When you want a roof that is both unique and environmentally friendly, consider the age old thatch roof. The free curving shape of thatch roofing creates a look that is inviting in appearance as well as one that is both durable and environmentally friendly.

Brief History of Thatch Roofing

Thatch roofs were used since before the Roman Empire, and the Celts in Britain used thatch to roof all their structures. Thatched roofs became increasingly common for peasant structures in the Middle Ages. Some of the first city ordinances in London forbade the use of thatch for roofs unless it was treated with fire retardant, as untreated thatch roofs were seen as a fire hazard. Thatch roofs were prevalent in early American history, but with the development of railroads and use of slate tiles thatch declined in importance. Mechanized farming methods also made wheat straw less readily available, making it a more expensive roofing material.

Why Thatch Roofing?

Thatch roofs withstand the elements as well as any other roofing material. Water reeds, the material from which English thatched roofs are primarily made, resist water, especially when tightly bound. Here are some advantages thatch roofs offer:

• A properly installed thatch roof can last 40 to 50 years.
• Thatch roof is capable of withstanding winds of over 100 mph.
• Thatch roofing is made from readily renewable resources.
• Thatched roofs are good insulators, keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.

There are a few detractors to thatch roofing. Since it is a natural organic material, fire can be a problem, though it is considered only as flammable as cedar shake. Rodents generally are not a problem in properly installed thatch roofs, as the tightly bound weave does not allow these pests holes in which they instinctively shelter. Nest building birds, however, can be a problem, especially if the thatch is made out of material that the bird species would normally use for its nest. Insects may be a problem, but insecticides may be applied to thatch roofs to resolve it.

Thatch Roof Installation

Installing a thatch roof requires intensive labor, as the natural fibers must be firmly bound together and placed correctly to ensure the roof remains watertight. Thatched roofs should have at least a 45 degree pitch to allow snow and rain to easily run off the surface. Thatched roofs work best in either hot, dry climates or in cool temperate climates. Hot, humid climates cause thatch roofs to rot quickly. Thatch roofs are installed directly on the support beams, usually with no ceiling, which makes the insides of thatched structures seem more spacious.

Some materials used to make thatch include:

• Devon reed
• Long straw
• Palm leaves
• Palmettos
• Water reeds
• Wheat straw.