is also important as it allows water to run off and be thrown well away from the property before it has chance to be absorbed.