This is a collaborative post.
Most homeowners want their properties to have distinctive and characterful features. However, only a tiny proportion have a thatched roof. The material is usually only seen on older period properties, with very few new builds even considering it.
The purpose of this post is to float the idea that perhaps people should be adding a thatched roof to their property. We look at some of the benefits and how it could serve you long-term.
6 Reasons To Get A Thatched Roof
1. Eco-Friendly Option
First, getting a thatched roof is an eco-friendly option. The technique goes back centuries and uses natural, recyclable materials with a low carbon footprint.
Most modern roofing materials require mining and are energy intensive, but that’s not true of thatched roofing. Unlike these, it simply uses straw and reed grass from local environments, which is simple to harvest and collect.
2. Exceptional Insulation
Another benefit of thatched roofs is the exceptional insulation they offer. Unlike almost every other roofing material, they’re great at retaining heat in the winter time.
Thatching works by densely packing lots of grasses that trap air. When this air becomes trapped, it is harder for it to escape from the home, raising the internal temperatures.
3. Supports Traditional Methods
Getting a thatched roof also helps you support traditional crafting methods. Working with a roof thatcher ensures that the skill remains alive and active into the future so more people can enjoy this unusual roof type.
4. Soundproofing
Another reason to get a thatched roof is the soundproofing that it offers. Thickly laying on various dried reeds and grasses provides an effective insulation, often making thatched homes significantly quieter than standard alternatives (especially properties with metal roofs).
The degree of soundproofing can be quite extraordinary. Often, it is impossible to hear wind and rain outside, or if you can hear them, they are muffled. This contrasts with modern building materials that transmit sound with ease and require aftermarket insulation to reduce noise levels.
5. Breathability
You will also find that thatched roofs are more breathable than most other options. Unlike some roof types, they naturally regulate moisture levels in the home, substantially reducing the risk of mould and dampness.
This breathability comes from the use of natural materials, which nature designed to take in and release moisture periodically in cycles. That’s not the case for a lot of synthetic membranes, which often increase the risk of condensation.
6. Lasts A Long Time
Finally, thatched roofs can last a long time, as long as you treat them with the proper care. Many survive 40 years without needing replacement, which is substantially longer than most standard asphalt shingles roofing options.
High-grade reeds are a premium thatched roof material because they are robust and water-resistant. Sometimes, these can extend the life of the roof beyond standard materials when implemented properly.
Of course, thatch isn’t a perfect roofing material. It does require more maintenance than many other options. But it also brings benefits that most people aren’t aware of. While it isn’t as common these days as it was in the past, it can certainly make your home look unique.
Read more: 8 Renovation Ideas To Get The Perfect Home
