Thatched Property

With the advent of Listing and increased interest in housing and conservation, the use of thatch has steadily increased over the last 70 years or so. There are two main thatching materials in use in East Anglia; Norfolk Reed (water reed) and longstraw. Sedge is principally used in ridging.

Norfolk Reed

Norfolk Reed is used extensively in East Anglia. It is the most durable of thatching materials. A Norfolk Reed roof will probably have a life span of 40-50 years, although, this will depend on environmental factors.

A Norfolk Reed roof is laid directly on to the roof structure. In other words, the existing thatch is totally removed. Consequently, the thatch tends to have less depth to it.

Longstraw

This has long lengths of straw visible on the surface. Longstraw thatch also has 'liggers' visible (to the roof edges), not normally seen with Norfolk Reed thatch. There will be netting over the roof surface to prevent birds from attacking the thatch. This material is less durable than Norfolk reed and, depending on environmental factors will last 25 years or so. Longstraw is also known as Wheat Reed. There are different names to reflect the different way in which the material is applied to the roof. When rethatching with longstraw, only the top layer of thatch is removed. Consequently, the thatch tends to be thicker than a reed thatch.

Ridges

This takes the brunt of the weather and will usually need to be replaced every 15 years or so. Longstraw thatch usually has a longstraw ridge. Norfolk Reed thatch will generally have a sedge ridge.

Performance

Thatch is not only a good insulator, it also sheds water very effectively and contrary to popular belief, it is no more prone to fire than any other material. In fact, because owners of thatch properties tend to be very careful and mindful of fire risks, the incidence of thatch fires is actually very low.

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