Thatching – one of the world’s oldest forms of roofing

Did you watch Braveheart? The 1995 blockbuster features homesteads that are supposed to be representative of the time and if you look closely you will see that each hamlet of homes has houses that have thatching. This is because thatching is one of the world’s oldest forms of roofing. Thatching can be made from almost any dried grass or other vegetation type and it has so many beautiful qualities and benefits that it is still a popular form of roofing.

Thatching provides any home or building with a highly authentic, natural look and if you love nature, having thatch brings the wild aesthetic appeal into your living room. Thatch is, as mentioned, made up of dried vegetation but what is done after the thatch is removed is anything but ordinary.

Could you imagine your lawn’s grass being used as a thatching for your roof? Probably not because not all grass is ideal for thatching. The thatching that is used for homes is usually reeds or naturally thick, long grass that is professionally cut and dried, giving you the maximum use out of it. Traditionally those who wanted to thatch their homes would use any vegetation that they could find. In the past wheat, straw, reeds, rye, barley and even heather was used to give roofs a secure covering.

Thatching will keep your home dry

One of the biggest concerns that most people considering thatch will think about is how effective the thatch is going to be at keeping the water out. But if your thatch is made from dry water reed, you won’t have to be concerned as this vegetation is naturally waterproof. The reed cannot get waterlogged, and when a number of these reeds are placed next to one another the water simply cannot break through the barrier that is created.

And you don’t have to worry about snow or rain remaining on the roof as the force of gravity will pull the water and snow off of the roof.

What about insulation?

The idea of being protected from the harsh effects of the winter months can make you worry about how well you will be protected when you have a thatched roof. But having vegetation on your roof is a great way to regulate temperature and keep your home nice and warm. The way in which the thatching is placed has a big effect on how effective the thatching will be for thermal purposes. Thatching can also regulate your home in the summer months by helping to keep the heat out and your home cool.

This type of roofing is ideal for home owners who are looking to save money on energy by regulating the temperatures within the home. There becomes less of a need to install heaters and air conditioners when you have thatching. While other roofing will need to have extra insulating installed you won’t have to pay out additional amounts of money for your roofs insulation when you have invested in thatch.

Keeping safe with thatch

When you have thatch you need to consider a little bit more than just the beauty of the thatch, you also need to consider the safety of having the thatch. The biggest threat to your thatch is lightning. For this reason lightning rods will need to be erected. Two masts on a larger house should be enough to divert lightning away from the grass roofing.

Having a thatched roof will give you access to numerous advantages and having a thatched roof will not only save you money but it is going to make your home look exceptionally attractive. Are you looking for a thatched roof to compliment your home? Contact Bundu Dakke to give your home a stunning finishing touch and  a modern look with Harvey Tiles (installed by Bundu Dakke) and other Harvey Thatch Tiles and Metal Roof Tiles like Metal stone-coated thatch and Harvey Tile or MSR Thatch Tiles Thatch Tile Roofing.