Thatch is quite probably the most commonly used material for roofing worldwide, when you consider that the materials for thatching are diverse and readily available. Obviously different materials will be used depending on suitable local plants.

In the UK and Republic of Ireland we have the most thatched properties in all of Europe. Traditional thatch in Devon is usually wheat reed, now available for the industry from specialist farms. although water reed is also a commonly used material. A good quality thatch using wheat reed laid by an expert thatcher will last for over half a century, remaining watertight and serviceable. Under optimum conditions, water reed can last for more than seventy years. Historically, the new thatch was laid in layers over the top of the existing thatch, so long as it was still in reasonable condition. Some very old properties in England have thatch seven feet thick in places and the lower levels of reed date back over 600 years.

Thatch is laid by secured bundles of reed, which are about two feet across, to the roof beams. After this the bundles of reed are pegged firmly into place using wooden rods. The thatcher builds the roof up in layers, laid on one on top of each other, finishing with the ridgeline of the roof. Building the roof up in this way means that a thatched roof is very easy to repair and yet will withstand heavy winds and rain.

Well laid thatch will not need much maintenance, although under exceptional circumstances repairs may be needed. The thatch can be damaged by particularly bad storms. The ridgeline is the only part of a thatched roof which needs maintenance during the life of a thatch. As it is more exposed than the rest of the roof, it will probably need to be replaced every fifteen years or so. The reeds within the thatch thin our over time, as it is exposed to the weather. This thinning is natural and will not cause any problems nor does it mean that the thatch needs replacement. Once the thatch has reached the end of its life, the fixings will be close to the surface, and will then need to be rethatched.