The pros and cons of buying a thatched roof property

Owning a thatched roof property in a quiet village is something that many people in the UK dream about. Whilst thatched roof properties are beautiful to look at and provide some excellent benefits, there are downsides too.

Below is a close look at all the pros and cons of owning a thatched roof property.

Pros

  • Excellent for insulation – Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, meaning your home will stay warm when it’s cold outside and keep it cool during the summer. This had the added bonus of allowing you to save a lot on heating bills.
  • Great durability – Thatched roofs are typically very durable and long-lasting. With proper maintenance, thatched roofs can last up to 60 years. The amount of time that a thatched roof will last depends on how well you maintain it as well as the materials used and the skill and experience of the thatcher.
  • Environmentally friendly – Thatch is one of the most environmentally friendly materials you can use for a roof. The materials used are grown and harvested without the need for machinery and are usually sourced from rural communities.
  • Adds a lot of character – There’s no denying that a thatched roof adds a lot of character to a property. Whilst many homes have quite a cold and uninviting appearance due to a lock of brick and double-glazing, thatched properties have a very warm and rustic charm that simply cannot be beaten.
  • Ages well – Thatched roods also age very well and will shape into natural forms that adds to its charm and character. Thatch also darkens with age, helping it to blend into surrounding trees.

Cons

  • Can be a fire hazard – If you’ve never owned a thatched property before then they can be at greater risk of fire if you don’t take the proper precautions. One of the most important things to look at is the health of the chimney flue. You should find out when it was last cleaned and if there’s any liner present. If there is no chimney flue liner then you should get one installed immediately.
  • Maintenance is required – To keep thatched roofs at their best, regular maintenance is required. The amount of maintenance needed will depend on the materials that were used for the thatch and how exposed the roof is to pollutants and extreme weather.
  • Insurance is higher – Because of the higher risk of fire damage that thatched properties carry, home insurance is higher when compared to houses with tile roofs. However, there are thatched property insurance providers who specialise in insuring thatched properties who’ll be able to offer you a quote for a lower price. Click here to get thatched property quotes now.
  • Overhanging trees must be trimmed back – Any overhanging trees must be cut back when you have a thatched property. This is because it can cause the thatch to become dried out and therefore make it a greater fire risk.