Are thatched roofs hard to maintain9/13/2023 ![]() Historically, thatching was a seasonal activity. If it does need to be disturbed, recording and analysis should be undertaken. The roof structure and base layer is usually the oldest part of a thatched roof and can contain evidence of the building’s development. These were wound tightly over the roof structure to form a base for the thatching materials. In Orkney, a system of straw or heather ropes called ‘simmens’ were made. These have well distributed binding roots and a slight peatiness which adds cohesion after drying. Turves cut from very young heather plants are common. Like the thatch, turves were also likely to be sourced locally. Depending on location, turf divots were often used as well and sometimes wattle or timber planks. The base layer supports the main thatching material and provides additional protection to the roof structure. Thatched roofs typically have two layers. Historically, thatching materials were usually secondary products, created from agriculture (straw from harvested cereal crops) or livestock and land management (heather or bracken from grazing pastures, rush and reed from riverbeds). Today, it can be expensive to keep thatched roofs in good repair as they need regular maintenance. ![]() ![]() Economic and Environmental SustainabilityĪs a vernacular and traditional building material, thatching materials were generally chosen because they were inexpensive and convenient to obtain. Warm air can pass slowly through the thatch and chimney. Natural VentilationĪ building with a thatched roof ventilates naturally when in use. The rate of escape of air is slow and the hollow straws of the thatch are insulating. Heat RetentionĪ well-maintained thatch roof will keep a building warm in winter and cool in the summer. Similarly, chimneys have the thatch swept up against the sides and wrapped around with rope. in the Western Isles, projecting wallheads deflect wind to the middle of the roof pitch, away from vulnerable eaves.skews are anchored with large turfs or roped to anchor points on the gables.eaves are normally formed without a projection.sharp angles should be avoided at ridges and hips.Thatch is designed to resist wind lift, particularly in the Northern and Western Isles where it is usually netted and roped to counteract uplift. Thatch running parallel to the angle of the roof structure sheds water reasonably quickly if the pitch is greater than 45 degrees. It passes drops of water from piece to piece down the weather slope of the roof. Thatch achieves its water resistance in the same way as shingles, slate or tile. Although distinct in their appearance and craft tradition, thatched roofs are similar to other roofs in their function, practicality and maintenance.
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