Thatched houses

[John J Sheridan]

So, the wife and I are looking at a thatched house tomorrow.

It was re-done only a few years ago which is good.

Does anyone on here live in a thatched house? Things to watch out or look for?

The Mrs is talking about having a wood stove but I'm not so sure!

 

[fastwunz]

Insurance is quite high and so is replacement. But a thatched roof provided it is well maintained should last you many years

 

[200sols]

Bargepole.

 

[John J Sheridan]

Bargepole.

That for pulling the burning thatch off quickly - that's not a very reassuring thought.

 

[200sols]

That for pulling the burning thatch off quickly - that's not a very reassuring thought.

I just see many downsides and only one upside, they look nice.

 

[d_brennen]

Bargepole.

Wasps

 

[SPArton]

Avoid

 

[radderfire]

You're welcome.

 

[fez]

I just see many downsides and only one upside, they look nice.

I do enjoy looking at thatched houses that other people own.

 

[something daft already!!]

They would be full of spiders. Need I say more?

 

[koolpc]

Look lovely but a massive fire risk plus insects etc love them.....insurance will be high too.

 

[Thekwango]

So, the wife and I are looking at a thatched house tomorrow.

well, how'd it go? as others have said, while they may be nice to look at the increased costs and more frequent repair/replacement work needed (relatively speaking when compared to a standard roof) would put me right off. some i have seen also look completely out of place if the surrounding area is too 'urban'

 

[radderfire]

There's no way I'd ever buy one because of the fire risk and the massive maintenance costs.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Not to mention the absolutely horrific thermal performance (complete lack of insulation) that typically comes with a house of that age.

 

[John J Sheridan]

We loved the house and put an offer in which has been accepted so the house is being surveyed next week so guess we will find out any issues and an estimated price to fix - if it needs too much work or £££ then we will just walk away. It was re-thatched back in 2022 so should be good for another 30+ years but we don't know if it has had an annual inspection - especially the ridge line, so trying to find out via the agent when that was last done.

 

[a1ex2001]

Not to mention the absolutely horrific thermal performance (complete lack of insulation) that typically comes with a house of that age.

While the rest of the houses construction (solid walls and single glazed windows etc) is likely to have terrible thermal performance the thatch is actually pretty decent as an insulator to keep you both warm in winter and cool in summer. Lots of trapped air.

 

[scarps]

It will be better and last longer than any new build roof. The workmanship on these roofs are amazing.

 

[Yaayuh!]

The thatch wouldn't bother me at all, don't really see it as a problem. However, you have to take into consideration the age of the house in general which will likely need so money and continuous upkeep.

 

[scarps]

Not to mention the absolutely horrific thermal performance (complete lack of insulation) that typically comes with a house of that age.

You don't need to insulate your loft if you have a thatched roof so you might find you are a bit wrong here.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

You don't need to insulate your loft if you have a thatched roof so you might find you are a bit wrong here.

If you think houses built in 18XX only loose heat out of their roof, then sure but last time I checked, that wasn't the case.