As a general rule, thatched buildings don’t suffer from fires any more often than structures with other roof coverings. However, when they do catch fire, the damage can be catastrophic, due to the combination of archaic construction methods and the obvious combustibility of thatching materials.
In the past few decades, great progress has been made in both the provision of fire proofing products, designed with thatched roofs in mind, as well as education of property owners, thatchers and architects.
The most simple and effective form of fire protection for a thatched roof is prevention. Keeping chimneys well maintained and swept, burning only properly seasoned wood and generally being aware of the dangers are all crucial elements.
Assuming that all precautions have been taken, but a fire still occurs, having a physical fire-proof barrier installed can sometimes save a property from the worst effects of a fire. These come in various forms and specifications, most commonly either a rigid fire-proof board, or a flexible fire-proof felt. One particular benefit of the flexibility of felt is that it can conform to the undulating and irregular timbers often found in an historic Dorset property. If a fire breaks out on the thatched roof itself, a fire barrier will help to isolate the roof from the rest of the property, sacrificing the thatch to save the remainder of the building.
Fire retardant sprays also exist, which are applied externally after the thatching work has been carried out. These intumescent products prevent the surface of the roof igniting if it happens to come into contact with a flammible object, for example falling embers from a chimney, or fireworks.
Finally, there are various electronic fire alarms available, designed to be installed in the roof space. From simple smoke alarms to more complex temperature gauges which monitor chimney conditions.