◊ Thatched Roof
Maintenance

Unsure what the problem is with your thatched roof?

Our article "5 Common Problems with Thatched Roofs" gives an insight into some of the common problems that can cause a thatch roof to leak. Find out the symptoms, more about the problem itself and possible solutions to get the roof back into working order.

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Brushing a Thatched Roof

This is the most regular maintenance a thatched roof usually requires. The top layer of thatch on any thatched roof rots over time. This layer of rotten thatch needs to be brushed off every 5-8yrs to ensure no deeper rotting and thatch degeneration. When a thatched roof is originally built the thickness of the thatch should always allow for this maintenance. After years of brushing, a thatched roof will reach a minimum thickness and wires will be exposed - this indicates that no more brushing maintenance can be done and it is time to re-thatch.

For a more indepth explanation of brushing (or combing), why, when and how it needs to be done read our recent article "Thatch Maintenance Explained - Brushing a Thatch Roof".

Thatched Roof Valleys &
Drainage Systems

A common maintenance problem in thatched roofs is lack of drainage which leads to premature rotting and leaks. Often these problem areas appear where thatch meets from several directions (in a corner for example) or if there is an overhang (one thatched roof above another). In some cases no allowance for drainage was made in the original build or the thatched roof valleys were not fitted adequately.

Cintsa Thatching has developed a time proven maintenance method to fix these problems which allows maximum water drainage in all the right places. When assessing a thatched roof for maintenance Cintsa Thatching will incorporate the fitting of thatch valleys if neccessary.

Parapet Wall Drainge
Drainage of parapet walls is a common problem in thatch roofs and if not addressed properly there are often leaks where the thatch meets to wall. Read our article "A Solution to Parapet Wall Drainage on Thatch Roofs" for more information on the problem and the best solution.

Re-Thatching & Patching

In some cases when carrying out maintenance on a thatched roof extra thatch needs to be added to patch thin spots. In extreme cases or on an old and thin roof, brushing and patching is not enough and the roof must be re-thatched. Cintsa Thatching refuses to brush and patch a roof if it is ready to be re-thatched - patching the problem will not solve it and Cintsa Thatching will not provide a guarantee for the maintenance if it has been recommended that the roof be re-thatched rather than patched.

Thatched Roof Capping

The capping (or ridging) on a thatched roof can be a problem area. Sometimes the concrete mixture is not made to the correct specifications originally and the capping can crack and cause endless maintenance problems. Cintsa Thatching uses the correct specifications to mix the capping concrete, the capping is then sealed with membrane and finally an additional sealant is added for total strength and protection against leaks.
Over time or due to bird and animal damage, thatch may become loose around the top capping area. Cintsa Thatching will quote to fill these areas on a thatched roof and repair/ replace cappings if neccessary.

Relevant Articles:

All thatch has a lifespan – it’s a fact. No matter how well it is maintained, no matter how well it is thatched and to what thickness it is thatched at, all thatch roofs will eventually get to the point of no return and will need to be re-thatched.

There are however, ways to prolong the life of the roof; one (as mentioned above) is to have an effective maintenance plan in place. The second and most important is the choice of thatch when the roof is originally built.  Read more>