So you’re thinking of buying a thatched property?

Properties with thatched roofs are highly sought after. They look fantastic and come with a range of other benefits that you don’t get with a regular property. Thatched roof properties are usually found in small villages and areas in the countryside, adding to their appeal and charm. Depending on the type of area you want to live in, you may not always be able to find a thatched property that fits your budget.

Advantages of a thatched roof

Whilst the appearance of thatched roof properties are a big part of their appeal, it’s not the only reason to consider buying one. Thatched roofs come with some other key benefits, as listed below.

  • Excellent insulation – A thatched roof acts as an insulator, which means it keeps the property cool during warm spells and doesn’t allow heat to escape during the winter months. This provides the added benefit of allowing you to save a considerable amount on your heating bill.
  • Waterproof – Thatched roofs are also completely waterproof, which means no moisture will penetrate through them.
  • Long-lasting – The amount of time that a thatched roof will last depends on factors such as the materials used and how well it’s maintained. However, a Water Reed (or Norfolk Reed) thatched roof can last from 50-60 years.

Things to consider

If you’re looking for a thatched roof property then there are certain things you should consider first. These include –

  • You must take the proper precautions for fire safety – One of the biggest concerns that people have is that thatched properties are more likely to catch fire. Whilst a thatched is certainly more flammable than the roof of a regular home, this doesn’t need to be an issue if you take the proper precautions. An incredibly important part of fire safety when you own a thatched property is to ensure that the chimney pot is pointed property in order to prevent any hot gases from being able to seep into the thatch. Getting a chimney flue liner is always recommended when you own a thatched property too. Of course, you should never have bonfires close to a thatched property since any small embers from it could easily start a fire.
  • The roof may need to be re-thatched at some point – Depending on how old the thatched roof is and how well it’s been maintained, you may need to get it re-thatched sooner rather than later. If you do need to get it re-thatched then you should be very picky about who you hire to do it, since thatching is an art that takes years of experience to master. It’s not unusual for master thatchers to be booked months in advance.
  • Home insurance is typically higher – Home insurance is usually higher for thatched roof properties. This is because they’re perceived to be at greater risk of fire damage. There are specialist insurance providers who offer insurance for thatched roof properties however. You can get quotes from a panel of thatched property