Living with a Thatched Roof: The Pros and Cons

Having lived in our 400-year-old thatched cottage for nearly three years, I’ve gained some insight into the experience of maintaining and enjoying this rare roof type. With only 35,000 thatched homes in the UK—24,000 of which are listed—such houses make up just 0.1% of the housing stock, with unlisted thatched homes like ours accounting for a mere 0.04%. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to owning a thatched roof, but the charming, aesthetic appeal often draws people in. The unique, soft, countryside look of a thatched roof can indeed appear whimsical and romantic, perfect for picturesque settings.

But does living with a thatched roof live up to enchanting appearance?

Pros of a Thatched Roof

1. Natural Insulation Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Among various houses we’ve lived in—from a 200-year-old detached cottage to a 1980s semi-detached—the thatched cottage is by far the most comfortable. During summer, our bedrooms stay at a manageable 24°C, unlike our previous 1930s house which would reach 34°C during heatwaves. In winter, the upstairs retains heat well, although our downstairs could benefit from larger radiators.
2. Protection from the Elements The deep overhang of the thatch protects the walls, keeping our house exceptionally dry. Despite being the oldest house we’ve lived in, it’s the driest, likely due to the thatch overhang acting as a barrier against rainfall. Unlike previous homes, this house has no issues with dampness, mould, or condensation—although it should be noted that we also have double and triple glazing.
3. Environmentally Friendly Thatch is an eco-friendly roofing material, sourced sustainably and renewable. Depending on the type of straw, a thatched roof can be highly durable, lasting up to 50 years. Ours, made from long straw, has a lifespan of 15-25 years.
4. Aesthetic and Historical Value Thatched roofs are undeniably beautiful, making your home stand out. They are flexible, adaptable to various structures, and can include decorative features along the ridge. The historical significance of thatched roofs adds a special charm, and their rarity can increase your home’s value according to many estate agents.
5. Low Maintenance for Gutters Thatched homes typically don’t require gutters or drainage systems, reducing maintenance concerns. However, this does make collecting rainwater for gardening a bit more challenging.

Cons of a Thatched Roof

1. Fire Risk The primary concern for many is the risk of fire. While statistically, a fire is no more likely in a thatched home than a tiled one, the rapid spread of fire in a thatched roof is a significant danger. Insurance companies often require stringent safety measures, such as annual chimney checks and regular sweeps if you have a wood burner, alongside the installation of smoke alarms in every room, including loft spaces.
2. High Replacement and Repair Costs Replacing or repairing a thatched roof is extremely costly. Unlike tiled roofs, which can last around 80 years, a thatched roof needs more frequent attention. We anticipate spending about £60,000 to fully replace our roof (Hampshire, 2023). Additionally, the logistics of scheduling such work are complicated, as master thatchers are often booked months, if not years, in advance.
3. Limited Availability of Thatchers The craftsmanship required for thatching, which takes 7-8 years to master, is becoming rarer. This scarcity can drive up costs and makes it challenging to find available and reliable thatchers. We’ve received varied opinions on maintenance from different thatchers, which adds to the difficulty in making informed decisions.
4. Wildlife Concerns Thatched roofs can attract wildlife, which was initially a significant concern for us. Although wire netting helps prevent birds and rodents from nesting, it’s not foolproof. Fortunately, apart from a brief mouse issue likely due to our neighbour’s roof repairs, we haven’t experienced major problems.
5. Higher Insurance Premiums Insuring a thatched home is more expensive, with higher premiums compared to regular homes. Few insurance companies cover thatched properties, limiting options for competitive rates.
6. Potentially Smaller Buyer Pool When it comes time to sell, the unique nature of a thatched roof might limit the pool of potential buyers. Despite any interior improvements, some buyers may be deterred by the thatched roof.
7. Limitations on Modifications Installing solar panels on a thatched roof is not feasible, and other modifications require specialist tradesmen. Even minor changes, such as relocating a soil waste pipe, can incur substantial costs due to the need for extensive thatch repairs.

While I’m no expert, these are the observations we’ve made during our time here. We have yet to hire a master thatcher for repairs, trying to delay the expense as long as possible. Overall, our experience has been positive—I love how comfortable and dry the house is—but the looming cost of roof replacement and repairs is a significant concern.