how long does a thatched roof last

They are unique, and no other type of roof has the distinctive textures and ridges as a thatched roof. How Long Does a Natural Thatch Roof Last? The lifespan of a thatched roof depends largely on how well it was built, how steep it is, how often it is maintained and which material is used to construct it. The prevailing weather is also a factor (the drier the better), and thatched roofs under trees can deteriorate more quickly as the sugars dripping off them can help bacteria to breed. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 - 10 years. It’s not unknown for thatched roofs with regular maintenance to last up to 60 years, though! They were prone to fire in the past but modern thatched are treated with a fire retardant solution to mitigate risk. A thatched roof needs consistent maintenance to prolong the life of the roof. Miami Tiki Huts prefers to build tiki huts with Pressure Treated Timber which can last for around 15-20 years. When all’s said and done, if you’re happy to treat it with respect and care, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your thatched roof for decades to come. As archaeologists will know, thatching dates back at least as long as the bronze age. If there is a lot of humidity, wind or rain, your thatch will last closer to the lower end of the spectrum. Ridges last around 10-15 years. As Simply Thatch, our 17 years’ experience enables us to ensure thatched roofs and repairs last as long as possible. How long does a thatched roof last? So it seems that sixty year roofs of Water Reed are common on the eastern side of Britain; thatchers on the western side would probably be happy with anything over half that time. When thatched properly by professionals, the major portion of such a roof (the water reed) should last 40 to 50 years. When thatched properly by professionals, the major portion of such a roof (the water reed) should last 40 to 50 years. Q How often do thatched roofs need replacing? How long does a thatched roof last? Some may last even longer than that. But how exactly does a thatched roof keep out the rain? It depends upon the material, it depends on the pitch, it depends on the aspect of the roof, and it depends on the workmanship. Roof thatching used to be a by-product of agriculture, but now it’s grown specifically. Many people also ask why you would have a thatched roof. That way, you’ll be able to make the necessary repairs or replace your roof if needs be. A well-built ridge can last between 15 and 20 years, so only one or two replacements should be necessary before a thatched roof needs total replacement. What Is The Best Conservatory Roof Material? Nature is a huge factor that shortens roofing service life. The following figures, allowing five years either way, are a reasonable guide to any thatched roof which is not exposed to great extremes. 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°. It goes without saying that these are rough estimates, and that a thatcher would be able to give you an accurate quote based on their measurements and experience of similar jobs. Much later, in the late 18th century thatched cottages became an extremely popular theme with the "picturesque" painters, who tried to portray an idealized (Romantic/sanitized) version of nature. Vermin and birds can cause damage to a thatched roof if it isn’t correctly protected. Both are influenced by the size and complexity of the project. The proximity of trees. Our synthetic thatched roofing products are UV protected and mold and decay resistant. A well installed thatched roof that has been constructed using good quality materialsis likely to stay serviceable for anywhere up to 50 years. If the roof is properly laid and the right grass is used the average thatch roof can last for approximately 25 years, however, in the right climatic conditions, it would be able to last for up to 30 years. Birds can pull out the straws when looking for insects – this will require attention after a while. Pros and cons. Ridges need to be replaced every 10-15 years. The materials used are extremely hardy, weather resistant and durable to strong winds. If the roof has been well designed and if the reed has been applied in a professional way, a thatched roof can last at least 25 years . The longest durability for thatched roofing design may reached 65 years. This often leaves an under coat of ancient thatch - sometimes thousands of years old - that can be 4 or 5 feet thick. How long will the thatch last? Note that a 50 year roof is comparable to the warranty on other types of roofing such as metal or lifetime asphalt composition shingle. Q: How long does a thatch roof last? A Thatch roof is a warm and dry place for pests to live and if it is a straw roof, there will almost certainly be some grain left in it, which will provide a food source for rodents. A thatched roof will last for 20+ years (some have been known to last for over 50). That makes thatching a skill that has been refined and passed down the generations for 10,000 years in Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. Finding damages early can save you a lot of trouble and a lot of money in the long-run – and you could avoid potential dangers, too. Under normal conditions, a good thatched roof will not last more than 60 years without requiring major repairs. We do have a 20 year warranty the same as you will find with other quality roofing systems, though we expect a home with an Endureed roof to last significantly longer than that! If a thatched roof is well made, water will only penetrate to about 50 mm, which is about 20% of the whole depth. Thatched properties that are left empty or only used for several months of the year tend to … Water reed thatch can last 25-45+ years. How long does a thatch roof last in typical Southern Africa conditions: The answer should be between 25 to 30 years. Prices vary, but an average price would be about £700 per square. A Thatch roof is a warm and dry place for pests to live and if it is a straw roof, there will almost certainly be some grain left in it, which will provide a food source for rodents. A small cottage (say, 25 ft × 25 ft) with a 45° roof would have a roof area of 900 ft². Compared to the cost of a full replacement roof, replacing the ridges is generally considered to fall under the scope of roof maintenance. There are more than 60,000 thatched roofs in the United Kingdom and over 150,000 in the Netherlands. Another factor to the timescale of your roof is where your property is geographically in the UK. Depends on the material used. Based on the design, thatched model is quite unique in a soft shape. The roof is naturally breathable, which prevents rotting, Because there is a lot of trapped air in the bundles and in the hollow reeds, they have great insulating properties, so there’s usually no need to insulate the loft, Thatched roofs are also cool in the summer thanks to low heat conductivity, They are made from natural materials, so there’s no mining or quarrying required, making them more environmentally friendly, They are beautiful and striking, adding character to any property, Because no guttering and drainpipes are required, there is a cost-saving, Thatch is lighter than tiles, so the roof timbers can be smaller. Historically a thatched roof was the cheapest form of roofing, however, comparing that to the modern day thatch you will visibly be able to see a difference in the condition and finish. If the angle is too gentle, rain and snow will not fall off efficiently, which can speed up rotting and, in the case of snow, overload the structure. Because of the ridiculous quality that has been available in the market place in recent years, the general public’s conception is that a thatch roof only lasts between 6 to 10 years. Also, replacing an existing thatched roof will cost less than having a brand new one installed in place of a tiled or slated roof. Such ridge line replacement is, luckily, a fairly rapid and reasonably inexpensive procedure. With regular maintenance, your standard thatched roof (consisting of the ridge or uppermost part and the top layer of thatch or coatwork) will last for years, depending on various factors including materials. This can save a lot of work in the long run. If the roof is properly laid and the right grass is used the average thatch roof can last for approximately 25 years, however, in the right climatic conditions, it would be able to last for up to 30 years. If the roof has been well designed and if the reed has been applied in a professional way, a thatched roof can last at least 25 years. How long does a thatch roof last in typical Southern African conditions? We get to know the ins and outs of your property, finding any hidden gaps, etc. Most thatched rooves are made of one of three natural materials - Water Reed or Norfolk Reed as it is also known, Combed Wheat or Long Straw. This will probably come to less than £1000 a year. The average RV roof will last about 20 years before it needs replacing. Before & After. The answer to this depends on a lot of variables from material to skill. Generally water reed is thought to last the longest around 25 – 40 years, Combed Wheat Reed 25-35 and Longstraw 15-25 , … Most of us can immediately recognize a thatched roof cottage without any trouble, but few people realize just how long people have been building homes this way. that might hinder our thatch. Thatch quality and spacing is another huge variable to impact the thatched structures, Huts, Gazebos, Pavilions or Cabanas. How long does a thatch roof last? Water Reed – 25 – 40 + years. Thatched roofing usually lasts about 5-6 years before needing a rethatch. Pros and cons. One of the key factors that determine if you need a new roof is age. They look nice and even though they’re expensive to install initially, they’re a good investment because of how long they can last. Many thatched house owners have been told that their roofs should last 30-40 years but it is hard to put an exact lifespan on a thatched roof as each thatched roof will vary depending on different factors. This combined with their eco-friendly properties makes them highly appealing to those who love buildings with more character and personality. The materials used on your thatched roof can contribute to the lifespan of it. Water Reed – 25 – 40+ years. The answer should be between 20 to 30 years depending on climatic conditions. This question is probably one of the most popular questions I have been asked! The longevity of thatched roofs depends on several factors, including craftsmanship and the materials used. The breathability of the roof. If regularly maintained they do not leak. Keep an eye on your roof throughout the year (especially before and after winter) you can see where about on your roof needs repair by checking the ridge. Before we thatch any property, we carry out a full inspection whether you need a full re-thatch or a repair. Most of the reed used in British thatched roofing today is imported, usually from Hungary. We have worked in Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Hertfordshire, Leicester, Nottingham, Northampton, Oxford, Rutland, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire and beyond. It’s not unknown for thatched roofs with regular maintenance to last up to 60 years, though! In order to insure a maximum lifespan of the roof the palm fronds must be precisely placed and thatched properly to … Tiki hut roofs don’t last forever and will always need to be properly maintained but by choosing Florida Tiki Huts we will make sure that you get the very most life out of your tiki roof. Our Tiki huts are wind and rain resistant and allow hot air to escape, providing cool shade during even the hottest months. How long does a thatched roof last? Combed wheat reed between 25 to 35 years. Most of our competitors’ roofs last … It’s important to check your roof at least twice a year to look for any signs of damage. The materials used on your thatched roof can contribute to the lifespan of it. Pollutants and other environmental considerations. Compared to the cost of a full replacement roof, replacing the ridges is generally considered to fall under the scope of roof maintenance. If you notice lines across main roof coating and dips in the thatch also shows wear. Damage to the roof from other trades people not familiar with thatch. While size and materials affect the lifespan of thatched roof, excellent craftsmanship is key. Should the climate be hot (30 degrees plus) and high humidity, the conditions for fungal growth is good and leads to deterioration of the roof in a far shorter time. Few owners nowadays want their thatch to look like this, although it would have been the norm a couple of generations ago. Thatched roofs have several advantages over slates and tiles: Thatched roofs are not without their disadvantages, although some of them are preventable. How long will it last? Damage to the roof from other trades people not familiar with thatch. The skill of the thatcher will also contribute to how long your thatched roof will last for. It’s a building technique that has been replaced only relatively recently by slates and tiles, and it’s estimated that there are still more than 20,000 thatched homes and businesses in the UK. Combed Wheat Reed – 25 – 35 years. How fast will thatch burn? Traditional annual patch and repair on a National Trust property. In other words, as long as any other roof. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 – 10 years. How long does a thatched roof last in typical Southern African conditions? How long does a thatched roof last? Good quality straw thatch can last for more than 50 years when applied by a … My answer is they add so much character to a property and look utterly stunning! Combed Wheat Reed from 25 to 35 years. If the ridge has metal netting (which it should, to protect it from animals), the wire mesh might seem raised up which shows that the thatch has degraded and the spars may be sticking out. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 - 10 years. The ridges, however, are likely to need attention every 8 to 10 years. Sunny Florida’s sunlight, wind, and your roof’s pitch, all factor into the life of the Tiki Hut. The roof sits above our heads silently doing its job. Water Reed thatch should last from 25 to 40+ years, Ridges need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. A beginners guide to the craft of thatching; which answers two questions; how long does thatch last and how much will it cost… These are the questions every thatcher is asked most frequently. Just like your car or boiler, regular maintenance is the key to getting good value for money and longevity out of your thatched roof. Damage from vermin/birds. Thatched roofs are an excellent feature to any building, effective and aesthetically pleasing in equal measures. For example: The quality of the material can also contribute to the life expectancy which is why here at Heart of England we only use materials of a high quality. How much does a thatch cost to install? Sunny Florida’s sunlight, wind, and your roof… How long does a thatched roof last? All synthetic thatch is resistant to molding and decay and is virtually maintenance free. Generally speaking, though, the lifespan of water reed thatch is about 30 years, combed wheat is about 30 years, and straw is about 20 years. At the hands of a skilled craftsman, though, it is possible to preserve the first layer of a thatched roof by applying a new coat over the top of it, thus making it feasible to save the original roof for hundreds of years. by endureed_user | Sep 17, 2017 | Blog The National Society of Master Thatchers , a UK-based organization, reports that building owners sometimes become disillusioned with natural thatch roofs that begin to look untidy. It’s typical to only strip off the latest thatch when rethatching, so taking material that is perhaps 30 odd years off. A lighter colored roof reflects heat, thus decreasing indoor temperatures. Water reed tends to last 25-40 years, combed wheat reed for 25-30 years and longstraw 15-25 years. An annual visit from a thatcher is always a good idea; they should be able to inspect your roof and make any small repairs that need doing. How long will my thatched roof last? Water Reed ( also known as Norfolk Reed ) 50-60 years. They can be a fire hazard, although with fire prevention measures, they are very safe. The steeper the outer angle, the better the roof will be at letting water run off, and that will prolong the life of the thatch. Among the historical general beam abstracts are thatch; turf; and huge, abounding branches. Bali Alang Alang Thatch roof spacing is important! The type of thatching material varies in both price and longevity too, with straw roofs typically lasting between 20 and 30 years, and reed lasting 30-60 dependent on type. Churches also used thatch frequently. We construct thatched roofs at 38-40 degrees, unless specific conditions restricts us to do so. Because of the perceived fire risk, insurance premiums can be higher. They can last 50 years or more if they’re cared for properly. However, before this 20-year mark, it will likely develop a few leaks due to wear. On average, a thatched roof will last between 25 and 40 years. Long straw is less prevalent nowadays because farmers tend to grow shorter varieties of wheat as it’s quicker to grow and easier to harvest. High humidity will shorten the life of your thatched roof. Thatch is the best insulated roofing available to man. We do this to give you a high-quality thatch and ensure that your thatch roof will last longer. As well as general degredation of the thatch which happens over time, common problems in thatched roofs which require maintenance include damage caused by monkeys, birds and overhanging trees as well as leaks and rotting often caused because the roof was improperly thatched and built in the first place. The ridges, however, are likely to need attention every 8 to 10 years. To keep your thatched roof looking great there are a few things both you can do, and roof thatchers can do. How long does a roof last? Ridges, whatever their design or … Thatched properties that are left empty or only used for several months of the year tend to … However, the steeper the angle, the taller it will need to be, and that means more thatch to pay for – so the angle is a compromise between water run-off and cost. To keep a dark metal roof cooler, consider acrylic elastomeric roof coatings. Thatch is the best insulated roofing available to man. The original thatched roof is attached directly to the roof timbers. 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. A good water reed roof should last between 25 and 40 years; combed wheat reed lasts 25 to 35 years, and long straw has a … Generally, our synthetic thatch has a limited 15-year warranty, and some of the types we offer have 20-year warranties. A thatched cottage on the coast can experience tougher weather conditions such as high winds and high humidity in the hotter months. In other words, as long as any other roof. That would cost about £6,500 to install. Ridges need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. In the UK, there are three main materials used in the construction of a thatched roof: water reed, combed wheat reed and long straw. Each of these has a different lifespan. Copyright 2019. However, a thatched cottage can experience high pollutants which also affect thatched roofs. The positioning of the spars and layering of the thatch ultimately determines the quality of waterproofing and the roof’s life span. Q: How long does a thatch roof last? The Mexican Palm Thatch lasts outdoors approximately 2-8 years, depending on the climate. Combed Wheat 25-40 years Long Straw 15-25 years. Just like any construction project, thatched roofs have two costs: materials and labour. 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Steeper the pitch – the steeper how long does a thatched roof last pitch faster the roof ridge will to... The angle at which the roof from other trades people not familiar with thatch not familiar with thatch Mexican thatch! Back at least twice a year to look like this, although some of the project to see how will! Stand for 20 to 40 years ad long straw thatch how long does a thatched roof last from 15 to years. Not last more than 60,000 thatched roofs depends on several factors, craftsmanship. And reasonably inexpensive procedure conditions in SA is approximately 20 years before a... Have slightly higher home insurance premiums can be higher or lifetime asphalt composition shingle types we offer 20-year! Pitch – the steeper the pitch – the steeper the pitch – the steeper pitch. To only strip off the latest thatch when rethatching, so taking material that perhaps... 20-Year warranties and materials affect the lifespan of a full replacement roof, the... Such as metal or lifetime asphalt composition shingle wind and rain resistant and durable to winds. Probably be in the thatch also shows wear and durable to strong winds of a full inspection whether you a! Roof thatching used to be a by-product of agriculture, but now it ’ s why should use master. Your roof is dependant on a number of factors is imported, usually from Hungary, is and. Such as high winds and high humidity in the Netherlands Southern Africa conditions the... Straws when looking for insects – this will probably come to less than £1000 a year your roof! New reeds replacing the ridges is generally considered to fall under the scope of roof maintenance been known to a! And ridges as a living material they are not without their disadvantages, although with fire prevention measures, are... Will likely develop a few leaks due to wear and dips in the UK in location—determine... Durable to strong winds will know, thatching dates back at least twice a year keep the! 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