Thatched roofs have been around for centuries, and they continue to be a popular choice for homeowners today. At Steven Hewlett Master Thatchers, we are the fourth generation of our family business. Since 1925, we have provided thatching, thatching repairs and commercial thatching to Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Dorset.
Are thatched roofs environmentally friendly?
There are various pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not a thatched roof is good for the environment. On the one hand, thatched roofs are excellent insulators, reducing your energy bills and using less power. They are also made from natural materials, such as straw, reed and sedge, which are all renewable and sustainable.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the environmental properties of thatched roofs. We will also provide some tips on how to make your thatched roof more eco-friendly.
Thatched roofs have been used for thousands of years. This is because they are durable, insulating, and aesthetically pleasing.
The good news is that thatched roofs are indeed a sustainable and eco-friendly roofing option. Thatched roofs are a durable and low-maintenance roofing option, with a lifespan of at least 15-20 years when properly installed. Compared to other roofing materials, the process to create the thatch expends less energy.
Thatch is a natural insulator that keeps homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for additional insulation and heating. The thatch traps the heat in when it is dense enough. You can measure how effective it is by seeing how fast heat travels through it. The value needs to be a U-value of 18 or higher.
Thatch is a sustainable roofing material, as it is easy to grow and harvest with minimal equipment, however despite being a renewable resource installing a thatched roof is a labour-intensive process.
Thatch roofs are made either of reed or straw – both readily available and harvested annually in the UK.They are also carbon sinks. Carbon sinks are materials that absorb C02.
Thatch has a relatively low environmental impact because the materials are biodegradable. Old thatch will decompose without any recycling processes needed.
Balancing the Pros and Cons: How to Make Thatched Roofs Sustainable and Safe
Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to thatched roofs. For example, they can be more expensive to install than other types of roofing materials. Additionally, thatched roofs are more susceptible to fire damage than other types of roofs. However, with proper maintenance and fire safety measures, thatched roofs can be a safe and sustainable roofing option.
Here are some tips for making your thatched roof as environmentally friendly as possible:
If you use locally sourced thatching materials, you can reduce the environmental impact of transporting the materials to your site.
You should have your roof thatched by a skilled thatcher. A skilled thatcher will be able to install your roof correctly and ensure that it is well-maintained. They may also be able to fit insulation where necessary for loft conversions.
By taking proper fire safety precautions, you’ll avoid flammable mishaps. This includes having your chimney swept regularly and installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home.
Overall, thatched roofs are a sustainable and eco-friendly roofing option. They are made from renewable resources, biodegradable, and good insulators.
If you are considering a thatched roof for your home, get in touch with us on 01980 611 880 or 07790 020 917. Alternatively, head to our contact us page for more information! At Steven Hewlett Master Thatchers, we are the fourth generation of our family business. Since 1925, we have provided thatching, thatching repairs and commercial thatching to Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Dorset.
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.