A Thatched Cottage is a traditional type of cottage where the roof is made from dry vegetation, such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes, heather, or palm branches. These plants shed water from the inner roof, while their dense nature also acts as insulators. Read on to find out more about this unique style of the cottage! Then, we’ll take a closer look at this traditional cottage style and explain what makes it so attractive.
Thatched roofs are a fire hazard.
Although thatched roofs are not considered a significant fire risk, they still pose a risk. Wood burning stoves and open fires are the leading causes of chimney fires in thatched cottages. Scientists from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, investigate the causes of these fires and the risks they pose to thatched roofs. The research team examines how wood burners can pose a fire hazard to thatched buildings. You must take several precautions to minimize the risk of this fire.
To minimize the risks of fires caused by thatched roofs, the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has set a target of a 25 percent reduction in fires in thatched structures. To reduce the fire risk in thatched buildings, the Thatch Advice Centre offers information on six specific areas. These areas include register plates that should only be fitted by experienced professionals and avoid installing external halogen lights.
They serve as insulation.
Thatched cottages serve as excellent insulation because of their thick layers of reed. Research has shown that they can reduce energy bills by up to half and increase a house’s thermal performance. A recent study examined the thermal performance of a thatched cottage’s interior plaster surface. The researchers found that the infrared thermal images could reveal hidden timber features and structural renovations under the thatch.
Another advantage of thatched roofing is that it offers natural soundproofing. The dense reed and straw roofs prevent outside noise from leaking inside. This makes the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Thatching also has a high soundproofing capacity, making it an excellent choice for homes in colder climates. However, you must make sure to check and maintain the structure regularly. Despite all the benefits, a thatched roof has a few drawbacks.
They are expensive to maintain
Thatched cottages are renowned for their low maintenance costs. But they need regular attention to stay in good condition. To make it look new, you should hire a roofing surveyor. The survey will tell you when the roof was last replaced, what kind of thatch was used, if repairs need to be made and how much it will cost. A good survey will also tell you whether your thatch roof requires a total replacement. In addition, the air pockets found in a thatched roof help keep your building warm during cold and hot weather.
The cost of maintaining a thatched roof depends on the area’s size and the project’s complexity. For example, a small thatched cottage will cost less than a large house, but a complex thatched roof can add up to 25 percent of the overall cost. A thatched roof is also expensive to replace, but a well-maintained thatch roof will last for years. So if you want to enjoy your new roof, be prepared to spend a bit more than you expected.
They can be infested with pests.
Infested Thatched cottages can be expensive to treat, but they are not a total loss. A little preventative maintenance will help prevent pests from entering your home in the first place. For example, keep your water tank covered. Rats and other rodents will not try to infest your home if you don’t leave water out. Pest control for Thatched Cottages is essential for two reasons: it will prevent infestation and protect the roof.
Rats and mice can wreak havoc on thatched roofs. However, a rattling sound from a loud alarm may scare a pest away. Mice are particularly prone to thatch roofs, and their nests may contain grain. Rats and mice may cause damage to the structure’s fabric, but they are not the only pests that can live on a Thatched roof.