Thread: Traditional English Thatched Roofs

Why would you want to do a boring old style cottage when there's some real quality houses built using thatch.

This is the only pic I could find of something modern, but I'm sure if you found a proper architect, you could do something really special.

weird thread

Whilst thatch is very attractive to onlookers, it is hardly a cost effective roof

It does have some advantages, like insulation, but many disadvantages, especially in the tropics

If the basic materials are not available locally, it doesn't make much sense

Originally Posted by DrAndy

If the basic materials are not available locally, it doesn't make much sense

True. Just stick to reclaimed timber & concrete.

yep, reclaimed concrete is the best

Interesting piccy there from MtD. Is that in the UK ?
I didn't realise that it was possible to build a new house with a thatch roof does it pass building regs.?

You can see this kind of straw roof all over Thailand:



They generally need to be replaced every 6 months or so, as they will lose their waterproofness when they are about that old.

Originally Posted by DrAndy

yep, reclaimed concrete is the best

I think the correct term for it is hardcore and Nooners has the biggest collection SE Asia.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Interesting piccy there from MtD. Is that in the UK ?

Don't be silly. Most UK builders are still stuck in the Victorian age when it comes to houses. That place is in Holland.

^ It is unique. I like it.

My wife's grandmother has a thatched roof on her shack here. It's miserable and no way would I suggest anyone consider it.

Spiders and termites and rats and uuugghh. Just a dark, creepy, dirty hovel.

I've seen a few in the UK and they look nice with snow on 'em. Here in April at 40 degrees and monsoon downpours and every bug on the planet -- no thanks.

Tex, there is a huge difference between an English thatch roof and the grass roofs you see in Thailand.

yes, less bugs and snakes and rats and scorpions and...

I have spent the last few days in a cottage with a grass roof and bamboo walls. Very nice it was too.

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

have spent the last few days in a cottage with a grass roof and bamboo walls. Very nice it was too.

where did you go ? pics please

Originally Posted by sityparamount

I have done a 5 year thatching apprenticeship and 2 of my brothers are East Anglian Master Thatchers with 55 years experience between them.so we could offer an exclusive service to those that have the funds available to construct there dream home.

Just out of interest, I have a very old thatching needle in my home here, that was made from an old sword blade originally produced by the German swordsmith Johannes Wundes (1560-1610).

Originally Posted by Lady Hawk

where did you go ? pics please

Your wish is my command, mate.

looks chilled Marmers where is that?
Popped in here last week for a pint

Pitsanulok.

^looks a bit too hillbilly for my liking

Originally Posted by a. boozer

Originally Posted by sityparamount

I have done a 5 year thatching apprenticeship and 2 of my brothers are East Anglian Master Thatchers with 55 years experience between them.so we could offer an exclusive service to those that have the funds available to construct there dream home.

Just out of interest, I have a very old thatching needle in my home here, that was made from an old sword blade originally produced by the German swordsmith Johannes Wundes (1560-1610).

Eaves knifes look similar to a sword ,2 foot long blade and a 3 foot wooden handle.