Trusted Thatching Repairs & Replacements
At Steven Hewlett master thatchers, our team of vastly experienced thatchers dedicate themselves to thatching repairs. Through three generations, we have many years of experience working across including Marlborough, The New Forest, Romsey, Stockbridge, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, Winchester, Ashurst, Ealing and Totton.
We’re one of the rare remaining Master Thatchers keeping Hampshire’s heritage of thatch alive and healthy. We represent the third generation of our family to work as Master Thatchers in the area and is proud to practice the craft which has earnt us lots of great reviews from our clients. We cover all of Hampshire including Romsey, Winchester, New Forest, Test Valley and Basingstoke to name a few. Alternatively, leave us a message on our contact us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Thatched Roof?
No thatch lasts forever whether it’s water reed, combed wheat or long straw is subject to natural degradation over time. You can, however, keep a weather eye on your roof, have a professional check it periodically and make any necessary repairs, also follow a few tips to keep it in good condition for as long as possible before it needs a total rethatch.
Consider a steeper pitch to improve longevity. As it bears the brunt of the wind and weather, it is the first part to deteriorate, and without the ridge to hold the rest of the roof in place, all the thatch is compromised.
Apart from keeping your roof ridge healthy, get the thatched roof cleaned at least once a year. Our team will remove leaves, moss, algae and dirt with special rakes. Call us today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917 and we’ll put three generations of expertise to work.
How long does a thatched roof last?
A new thatched roof installed by a Master Thatcher today will probably last around 50 to 70 years if its cared for properly. Using natural materials such as straw or reed, we’re able to create robust and waterproof thatch that can withstand everything the South West weather throws at it.
Water reed is renowned for its longevity of around 40–60+ years, which is one reason why this eco-friendly form of roof covering is still around centuries after tiles and slate took over as the more common form of roofing.
A long straw thatched roof may last 15–30 years, but it needs to be well-maintained to keep looking good and functioning well for its maximum lifespan. Call us today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917 and we’ll install or repair any thatch on your home or business.
How often do thatched roofs need replacing
Despite your best efforts there will come a day when a total re-thatch is inevitable. The main thing that dictates the lifecycle of your thatch is the material you use for your thatched roof.
Our thatchers will know when the time is right for repairs, patching and re-coating has run out, and replacement is the only option.
Some of the signs that the thatch needs replacing are:
- The roof is shedding material
- There are visible dips in the roof surface
- There are leaks inside the building
- The flashings are damaged and peeling away
- Wire nettings, spars and fixings are visible
- There is a substantial moss growth on the roof
Get in touch!
We provide thatching services and thatched roof repairs across the South West of England including This includes Marlborough, The New Forest, Romsey, Stockbridge, Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, Winchester, Ashurst, Ealing and Totton. We are also available to thatch anywhere across the Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Dorset area. We offer specialised thatching services including thatching repairs and commercial thatching.
If you have a property with a thatch roof and would like to discuss how Steven Hewlett can help you manage and maintain your thatched roof, call us today on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917. Alternatively, leave us a message on our contact us form and put your roof in expert hands.
My family are something of a rarity in modern Britain. Myself & my brothers represent the fourth generation of the Hewlett family to work as master thatchers, carrying on a business that was started by his grandfather back in 1925, at the tender age of 16.
I am a proud member of National Society of Master Thatchers and have been thatching roofs across Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset & The New Forest for over 40 years.