But these portions of the roof.
How often to re thatch a roof.
A steeply pitched roof is of the utmost importance.
E xperience has shown that a roof structure with a minimum pitch of 45 degrees is necessary for a successful thatched roof.
These are just indicative signs.
As mentioned weather conditions can be very unpredictable.
If a thatched roof is well made water will only penetrate to about 50 mm which is about 20 of the whole depth.
This is normally acceptable.
Many roofs have areas near or below this minimum pitch.
Aside from this other factors would cause the quality of your thatched roof to deteriorate e g mold.
When should a thatch roof be brushed.
Keep an eye on your roof throughout the year especially before and after winter you can see where about on your roof needs repair by checking the ridge.
50 to 55 degrees of pitch is more desirable.
Generally a roof should have 3 4 brushings in it i e it should be thick enough to allow 3 4 separate occasions of brushing over the years before it needs to be re thatched.
Lead and cement flashings coming away from chimneys and gaps where they meet the thatch should be checked and cement flashings which are cracked or broken may need looking at.
Tips on thatched roof replacement.
The thatch above windows or in a valley is often thus.
But this is a case to case basis.
As a thatch reached the end of its usefulness it was normal practice to gradually do more and more repairwork one of the directional methods of thatching on the weak areas of the main roof until the whole roof was covered.
Ridges provide excellent opportunities for the thatcher to demonstrate their decorative skills so the design of a new ridge will influence the cost of its replacement.
A thickly thatched roof is not the best roof it is down to the pitch of the roof.
To keep your thatched roof looking great there are a few things both you can do and roof thatchers can do.
Roof breathability thatched roofs tend to breathe very well on their own.
Rarely is attic venting needed in a structure with a thatched roof because the natural materials breathe so well.
With that said there s a slim chance that you might not need to replace your roof every so often.
Although a thatched roof should last around 30 years before it must be replaced the ridge should be replaced every 10 to 15 years as it receives the most wear and tear from the weather.
As a general guide most thatched roofs need brushing ever 8 or so years.