High-quality thatching services across Norfolk and Suffolk

A thatched roof in water reed or straw requires maintenance now and again to keep the roof structure sound and secure. Owners often leave their roofs if they see little areas of concern, from reed slipping or excessive wear in front of chimneys, or straw coat work. These areas are easily remedied in a small amount of time and minimal cost if treated as soon as possible. Areas being left can quickly widen affected areas, leading to major repairs or more extensive work being required instead. A potential problem will only ever get worse left untreated, and our advice is to address any issues straight away. 

The ridge is the fancy detailing all thatchers crown their roofs with. A new ridge can last up to twenty to twenty-five years depending on material and style. We construct our ridges with a combination of straw, locally sourced hazel and sedge from the Norfolk broads. The first signs of wear will be the pattern work falling away from the original position, and the materials will shrink over time. The ridge is an integral part of a thatched roof, keeping the top of your property free from water ingress. As the life of your water reed or straw coat work can last longer than the ridge, a simple process of placing a lovely new ridge on your home can help maintain it for a further twenty plus years. 

At some point, your home's thatched roof will reach the end of its life. 

There are various options when fire proofing your property. We most commonly place a fire felt membrane over the existing rafters. This felt provides a one-hour fire barrier. Also, a hard board product offering the same protection is available. The felt and boarding are only available to use on a new build or rethatch. Various retardant sprays are available, which can be used on existing thatched buildings. We will happily furnish you with any data sheets or information on any of these products, and give you our advice based on your needs. We normally assess the best product for your property at the time, and provide a completely free no obligation quotation. It is worth remembering that although fire barriers in general will not save your home in the event of a fire, it will give you the time to get safely out of the building. Lots of factors are involved and when looking at any property we will always assess potential risks and share that information with you, regardless of any work we may or may not carry out. 

We often get asked if we can thatch these structures. Your home doesn’t have to be thatched to enjoy the wonderful craftsmanship of thatching. We can advise on existing, or help design and create your perfect summerhouse or gazebo. 

These are areas of great importance to any property, and with our extensive knowledge and efficient team, we can assess what work you will require and provide the expert in each individual area to carry out the work to the highest standards.