Contact William by phone, email or the contact form on the website and schedule a phone conversation.
What constitutes a thatched roof?
A roof made out of natural, sustainable reeds or prairie grasses that is installed in layers.
Where do you get your thatching materials?
We harvest materials in the United States and source them from Europe, Africa and Asia.
Is thatch suitable for cold climates with heavy snow?
Thatch is suitable for snowy climates if the roof pitch is at least 12/12 (45 degrees), preferably greater.
Is thatch suitable for warm, wet climates with frequent or heavy rains?
Water reeds are naturally water repellent and direct water from the ridge to the eaves. However, a waterproof membrane often is installed beneath the reeds provides additional protection. Thatch roofs installed over open framing tend to breathe better and dry out faster.
What is the average life of a thatch roof?
A thatch roof should last about 20 years depending on conditions.
Do US fire codes restrict the use of thatch roofing? Is it only for outbuildings?
In the United States, thatch roofing typically is installed on outbuildings. However, it usually can be installed wherever cedar shake roofing is allowed.
Do you apply a fire retardant to your thatch roofs?
Yes.
What is the subsurface for a thatched roof?
Thatch may be installed over exposed timbers and battens or continuous roof sheathing panels. Sheathing panels may be completely waterproofed with self-sealing ice and water membrane.
How do you typically attach a thatch roof?
William prefers to install traditional Irish/English thatch with a technique he learned in Holland. Each course or row of thatch is secured with horizontal steel rods fastened to the roof deck with stainless steel wire and screws. The water reed is secured at the top by decorative ridge that’s reinforced with hardwood spars.