Does it cost more to insure a house with a thatched roof?
Are thatched roofs more expensive to insure? Expect to pay more for your buildings or contents insurance as a thatched roof is a bigger fire risk than a slate roof. They also have a more expensive rebuild value than conventional houses because they’ve been built using specific materials by specialists.
How much more is insurance on a thatched house?
Getting the right insurance for your thatch can be an expensive business – costing up to three times as much as cover for a comparable home with a less combustible roof.
Is a thatched roof high maintenance?
One of the benefits of a thatched roof is its durability. Where slate and asphalt tiles may have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, a high-quality thatched roof can last twice as long without the need for re-roofing. But the key to long life is maintenance.
What are the problems with a thatched roof?
Leaking. Perhaps the most common and obvious problem with thatched roofing is the potential for leaks. These can come from all areas of the roof, including the ridge, valleys and corners.
How often do you need to re thatch a house?
Generally the ridge of the thatch will require replacing every 10 – 15 years. The coatwork will vary depending on the material used and its associated lifespan. To keep the roof in best condition: Allow it to dry well, remove trees and plants which may hinder the sun and wind drying it or rain dispersing.
How long does roof thatch last?
Water Reed thatch should last from 25 to 40+ years. Combed Wheat Reed from 25 to 35 years. Longstraw thatch from 15 to 25 years. Ridges need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
Can you have a log burner in a thatched cottage?
The fundamental recommendation is that wood burning and multi-fuel stoves should not be used in thatch roofed buildings.
Is it a bad idea to buying a thatched property?
Thatched properties come with a slightly higher cost of insurance due to a higher fire risk, they also have a more expensive rebuild value than conventional houses because they’ve been built using specific materials by specialists, there are only 800 master thatchers in the country after all!
Can you walk on a thatch roof?
To keep the roof in best condition: Allow it to dry well, remove trees and plants which may hinder the sun and wind drying it or rain dispersing. Do not allow other trades to damage the roof either with ladders or by walking on the thatch.
Do spiders live in thatched roofs?
Insects such as spiders live in thatch and are only a pest if you are scared of them. Book lice, mites, cockroaches and flies have also been associated with thatched roofs but these can also be attributed to disturbance of property and other factors but they still are pests which have had to be dealt with.