19 Sep Mike Bartlett & Sons Traditional Master Thatching for Beautiful, Long-Lasting Roofs

A well-thatched roof is more than a picturesque feature—it’s a high-performance, breathable covering that protects your home for decades when installed by experts. From sympathetic re-thatching of heritage cottages to shaping crisp new ridges and detailing porches or gazebos, Mike Bartlett & Sons bring generations of craft knowledge to every project. The team is family-run and fully insured, delivering high-standard workmanship with premium materials across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and the New Forest.

In this guide, we explain what master thatching involves, how to care for a thatched roof, what to expect during a re-thatch, and why choosing a company with deep local heritage is the smartest decision for your property.

What Does a Master Thatcher Do?

A master thatcher is trained to design, install and maintain thatch using traditional techniques and natural materials—typically long straw, combed wheat reed or water reed—selected to suit the building and local climate. At Mike Bartlett & Sons, the craft has been passed down through the family for centuries, with Mike working alongside his sons, Sam and Alex. That continuity ensures consistent methods, pride in detail and a finish that respects the character of each property.

Core thatching services

• Full re-thatching: Removal of tired thatch, repairs to timbers where needed, then a complete new thatch bedded, dressed and finished to specification.
• Ridge work: From elegant scalloped ridges to crisp straight-cut designs, the ridge is renewed more frequently and sets the visual tone of the roofline.
• Thatch for structures: Porches, gazebos and summerhouses can be thatched for a timeless, rustic aesthetic that complements gardens and outbuildings.
• Repairs & patching: Localised make-good where a full re-thatch isn’t yet necessary, extending roof life economically.
• Advice & inspections: Honest assessments on condition, estimated remaining life and the right schedule for ridge or full renewal.

Why Choose Mike Bartlett & Sons?

• Heritage & continuity: The Bartlett family’s thatching tradition spans centuries—skills refined and passed from generation to generation.
• Family-run (no sub-contractors): You deal directly with the master thatchers who carry out the work, ensuring accountability and consistent quality.
• High-grade materials: Quality long straw and reed specified for durability and appearance, with workmanship aimed at longevity.
• Governed & insured: Fully insured and aligned with professional best practices for peace of mind.
• Local coverage: Regularly working across Fordingbridge, Salisbury, the New Forest, Burley, Stockbridge, Ringwood, Lymington, Blandford, Romsey and surrounding areas—ideal for responsive site visits and ongoing care.

Understanding Thatch Materials

Choosing the correct material affects lifespan, appearance and maintenance:

• Combed wheat reed / long straw: Traditional in many counties; provides a softer, fuller profile with charming texture.
• Water reed: Dense and highly durable; offers sharper lines and can deliver longer service life when well detailed.

The right choice depends on building style, local tradition and exposure. Mike Bartlett & Sons advise during survey, ensuring a finish that suits the architecture and your expectations for performance and look.

The Re-Thatching Process — What to Expect

1. Survey & quotation: The team inspects the roof, assesses structure and eaves, and recommends the appropriate scope—repair, new ridge, or full re-thatch—along with a clear, no-obligation quote.
2. Preparation & protection: Sensitive areas (garden beds, paths, neighbouring structures) are protected; scaffolding is arranged for safe access.
3. Strip-back & checks: Worn thatch is carefully removed, with timbers inspected. Any necessary remedial carpentry is carried out or coordinated.
4. Laying the new thatch: Bundles are fixed in courses, dressed and compacted to shed water efficiently, with neat verges and eaves for weathering.
5. Ridge & detailing: The ridge pattern is formed—scalloped or straight-cut—and decorative sparwork added where specified.
6. Cleanup & handover: Site left tidy each day; on completion you receive care guidance and a schedule for routine inspections.

Care & Maintenance Tips for Thatched Roofs

• Regular inspections: A quick annual look helps spot localised wear, bird damage or moss growth before it spreads.
• Manage overhanging trees: Shade and leaf build-up can slow drying after rain; trimming improves airflow and roof life.
• Keep gutters and eaves clear: Prevents damp pockets and encourages clean run-off.
• Ridge renewal: Expect the ridge to need renewal more frequently than the main coat; a fresh ridge protects the core thatch and keeps the profile crisp.
• Prompt repairs: Small patches addressed early are cost-effective and help maintain the roof’s integrity.

Safety, Insurance & Approvals

Working on thatch requires experienced hands and proper cover. Mike Bartlett & Sons are fully insured, and their adherence to professional standards provides confidence for homeowners, heritage custodians and insurers alike. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, the team can advise on sympathetic methods and local expectations during the planning/consent process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a thatched roof last?
With good detailing, suitable materials and regular care, the main coat can last many years; ridges are renewed more often to protect the structure and maintain sharp definition. The team advise realistic intervals during survey based on exposure and material choice.

Will re-thatching change the look of my cottage?
It will refresh it—often dramatically. The team respects local styles and can replicate or refine historic detailing (eaves, verges and ridge patterns) so the result feels authentic to your area.

Do you thatch garden structures?
Yes—porches, gazebos and summerhouses can be beautifully thatched to create a cohesive look with the main dwelling or to add rustic character to outdoor spaces.

Which areas do you cover?
Regular service areas include Fordingbridge, Salisbury, the New Forest, Burley, Stockbridge, Ringwood, Lymington, Blandford, Romsey and nearby villages across Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

How do I get a quote?
Arrange a site visit or share photos and location details to receive a free, no-obligation estimate. The team provide clear proposals with scope, materials and timescales.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Thatching is inherently local: weather patterns, prevailing winds and traditional profiles vary by county. Choosing a team that works these roofs daily in your area means informed material selection, detailing that respects local character and swift aftercare when needed. Mike Bartlett & Sons’ longstanding presence across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the New Forest reflects exactly that.

Final Word

A thatched roof is a living, breathing part of a building’s character. With Mike Bartlett & Sons, you benefit from centuries of family craft, high-grade materials and a genuinely personal service—from first visit to final spar. Whether you’re planning a full re-thatch, a new ridge design, or a charming garden gazebo project, this master-thatching team will deliver work that looks beautiful on day one and weathers gracefully for years to come.