What Is a Thatched Roof? Pros, Cons, History, and More (2024)

Thatched roofs are constructed of natural materials, such as straw, reeds, palm leaves, grass, and dried vegetation bound together to create a durable and weatherproof roof covering. They have been used worldwide for centuries, providing excellent insulation and waterproofing capabilities.

Thatched roofs are still around today because they provide timeless exterior beauty with a serene, comfortable interior that is environmentally sustainable from cradle to grave.

In this article, you’ll learn about where thatched roofs are used, their pros and cons, how to maintain them, and more.

Are thatched roofs popular today?

When you think about a thatched roof, you may be picturing a quaint, rustic cottage in the countryside villages of England.

The popularity of thatched cottages and roofs is partly aesthetic but more functional — thatched roofs provide insulation, waterproofing, and durability through locally obtained, natural materials.

The installation of thatched roofs has decreased over time with the development of new materials and application procedures. Most of today’s thatched roofs can be found in rural towns, coastal resorts, historic homes, or smaller structures like sheds, gazebos, and detached covered patios. Homeowners looking for unique, eco-friendly construction may also use thatched roofs due to their natural materials.

Types of thatched roofs

Thatched roofs are typically constructed from natural materials from the local environment. This allows for many diverse types of thatched roofs. Climate, material availability, and cultural tradition are all considerations in material choice. For the best success, thatched roof materials must be durable, weatherproof, and able to shed water.

The following are some of the main types of thatched roofs:

• Straw - The most common materials used for thatched roofs are threshed and long straws, which have been used for centuries and are favorable for their availability, lightweight, and good water-shedding properties. Depending on the region, several types of straw can be used, including rye straw, rice straw, or wheat straw.
• Water reed - Commonly found in wetland areas, water reed is an exceptionally durable, versatile, and waterproof material that can last for decades. It provides a uniform roof surface, as the roof eaves overhang less than straw roof eaves.
• Heather - Heather is often used in regions where straw is not readily available. It is common in Scotland and Ireland. The stems are bound together to produce an efficient waterproof layer.
• Palm leaves - Palm leaves are commonly used in tropical regions like Asia, Africa, and South America. Palm leaves are used for thatched roofs because they are durable and flexible and provide excellent protection against the heavy rain and heat common in these regions.
• Other types - Many different types of materials have been used for thatched roofs due to local availability. Materials such as wood chips, combed wheat, distinct types of grass, dried vegetation, and even potato stems have been documented as used on thatched roofs over the years.

Thatched roof pros and cons

Thatched roofs have been used in all parts of the world for centuries and are enjoying a mini-renaissance in the U.S., with more people seeking eco-friendly, natural building materials.

Before installing a thatched roof on your home or a structure you’re adding to your property, consider the pros and cons.

Pros of thatched roofs

• Natural insulation: Besides keeping the elements out, thatched roofs are natural insulators that will lower your utility bills and provide improved indoor comfort. The dense thatch layers prevent heat transfer in the winter, keeping your home warm and providing natural cooling in the summer.
• Eco-friendly: Thatched roofs are the original sustainable roof systems. They are ‘cradle to grave’ environmentally friendly, made from natural and renewable materials, and their disposal has minimal environmental impact.
• Aesthetic appeal: Thatched roofs provide a unique appearance popular for outdoor living spaces or rural, rustic charm.
• Longevity: Thatched roofs typically provide a lifespan of 20 to 40+ years. As with all home components, proper maintenance, and periodic repairs are required to lengthen the life expectancy of the roof structure.
• Sound insulation: Besides providing thermal insulation, the dense layers of thatch absorb sound waves, producing a quiet interior.

Cons of thatched roofs

• Fire risk - The biggest drawback with thatched roofs is that they are highly flammable, and fire can spread rapidly once ignited. Wood-burning stoves or blockages to vents, flutes, and chimneys enhance their susceptibility to fire. You can minimize the risk of thatch fire by applying fire retardants, installing fire barriers, and increasing the exterior height of vents above the thatch.
• High cost - Thatched roofs are typically more expensive than conventional roofs due to the limited availability of high-quality materials and experienced roofers. If you are in an area with few thatched roofs, you may experience especially long wait times for installations and repairs.
• Require regular maintenance - Thatched roofs will require regular maintenance and repairs because the materials are prone to decay and rot. This will add to annual household expenses. Occasional re-thatching will be necessary, and replacement of the roof ridge should be completed every 10 to 15 years.

Thatched roof maintenance and repairs

Thatched roofs are excellent insulators and are highly effective at shedding water. Because of these attributes, they provide long-term weatherproofing capabilities. Like all other home components, they require maintenance and repairs to extend their service life.

Maintenance and repairs are typically required at localized decay areas, such as channels formed by water runoff. You should routinely inspect the typical roof problem areas — like flashings, junctions, and around chimneys or vents — for openings or defects.

A common issue with thatched roofs is that the roof ridges typically require re-thatching or replacement every 10 to 15 years. Re-thatching may also be necessary for other highly worn-out areas throughout the roof's lifespan.

How to re-thatch a roof

Repair and replacement of thatched roofs is completed through a re-thatching process. The re-thatching process is highly intricate and may best be completed by a professional — if you can find one — in your area. 

Before the re-thatching process, you should have an engineer review all structural components to ensure no structural concerns. Any structural deformations will require repair or replacement before re-thatching begins.

When re-thatching a roof, it’s essential to stick to the same material as the existing roof. For instance, you should not replace straw with palm or reed. Combining dissimilar materials may cause problems with durability.

Whether you need to strip the entire roof depends on the material used. If the existing thatch is water reed, you’ll need a complete removal. If the existing thatch is straw, a new surface coat can be fixed or " sparred” into the existing base coat.

The re-thatching process rebuilds the roof from the bottom up and can take several weeks, depending on the roof size. It starts with bundles of thatch material placed on the roof and pinned with select fasteners. Once the roof is covered, the material is butted and trimmed to ensure an even flush. Ridge material is typically tied in place with wiring or nets.

Thatching may differ slightly based on local practices, as styles and materials have evolved over centuries. The application should be completed by trained professionals using the best available materials to provide long-term durability for the best results.

Frequently asked questions

How long do thatched roofs last?

When properly completed and maintained, thatched roofs can last an average of 20 to 40 years. Some thatched roofs have lasted as long as 60 years. Lifespan is highly dependent on the maintenance and upkeep completed over the years, weather patterns, and humidity.

What are the major problems associated with thatched roofs?

The major problems associated with thatched roofs are that they present a high fire risk and are more costly to apply and maintain. Thatched roofs are typically more expensive than conventional roofs due to the limited availability of materials and experienced roofers.

In addition to higher installation costs, thatched roofs typically require regular maintenance and repairs because the materials are prone to decay and rot. This will add to annual household expenses.

How does a thatch roof cover hold up in severe weather?

Thatched roofs are exceptionally durable, excellent insulators, and highly effective at shedding water from the home. Because of these attributes, they typically perform well in harsh or severe weather conditions. However, if your thatched roof isn’t installed properly, is older, or has existing structural issues, it may be at risk during severe weather events.