MATERIALS WE USE
After a re-ridge has been undertaken, we would usually shear/re-dress the entire roof to remove any moss and correct any courses that may have slipped. This can also be performed on thatched roofs that do not require a re-ridge, but just a tidy-up. Excessive moss on a roof can be detrimental to the lifespan of the thatch.
Water reed is grown in irrigated marshland, which is why in the UK it’s also referred to as Norfolk Reed (because the abundance of reed beds in east Anglia). It has been known to last in excess of 50 years in the right conditions and with the correct maintenance plan in place. Today, a lot of the water reed used is imported from Europe and sometimes even as far as China. A water reed roof tends to only have the ridge wired, as the material itself has no grain or food source for pests, such as birds and rats. In most cases, the appearance of a water reed roof will have more angular features, such as windows, hips and gabbles, which is usually caused by it only being one layer thick.
Combed wheat reed has a similar finish to water reed I terms of the appearance up close. However, it tends to be more rounded, with a softer finish on the hips and gables. This is due to the layers that have been built up over the years. Some roofs have 6 or more ‘coats’, made up of a combination of combed wheat reed and long straw. Some dating back as long as the building they are applied upon. Combed wheat reed is harvested in the same manor as long straw but is put through a comber to separate the grain from the ears (heads), rather than being thrashed. A combed wheat reed roof can, at times, last in excess of 40 years but on average lasts around 25-30 years with only some minors repairs and a re-ridge being required in its lifetime. A combed wheat reed roof is usually covered in a wire netting to deter pests.
Long straw has a similar appearance to combed wheat reed from a distance. However, up close it appears slightly shaggier. This is due to the fact that it is not combed after it’s harvested, but instead thrashed in a drum to separate the grain, which leaves a mixture of the ears and butts of the straw. To firm up the eaves and gables of along straw roof, it is usually strapped with hazel. From a distance this is the easiest way to tell it apart from a combed wheat reed roof. A long straw roof is usually entirely covered in wire netting, as a combed wheat reed roof would be. The lifespan of a long straw roof can vary from 15-25 years, depending on the position and pitch of the roof.
Water reed is a natural material harvested from freshwater reed beds, known for its durability and uniform appearance. Combed water reed undergoes an additional process where the outer layer is removed, resulting in a smoother finish. Long straw, on the other hand, is made from straw harvested from cereal crops, offering a more rustic aesthetic.
Long straw thatching material is ideal for achieving a traditional, rustic appearance. Its golden color and uneven texture lend an authentic charm to historic properties and rural cottages, evoking a sense of nostalgia and heritage.
Both water reed and combed water reed offer excellent durability and weather resistance. The choice between them often comes down to aesthetic preference and budget. Combed water reed, with its smoother finish, may be preferred for a more refined appearance, while standard water reed may be a more economical option without compromising on quality.