how long does a thatched roof last

In other words, as long as any other roof. The main factors are: The pitch – the steeper the pitch faster the roof can shed water. Sun Exposure. Some may last even longer than that. 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. Under normal conditions, a good thatched roof will not last more than 60 years without requiring major repairs. This can save a lot of work in the long run. For example: Water Reed thatch should last from 25 to 40+ years. Most of the reed used in British thatched roofing today is imported, usually from Hungary. In the UK, there are three main materials used in the construction of a thatched roof: water reed, combed wheat reed and long straw. Roof thatching used to be a by-product of agriculture, but now it’s grown specifically. How long will my thatched roof last? 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. The breathability of the roof. If you have any questions regarding our thatching services, whether it is a small repair, re-ridge or a complete re-thatch get in touch and we are happy to give you advice. Compared to the cost of a full replacement roof, replacing the ridges is generally considered to fall under the scope of roof maintenance. A well installed thatched roof that has been constructed using good quality materialsis likely to stay serviceable for anywhere up to 50 years. Combed wheat reed between 25 to 35 years. Heart of England Master Thatchers Ltd. Ridges last around 10-15 years. Vermin and birds can cause damage to a thatched roof if it isn’t correctly protected. Bali Alang Alang Thatch roof spacing is important! A darker roof tends to absorb more heat. To keep your thatched roof looking great there are a few things both you can do, and roof thatchers can do. Few owners nowadays want their thatch to look like this, although it would have been the norm a couple of generations ago. The materials used on your thatched roof can contribute to the lifespan of it. A: Long straw will last 15 to 30 years, combed wheat reed will last 25 to 40 years, and water reed: 50 to 60 years. Q: How long does a thatch roof last? 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. 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. Tile roofs provide a lot of advantages over other materials. 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. How long does a roof last? Birds can pull out the straws when looking for insects – this will require attention after a while. A longer life span is definitely possible; situations occur in which the thatched roof is still in good condition even after 35 or 40 years. Aesthetically, it would … Removing any trees and plants which cover and shelter your thatched roof will allow your roof to dry after rain and when rain does fall it will fall evenly on the roof. A: Long straw will last 15 to 30 years, combed wheat reed will last 25 to 40 years, and water reed: 50 to 60 years. We have worked in Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Hertfordshire, Leicester, Nottingham, Northampton, Oxford, Rutland, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire and beyond. The life of a thatch roof is dependant on a number of factors. Water Reed – 25 – 40 + years. The quality of the grass used, the angle at which the roof is constructed and climatic conditions. Combed Wheat Reed – 25 – 35 years. The materials used on your thatched roof can contribute to the lifespan of it. Durability. How long does a thatch roof last in typical Southern Africa conditions: The answer should be between 25 to 30 years. Heart of England Master Thatchers Ltd is based in Leicestershire and is close to all the major road links giving easy access to Thatched Properties across the UK. 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. Miami Tiki Huts prefers to build tiki huts with Pressure Treated Timber which can last for around 15-20 years. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 – 10 years. 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. There are more than 60,000 thatched roofs in the United Kingdom and over 150,000 in the Netherlands. My answer is they add so much character to a property and look utterly stunning! The positioning of the spars and layering of the thatch ultimately determines the quality of waterproofing and the roof’s life span. Water Reed – 25 – 40+ years. Note that a 50 year roof is comparable to the warranty on other types of roofing such as metal or lifetime asphalt composition shingle. Thatch is popular in the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, parts of France, Sicily, Belgium and Ireland. When thatched properly by professionals, the major portion of such a roof (the water reed) should last 40 to 50 years. Just like your car or boiler, regular maintenance is the key to getting good value for money and longevity out of your thatched roof. A: Materials and workmanship—as well as the weather elements in your location—determine the lifespan of a roof. 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. Water reed tends to last 25-40 years, combed wheat reed for 25-30 years and longstraw 15-25 years. In other words, as long as any other roof. They are unique, and no other type of roof has the distinctive textures and ridges as a thatched roof. How long does a thatched roof last? Just like any construction project, thatched roofs have two costs: materials and labour. Each of these has a different lifespan. The life of a thatch roof is dependant on a number of factors. It depends upon the material, it depends on the pitch, it depends on the aspect of the roof, and it depends on the workmanship. It’s not unknown for thatched roofs with regular maintenance to last up to 60 years, though! It’s not unknown for thatched roofs with regular maintenance to last up to 60 years, though! 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. The better sunlight can dry your roof naturally, the less likely moss and lichen will grow. If you’re looking for ball-park figures, thatchers usually charge by the square, which is 10 ft × 10 ft (100 ft²), or 3 m × 3 m (9 m²). As Simply Thatch, our 17 years’ experience enables us to ensure thatched roofs and repairs last as long as possible. When thatched properly by professionals, the major portion of such a roof (the water reed) should last about 30 years in the Irish climate. The average RV roof will last about 20 years before it needs replacing. How long does a thatched roof last in typical Southern African conditions? So back to the question at hand, how long will it last? It is important to preventive maintenance for extending the life of your roof. That would cost about £6,500 to install. As archaeologists will know, thatching dates back at least as long as the bronze age. Longstraw thatch from 15 to 25 years. While size and materials affect the lifespan of thatched roof, excellent craftsmanship is key. 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. It can last about 40-60 years, depending on site, condition and angle. This often leaves an under coat of ancient thatch - sometimes thousands of years old - that can be 4 or 5 feet thick. Such ridge line replacement is, luckily, a fairly rapid and reasonably inexpensive procedure. The following figures, allowing five years either way, are a reasonable guide to any thatched roof which is not exposed to great extremes. How long does a thatched roof last? Nature is a huge factor that shortens roofing service life. 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. 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. Our Tiki huts are wind and rain resistant and allow hot air to escape, providing cool shade during even the hottest months. Thatched properties that are left empty or only used for several months of the year tend to … Sunny Florida’s sunlight, wind, and your roof… A thatched roof will wear and lose some of the original “chocolate box charm” but for many years after this, it will remain a serviceable roof covering. An average life span for the thatch layer under normal climatic conditions in SA is approximately 20 years. This combined with their eco-friendly properties makes them highly appealing to those who love buildings with more character and personality. Even with the extreme Florida weather, you can expect your “Dan The Tiki Man” Tiki hut thatch roof to last eight to ten years without re-thatching. When replacement time does come, it should be left to a master thatcher with plenty of experience. Combed Wheat Reed from 25 to 35 years. Most of our competitors’ roofs last … 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. The breathability of the roof. Long straw thatch ranging from 15 to 25 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. Prices vary, but an average price would be about £700 per square. 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. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 – 10 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. Good quality straw thatch can last for more than 50 years when applied by a … When thatched properly by professionals, the major portion of such a roof (the water reed) should last 40 to 50 years. How Does A Thatched Roof Keep Out The Rain? The quality of the grass used, the angle at which the roof is constructed and climatic conditions. 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. It’s important to check your roof at least twice a year to look for any signs of damage. Also, replacing an existing thatched roof will cost less than having a brand new one installed in place of a tiled or slated roof. 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. Such ridge line replacement is, luckily, a fairly rapid and reasonably inexpensive procedure. Sunny Florida’s sunlight, wind, and your roof’s pitch, all factor into the life of the Tiki Hut. An average life span for the thatch layer under normal climatic conditions in SA is approximately 20 years. Among the historical general beam abstracts are thatch; turf; and huge, abounding branches. Many people also ask why you would have a thatched roof. How fast will thatch burn? This will probably come to less than £1000 a year. Depends on the material used. How long does a thatch roof last in typical Southern African conditions? 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. 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. How long does a thatch roof last? Ridges need to be replaced every 10-15 years. Pollutants and other environmental considerations. Water Reed (also known as Norfolk Reed) 50-60 years. 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 … Traditional annual patch and repair on a National Trust property. The 50-year figure for a replacement thatched roof is, of course, subject to the type of materials that were used either in the original build or during any subsequent repl… How Long Does a Thatched Roof Last October 30, 2020 by - Sunshine Tiki Huts Corp. - Thatched Roof Tiki Hut Designs Having a tiki hut and tiki bar in your beach resort, restaurant, or hotel in South Florida will increase your guests’ comfort and enjoyment. Thatched roofing usually lasts about 5-6 years before needing a rethatch. However, a thatched cottage can experience high pollutants which also affect thatched roofs. Q: How long does a thatch roof last? 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. Rodents and birds must find a thatched roof very appealing, particularly in winter so care must be taken to make it as difficult as possible for these pests to make their home in your. Water reed tends to last 25-40 years, combed wheat reed for 25-30 years and longstraw 15-25 years. Q How often do thatched roofs need replacing? If there is a lot of humidity, wind or rain, your thatch will last closer to the lower end of the spectrum. Combed Wheat 25-40 years Long Straw 15-25 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. How long does a thatched roof last? A small cottage (say, 25 ft × 25 ft) with a 45° roof would have a roof area of 900 ft². You might also have slightly higher home insurance premiums because of the fire risk. All synthetic thatch is resistant to molding and decay and is virtually maintenance free. How long does an RV roof last? Water reed thatch can last 25-45+ years. A large detached house with several dormer windows and two chimney breasts would probably be in the region of £25,000 to £35,000. Thatch is the best insulated roofing available to man. Ridges need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. We construct thatched roofs at 38-40 degrees, unless specific conditions restricts us to do so. Our synthetic thatched roofing products are UV protected and mold and decay resistant. The Mexican Palm Thatch lasts outdoors approximately 2-8 years, depending on the climate. A thatched cottage on the coast can experience tougher weather conditions such as high winds and high humidity in the hotter months. A lighter colored roof reflects heat, thus decreasing indoor temperatures. We do a test to see how fast it takes for thatch (water reed) to burst into flame. Thatching methods have traditionally been passed down from generation to generation, and numerous descriptions of the materials and methods used in Europe over the past three centuries survive in archives and early publications. Churches also used thatch frequently. Bali Hut Re-thatch. Before we thatch any property, we carry out a full inspection whether you need a full re-thatch or a repair. Another factor to the timescale of your roof is where your property is geographically in the UK. However, the roof ridge will have to be replaced roughly every 8 - 10 years. A: Materials and workmanship—as well as the weather elements in your location—determine the lifespan of a roof. Water Reed ( also known as Norfolk Reed ) 50-60 years. 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. Now, we all know roofs don’t last forever, but homeowners may be asking themselves: how long does a roof last? Ridges, whatever their design or … On average, a thatched roof will last between 25 and 40 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. Combed Wheat 25-40 years Long Straw 15-25 years. A longer life span is definitely possible; situations occur in which the thatched roof is still in good condition even after 35 or 40 years. Damage to the roof from other trades people not familiar with thatch. The proximity of trees. Combed wheat might stand for 20 to 40 years ad long straw will reach 15 to 25 years. How long does a thatched roof last? We get to know the ins and outs of your property, finding any hidden gaps, etc. Although a thatched roof can have a long lifespan, there can be slight maintenance required due to the factors listed about and the natural degradation of materials over time which is inevitable. The following figures, allowing five years either way, are a reasonable guide to any thatched roof which is not exposed to great extremes. Generally, you can expect your roof to last about 30 years. 2. 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. The ridges, however, are likely to need attention every 8 to 10 years. What do you mean by Rethatch? We have a vast amount of experience on Roof Thatching, contact us for a consultation and quote. Thatched roofs are stylish, expensive, and quintessentially English. Thatch will last far longer in a … The average roof, for the most part, is unseen and often forgotten. 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! Thatched roofs are an excellent feature to any building, effective and aesthetically pleasing in equal measures. But how exactly does a thatched roof keep out the rain? How long does a thatched roof last? They were prone to fire in the past but modern thatched are treated with a fire retardant solution to mitigate risk. Just like any construction project, thatched roofs have two costs: materials and labour. 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