Thatching Articles

After straw and reed, spars are the most important component in English thatched roofs. In essence, they are large ‘staples’ which are used to secure the layers of reed or … Read the full article

In 2019, much energy is being expended on thoughts regarding mankind’s increasingly rapacious destruction of the environment. Most rational people are quickly coming to the conclusion that efforts must be … Read the full article

In our native Wimborne and elsewhere, Dorset is home to many thatched properties. Numbering roughly 5000, enough to keep a few thatchers busy! The majority of these are simple workers … Read the full article

In recent months it’s become increasingly difficult to source good quality thatching straw. The reason, according to the growers, was the weather conditions in the year leading up to the … Read the full article

Phragmites Australis, commonly known as water reed, has been used as a thatching material for thousands of years. A type of grass, it exists in wetlands around the world. Although … Read the full article

Commissioning a detailed report of your thatched roof can be valuable. Often, it’s difficult to appraise the true condition with a glance from the ground, even for experienced general building … Read the full article

Owning an historic thatched property can be hugely satisfying and visually pleasing. They can also occasionally be a source of problems for an unlucky minority. I’ve often thought that you … Read the full article

This is perhaps the most ubiquitous question asked by thatched roof owners and the most difficult to answer. Thatched roofs degrade over time, due to the exposed plant stems gradually … Read the full article

When a thatched roof shows isolated signs of wear or damage, it’s usually possible to economically repair small sections of thatch, rather than replace an entire roof. A skilled master … Read the full article

With the majority of thatched buildings being over 100 years old, especially in Dorset, the underlying timber roof structure is often in need of repair. Usually, problems are identified when … Read the full article