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Thatch Roofing in Bird Street - Installation & Repair Costs

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Save on Bird Street thatching costs including reed and straw

Even with the availability of more modern roofing materials, many people still prefer Bird Street thatch roofing. Residents often choose this type of material for everything from barns to estate homes. A thatched roof gives a structure a unique look that simply can’t be duplicated with any other roofing material while also being economical and durable.

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thatch roofing Bird Street, Suffolk
what is thatch roofing?

What is Thatch?

Thatch is actually a tightly-woven blend of vegetation such as straw, reed, or rushes that is used to create a roof. This was the primary material used for roofing in England until the turn of the 20th Century. It involves layering the material and then securing the layers to the wooden beams of the roof. This continues until the roof has reached its desired thickness at which time the final layer is secured to the ridgeline of the roof.

Advantages of Bird Street Thatch Roofing

When considering a new roof, many people never consider thatch roofing. That could be because many people tend to think of them as being placed on older country cottages only. The truth is that many different types of buildings look elegant with a thatched roof, as many estate homes, churches and pubs all use this type of material. In addition to being very versatile, a few other advantages include:

  • Durability – can last for up to 50 years
  • Versatility – a variety of materials can be chosen to give the roof a unique look
  • Design – craftsmen can also design decorative features such as animal sculptures for the roof
  • Provided that it’s been installed correctly, thatched roofing is naturally breathable – and this prevents rotting
  • A lot of air is naturally trapped between the bundles of reeds, providing an excellent level of insulation
  • It helps keep homes cool in summer because of its low level of heat conductivity
  • It’s one of the more environmentally friendly options because no quarrying or mining is required to obtain the materials needed
  • They can increase a home’s value
  • No guttering or drainpipes are needed with a thatch roof, so there are fewer items to maintain over time
  • Thatch is a lot lighter in weight than tiles, meaning that smaller roof timbers can be used
advantages of Bird Street thatch roofing

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Comparing the Different Types of Thatched Roofing

Thatched roofing can be constructed in two different styles, namely the traditional open roof and a closed thatch roof. Various differences exist between them, which will be discussed here:

1. Traditional Open Roof Construction

This type of thatching involves having the reeds applied from bottom to top by using various specialised tools, and it is characterised by the open space it has between the substructure and the reeds. This allows a sufficient amount of air to circulate through the thatch because the inside isn’t separated completely from the outside.

Pros:

  • Its construction is lightweight
  • It’s the more traditional thatching option
  • It promotes good ventilation that allows moisture to drain away quickly and easily
  • Reeds are visible inside the property, which adds to its aesthetic appeal

Cons:

  • It can make a building draughty or cause energy loss – especially if it’s directly above a heated room
  • It’s highly flammable, meaning that insurance companies will often charge far higher premiums in cases where thatch roofing is present
  • It can allow a lot of dust to enter a room – especially if no vapour barrier has been installed
  • Insulation can be installed in it, but this will often be a tricky and expensive process

2. Closed Structure Thatch Roofing

With this form of thatched roofing, the reeds are secured on to a closed surface such as insulation boards, underlayment or multiplex. This is the newer of the two thatching methods and it has quite a few advantages over the open roof thatching system.

Pros:

  • It provides far better insulation than open structure thatching
  • Closed structure thatching is far safer from a fire point of view
  • No dust can fall inside from the thatching, and no draughts will be experienced either

Cons:

  • This is a much newer method of thatching, so it hasn’t been possible to determine how long it will last compared to traditional thatching
  • This is the costlier of the two thatching options – but property owners could recoup the difference in cost over time through reduced insurance premiums and lower energy bills
maintaining Bird Street thatch

Maintaining a Thatched Roof

Even though it can last for decades, Bird Street thatched roofing will nonetheless require maintenance from time to time. This is because some of the material may decompose or be blown away by heavy winds. It can be obvious that your roof will need attention whenever one of the following conditions occurs:

  1. Parts of the wooden support beams are visible
  2. There are sagging spots in the centre of the roof
  3. Spots that are wet and dark appear on the inside of the structure near the roofline
  4. There appear to be open areas around a chimney that allow heat to escape

Thatch Roofing and Eco-Friendliness

There are some Suffolk homeowners who appreciate the beauty and design of a thatched roof, but who wonder about the sustainability of the materials or the roof’s ability to reduce energy consumption. Believe it or not, they can be just as environmentally-friendly as many other common roofing materials. First, thatch is made from materials like reed or straw, which are highly abundant and completely renewable. They require little processing, and they’re lightweight, so they’re inexpensive to transport. Reed and Straw are also very good insulators, which means the air you pay to cool or heat won’t escape through your roof. You’ll stay more comfortable all year long, and you’ll consume less energy than before!

Potential Disadvantages of Thatch Roofing

  • Thatch roofing is normally far more expensive to install than other types of roofing because it requires substantially more labour to ensure that it is correctly fitted.
  • Home owner’s insurance tends to be higher if your roofing is thatched because it is considered more susceptible to drying out and catching alight.
  • Annual inspections are encouraged to be carried out on properties with a thatched roof to ensure that repair work can be done before it gets too expensive to do so.
  • Thatching requires regular applications of fire-retardant – especially during the warmer Summer months.
  • Birds tend to pull some of the straws out when searching for insects or nesting material – this will need to be attended to regularly
  • If the roof is not sufficiently sloped, snow and rain will accumulate on it and this can cause it to rot quite quickly
  • Some of the reeds will require replacement every few years
Bird Street thatch roof disadvantages

Bird Street Thatched Roofing Costs

Several factors will directly effect the final cost of a thatched roof, including:

  1. Size of the roof
  2. Overall condition of existing thatching (if it’s not a new installation)
  3. Style and design of the roof
  4. How thick the thatching needs to be
  5. Whether netting or wire will be used to keep the thatch together
  6. Type of flashings that need to be used
  7. Whether new battens or timbers will be needed or not
  8. Ease of access to the roof – will scaffolding be needed/ Is the property single or double storey?
  9. Amount of labour required to complete the job

Pricing for thatching a roof is normally calculated by the square, which is a 10 ft. x 10 ft. or 3 m x 3 m area, and this can range between £650 and £800 per square. Some average pricing examples are shown here:

  • A roof that is approximately 100 m² in size and is being built for the first time can cost anywhere between £8,500 and £18,500 to complete – if insulation is required, this cost can rise considerably
  • Roofs of about 200 m² can start from around £17,000 to erect from scratch and increase in price to as much as £35,000
  • If you require a thatched roof of 300 m² in size, you can expect to pay between £24,000 and as much as £55,000, especially if additional insulation is needed or of the roof is not a simple design

The pricing quoted above will also not normally include the cost of roof windows and dormers – these will come at an additional cost on your quote.

In cases where maintenance and renovations are needed on an existing thatch roof, pricing can vary as follows:

  • Finishing off a thatched roof ridge can cost between £70 and £110 per metre
  • Renovating an existing thatched roof can come in at around £80 to £140 m²
  • Performing general maintenance is usually fairly affordable at between £4 and £10 m²

Although the pricing here may seem excessive, the truth is that a lot of time, effort and expertise are needed when designing and laying thatched roofing. Below are just a few of the aspects that must be considered when obtaining pricing for thatched roof installation, repairs and maintenance:

Assessment and Inspection

Regardless of whether you’re having a completely new thatched roof installed or an existing roof is being maintained, the thatcher will have to see and assess your property in person before an accurate quote can be compiled.

An experienced thatcher will be able to inspect an existing roof to determine whether a new coat will be required or whether a complete replacement roof must be installed.

Labour

Thatching a roof is an extremely labour intensive process, meaning that the job can take quite a while to finish properly. When comparing quotes from different thatching companies, always be wary if there are any that provide labour costs that are substantially lower than those found on other quotations. This could be an indication that a thatcher or any of their general labourers are not highly experienced.

Materials

The second highest expense after labour will be the materials that are needed to complete the thatching work. For example, the most affordable thatching material is usually long straw and this can be created from a combination of rye, wheat, oats and barley.

A slightly costlier alternative to use is combed wheat reed. While this is quite similar to long straw in some ways, it’s processed differently. The most expensive thatching option is water reed, but it does usually have the longest lifespan. As such, it may be worth spending the extra money because it will help save on labour costs at a later stage.

Other materials that are needed to perform thatching include:

  • Fixings
  • Flashings
  • Netting or wiring
  • Box gutters

When obtaining quotes, it’s important to enquire with regards to what it includes. Some quotes may display higher prices, but contain absolutely everything needed to thatch your roof, while other lower priced quotes may come with a few surprises at the end in the form of additional costs.

Custom Requirements

If your roof requires any type of work that can only be completed by a master thatcher, this will also push the price of your quotes up. For instance, if your roof requires a specially designed block ridge, only a master thatcher will be able to complete the job properly – which will incur additional costs for their expertise.

Fireproofing

Thatched roofing is highly combustible, meaning that some form of fireproofing must be applied to it. One of three options will be used when fireproofing a thatched roof:

  1. Thatch batts
  2. Aluminium barrier foil
  3. Fire retardant spray

The cost of fireproofing your thatched roofing will depend on the type of fireproofing that is applied.

Other Related Expenses

A thatcher has various other costs to cover when running their business and these are passed on to their clients. One of the main costs is that of the insurance that is required for a thatcher to perform their job.

Bird Street thatch roofing costs

Determining the Cost of Insuring a Thatched Roof Property

When having thatched roofing installed, property owners need to remember that its cost won’t necessarily stop once the job has been completed. Another cost that will be on-going for these structures is insurance because of the fact that they pose more of a fire risk than most other types of roofing. As such, property owners who are not willing to foot the bill for additional structural insurance should not even consider having thatched roofing installed.

Property owners should not assume that their existing structural insurance policy will cover thatched roofing – it’s essential to confirm whether additional insurance will be required or not.

The cost of insurance for a thatched roof will depend on the size of the roof, the value of the existing property and the insurance company that is involved. While it is possible to obtain cheaper insurance by shopping around, this may not always be recommended. Instead, property owners should search for insurance providers based on their reputation and the level of customer service they offer – this will help ensure that claims can be paid out as quickly as possible if needed.

Will there be On-going Maintenance Costs?

As with any other part of a home, regular maintenance will be needed to keep thatched roofing in the best condition possible.

It’s recommended that a professional thatcher inspect your roof once a year so that any small repairs that are needed can be done before they become large – and expensive! This will usually cost less than £1,000 per year, which will be far more preferable to having to replace entire sections of roofing that could end up costing thousands of pounds.

Two of a thatched roof’s biggest enemies are moss and algae, both of which can form a sealing later on top of the thatch. This prevents the reeds from drying out quickly after wet weather, which will cause them to deteriorate and rot.

It’s essential to have any thatched roof treated with a moss and algae killer, and a professional thatcher should be the one to apply this to ensure that the correct amount of product is used. Using too much can cause mould to develop in the thatch, which will result in it needing replacement in just a few years.

Any branches that overhang a thatched roof should be removed, as the reeds won’t be able to dry properly if direct sunlight isn’t able to reach them. If there is too much shadow from surrounding trees around a property, it’s not recommended to install thatched roofing either – for the same reason.

Any leaves, pine needles and other debris should be properly removed from thatched roofing at least once a year to ensure that the reeds are able to thoroughly dry out from time to time.

The speed with which we were contacted from my first request was literally minutes. Mr A. Bird Street, Suffolk

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How Long will Thatched Roofing Last?

The lifespan of thatched roofing depends on several factors, including:

  • How well it has been built – again, the expertise of a master thatcher can be extremely valuable
  • Its pitch – how steep is it?
  • How often the required maintenance is performed on it
  • The type of reeds that have been used to build it
  • Prevailing weather – thatch lasts a lot longer if it is able to dry completely from time to time
  • The amount of trees surrounding the property – sap dripping on to the thatch will cause it to deteriorate quite quickly

Thatch that has been made from water reed and combed wheat can last approximately 30 years, while regular straw averages about a 20-year lifespan. However, it’s not unheard of for a well-maintained thatched roof to last as long as 50 to 60 years.

The Importance of a Skilled Thatcher

Learning how to install a thatched roof in Bird Street requires thatchers to be specially trained. Thatching is a fine art that has been passed down from generation to generation, and roofers who are not familiar with this craft may not perform adequate repairs. There are several advantages to choosing a roofer that specializes in thatch including:

  • Roof will last longer
  • Structure of your house will not be damaged – thatch is often very heavy and requires the right support
  • Ensures there are no leaks present
  • Repairs are less noticeable whenever patching is needed
professional Bird Street thatchers

Obtain more than One Quote

If you’re considering having a thatch roof installed, it’s strongly recommended that you obtain quotes from more than one thatcher or company before signing on the dotted line.

Each thatcher prices work differently, with some only using specific types of reeds. As such, it’s essential to obtain quotes that are as detailed as possible because this will allow a fair comparison to be performed. In cases where a thatcher or company is not willing to provide a detailed quote, it will be better to avoid working with them. It’s also recommended to search for online reviews before making any decisions regarding which thatcher or company to work with.

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Your Bird Street thatch roofing questions answered

What is thatch roofing?

Thatch roofing is defined as a roof that is made by binding vegetation together in such a way that it sheds water away from the inner roof. Traditionally, these roofs were made from straw, water reed, heather, rushes, or other similar plants.

Does thatch still have modern applications?

Thatch roofs are still popular for cottages, as well as with building owners who want a rustic or more traditional look for an older house or building. Some modern reed or straw roofs are frequently just set on top of a more traditional roofing structure.

Is thatch roofing weatherproof?

The reeds used to make most thatched roofs are already naturally waterproof. As long as they are bundled properly and tightly together, the water cannot work its way through the reeds and into the home.

How long do thatch roofs normally last?

When properly installed, a thatched roof will last 40-50 years. The main difference is that the roof ridge, the area at the very peak of the roof, will need to be replaced every 8-10 years.

What gives thatch its waterproof properties?

Thatch roofs are made from reed and certain types of grasses that are all known to have waterproof characteristics. In fact, water reed naturally sheds water, and will therefore not allow any moisture to penetrate the surface of your Bird Street thatch roof.

Is thatch roofing resistant to mould or other types of bacterial growth?

A roof made of thatch needs to be treated annually to prevent dampness from getting into it. It is also encouraged that thatch roofing not be installed close to areas where trees will be hanging over it, as this can provide an ideal breeding ground for fungus, moss and mould.

Who can install a thatch roof?

Because thatch roofing isn’t as popular as it once was, there aren’t many Bird Street thatchers who have the expertise and experience necessary to install it correctly. It’s important to do some research before making your decision and choose a Bird Street thatching company who is experienced in the application of these materials.

Are repairs difficult or expensive?

This depends on the scope of the damage. For example, if you have only a small area of thatch that needs to be replaced, this can often be done in a day. On the other hand, if it has been exposed to moisture due to improper upkeep, the repairs can be quite extensive, and you may need to replace the entire roof.

How much will repairs cost?

This will also depend on the scope of the damage, though it’s also important to consider another factor - the skill involved to repair the thatched roof. Because thatch isn’t as popular as it was in the past, many roofing contractors lack the experience necessary to perform an optimal repair. The companies that do provide the repairs often charge more for them.

Can I install my own thatch roof?

Unfortunately, performing a thatch roof installation is not recommended as a DIY project. Thatching is a highly specialised task and if performed incorrectly, your roof will not only look unattractive; you will struggle with leaks, mould and other types of damage as well.

How much will it cost to install a thatch roof?

The cost involved will depend on the size of the roof and the availability of Bird Street roofers who are able to perform this job. These days, there aren’t many Suffolk companies that are able to install or repair thatch roofing, so it can be a costly project.

The Quote Process

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Sample Thatch Requests

We deal with quote requests for specialist Bird Street thatching work every single day! Take a look below at some of the quote requests we receive here at Trusted Roofing... no job is too big or small!

Date Summary Request
21 Nov Heather Roof A longhouse barn needs a new heather thatch roof
21 Nov Local Thatchers We're looking to purchase a cottage with a thatch roof that will need replacing in a year or two. Could we please arrange a free quote so that we know how much this will cost in the future.
21 Nov Bird Damage I have a thatched roof on a summer house in the garden and birds have destroyed parts of the roof which need repairing ?
21 Nov Wire Netting Repair Wire netting needs checking as a squirrel in entering our roof loft space.
21 Nov Full-Thatch Full thatch to end of terrace cottage. Work needs to be completed ASAP - definitely this year. Please include cost for any scaffolding that may be required.
20 Nov Summer House Re-thatch to garden summer house
20 Nov Pre-Purchase Quote I need estimate to thatch a 1 bed terraced cottage which I am thinking of buying.
20 Nov Long Straw Inspection I have a small Grade II Listed long straw cottage which I am selling. I am seeking advice on the condition of the thatch
20 Nov Garden Gazebo I have a small enquiry for a thatch roof for a garden gazebo
20 Nov Repair or Replace? We need an estimate for either thatch repair of total re-thatching.
Repair Hole Repair of a hole 1 metre square which has appeared in my roof which is 9 years old.
Immediate Repair Work Advice on any repairs that may be needed immediately to Thatch roof and a quote to renew the whole roof in the next few years.
Grade 2 Listed A circular thatch on a Grade II listed building. The size of the building below is 11ft 3 inches by 16ft 2 inches.
Small Summer House Summerhouse roof to be thatched. 9ft by 9ft.
Cheaper Alternatives? Our thatch is due to be replaced this year so we would like to get some quotes in for a replacement, and also any alternatives that might be cheaper?
Outdoor Bar I am in the process of building a bar area by my pool. I am going with a Polynesian theme and would like a quote for a thatched roof to go over my bar area.
Bald Patches We have existing thatch roofing on our main house, as well as on two of our outbuildings, all of which is starting to look ‘bald’ in places. Would you be able to provide me with an estimate of what it would cost to attend to this problem as soon as possible?
Small Thatch Roof Near me I have a large bar outside by my swimming pool designed like a tiki hut. It is in need of new thatch roofing as the current roof has become extremely worn. Please offer me a quote for re-roofing my bar area.
Local Thatchers We're looking to purchase a cottage with a thatch roof that will need replacing in a year or two. Could we please arrange a free quote so that we know how much this will cost in the future.

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