Buying Thatched Houses

A thatched roof - it sounds like something that might be fun to have, doesn't it? And of course there is indeed a wonderful character to a property that has a thatched roof, a natural product, and it may instantly conjure images of days of yesteryear and how things used to be done.

However, whilst having a thatched roof is quite popular and some properties with thatched rooves are sought after, there are potential disadvantages that you need to consider when buying a property with a thatched roof.

One of the downsides that no doubt will instantly spring to mind is the simple fact that they are more prone to fires than the majority of 'normal' roofs out there, and so having an excellent working fire alarm system and suitable fire protection are essentials.

Whenever there is a higher risk of something, then insurance alarm bells sound, and indeed it is no difference with a thatched roof, so you will probably find that the insurance costs are higher than other properties without a thatched roof, and bear in mind that re-thatching is a relatively expensive vusiness, too.

Therefore if you are seriously considering buying a thatched property it is particularly essential you get an expert thatcher in to check the state of the roof so that you don't have to get it redone or repaired shortly after moving in (or at least if that is a possibility you will walk into the property purchase with your eyes wide open).

There are less and less people who are experts in this area so it is a bit of a dying art, so you may also find it fairly tricky and therefore potentially quite time consuming to find a suitable expert thatcher to come and do this for you.

Another important consideration is that a thatched roof, being a natural product, is not forever. The number of years that they last can vary considerably, with some lasting only around 20 years or so; the longest lasting can get not too far being 100 before having to be replaced. To some extent this depends on whether wheat straw or reeds are used for the thatching.

So, having a thatched house can seem a great thing, but the possible negatives also need to be taken into account so you can come to an imformed and balanced decision.

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