All about Thatch

There are three main types of thatch. Each one varies in style, appearance, the way they are applied and life span. The three types are:

Wheat Reed

Wheat reed is known as combed wheat reed or wheat straw. Before the reed gets to your roof its put through a thrashing machine after harvest to remove all grain and put into bundles ready to be applied.

Wheat reed roofs will have a more rounded appearance compared to water reed jobs. This is due to the way that the reed is applied. The roof would be stripped down to a base layer of 8 -10 inches and the eaves and gables will be replaced if necessary.

Wheat reed will have a life span of around 25-30 years and will need a new ridge every 10 -15 years.

Water Reed

Water reed commonly known as Norfolk reed is the longest lasting type of reed to use as it has a lifespan of up to 50 years if applied correctly.

It is on average 4 -6 foot in length and is more coarse and hard wearing then wheat reed. Water reed will have a more distinctive and angular finish with straight eaves and gables.

Water reed will have to have a new ridge every 10- 15 years the same as wheat reed.

Long Straw

Unlike wheat or water reed, Long straw will have a more rustic look because the reed is applied with the ears and butts exposed.

Long straw roofs are recognizable because they will have a distinctive boarder along the eaves and gables.

This type of reed has the shortest life expectancy of only 15-25 years.