| By: Jessica Ackerman |
Thatched roofs are typically seen in developing countries and old European homes. However, some homeowners who have purchased homes with thatched roofs enjoy the rustic charm of the building and wish to maintain their thatch roof. Deciding whether a thatched roof is the right choice for your home is partly technical and partly practical. Let the guide below help you when deciding.
What is a Thatched Roof?
Before you decide that a thatched roof is the only option you will consider, it is important to know exactly what a thatched roof is. Thatched roofs are made from vegetation, usually local, that has been dried and layered on top to protect the inner part of the roof. They are most well known in England and other parts of Europe, where many old buildings still stand. Cost Thatched roofs are a very economical option for those in developing countries, because they tend to have abundant vegetation that is appropriate for the roof covering. However, in more affluent countries, the cost of a thatched roof can grow exponentially due to the lack of material. Metropolitan and suburban homes will incur the greatest expenses, as the materials need to be brought in from the country. Straw is a common material used in thatching. The material cost may actually be the least expensive part of the roof installation. Thatchers, those who install thatch roofs, are few and far between and often charge premium fees for top-quality work. If your budget is limited, thatch roofs may not be in your price range. Life Span Amazingly, when a thatched roof is properly applied by a skilled crafts person, it can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years. Since new thatching material is simply applied over the existing layers, the build up on thatch can accumulate. It is not uncommon to find old homes in Europe that have the original thatch layers dating back to Medieval times. Compare the life span to the life span of a new shingle roof today, and suddenly, the expense of the thatching material and labor does not seem that great.
Disadvantages
If thatched roofs are beginning to look good, you may want to consider the disadvantages to installing one. With a thatched roof you can expect to pay more for insurance due to flammability issues. Thatch roofs do not catch fire any more frequently than their shingle counterparts, but they are much harder to put out once they start. There are fire retardant sprays that can be put on the roof, but not all work.
Bird damage is also a possibility.
Birds can also find your newly thatched roof quite a good spot for nesting and foraging. Deciding to put a thatch roof on your home is a big decision. Consider zoning laws, as well as, practical issues, because some towns and cities have ordinances against thatch roofs. Once you have settled on a thatch roof design, be sure the hire an expert thatcher who can create a roof with the look and longevity that you need. Although thatch materials play a huge part of how the roof holds up, it is ultimately the ability and skill of the thatcher that determines how the thatches are laid and the quality of the roof.
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