Thatched cottages

A thatched cottage is perhaps the epitome of country life, maybe something you always wanted. The unique, soft, country look can certainly appear whimsical and romantic and is the perfect backdrop for a wild cottage garden. Netting is a more modern addition to thatched roofs, primarily to prevent birds, squirrels and rats from making their homes in it, but those in the know say that badly fitted wire netting can ruin the aesthetic look of a good thatched roof. Whilst looking fabulous, one of the downsides is that thatched roofs are more susceptible to leaks than other types of roofs, where the thatch itself can also become waterlogged, causing it to become heavy and unstable and at risk of collapse.

Fire risk

Fire insurance was my next thought. Most thatched cottages have a chimney, but apparently thatched roof homes are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs, with most house fires said to start within buildings anyway, and could be caused by anything from faulty electrics to dodgy gas appliances. Fire-proofing thatch is possible, either by treating the reed prior to use, by spraying it afterwards, or by creating a fire-proof barrier between the thatch and the roof structure.

History of thatching

Thatching has been around for centuries, and initially was likely to have been wild grasses and straw, but being so long ago, no evidence remains from these dates. Once a by-product of grain production, thatched roofs had been a cheap and effective way of using the straw left from harvest.

There are around 800 master thatchers in the UK - it’s a complex art, and it’s said to be thriving, with plenty of thatchers about and an abundance of work for them. Re-thatching is time-consuming and meticulous work, and a master thatcher’s apprenticeship can take up to five years before having the knowledge and know-how to strip and re-lay material specific to a particular roof.

Lifespan of thatched roof

There are no hard and fast rules to gauge the life of a thatch - some are claimed to last for up to 60 years, while others might fail after 5 years. However, new thatch should last between 15-35 years, depending on the type and quality of materials used. Well maintained, it keeps a building warm in winter and cool in summer and has the benefit of being a good sound insulator.

Maintenance

Maintenance would typically include replacing the ridge, every 10 to 15 years. Prior to the time for a rethatch, it is likely to require patching, and regular inspection and maintenance can prevent problems such as vermin damage or rot.

Which country has the most thatched dwellings?

Britain has many thatched cottages that have become a standard for what most traditional ones should look like. In fact, throughout the world, England is the country with the most thatched cottages, some of which are said to still have their base thatch from more than 500 years ago.

Thatched cottages exist in Portugal!

Well, not mainland Portugal, but in Santana, on the north coast of Madeira, you can find Casas Típicas de Santana, traditional houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs that extend almost down to the ground. They originate back to the time Madeira was discovered, and the tradition came from the cultivation of cereals, which apart from putting bread on the table, also put a roof over their heads.

Although small, they were able to guarantee some well-being and comfort to the less well-off people of this particular region, and these colourful houses were made from wood or stone, materials that the Madeirans could obtain by working in the fields. They contain a loft which was the bedroom used by the whole family, and very often contained a cellar which also allowed for the storage of food, bread and flour.

It’s quite common in some rural African villages to have round huts topped with grass, bamboo or palm leaf roof, and in Scandinavia, you will find turf-roofed houses, where the vegetation on the roofs helps to soak up rainwater, and may even reduce annual runoff by 40%-90% depending on roof design, plant varieties and roof pitch.

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan