How Much Do Thatched Roofs Cost?
One of the biggest questions we get asked at the NSMT regarding thatch is “how much do thatched roofs cost?” It is understandable why this is such a frequently asked question, as you will want to know how much the upfront cost will be and whether thatched roofs make a good investment in the long run.
The total cost of your thatched roof installation will depend on various factors, such as the thatching material used, the skill and experience of the thatcher, and the size of your roof. However, on average, you can expect to pay around £15,000 to £30,000 for a thatched roof. The cost per thatchers square can start from around £700 and range up to £1000, with the average cost being around £850 per thatchers square.
Here at the NSMT, we cannot provide you with a detailed cost, as this will be done by the thatcher you work with. However, all reliable and professional thatchers will of course offer you a free quote. To find a thatcher in your area, use our Find a Thatcher database or call us on 01530 222954.
How to Buy a Thatched Roof
It is very simple to buy a thatched roof, as all you need to do is reach out to a reliable and professional thatcher in your area. We can help with this at the NSMT, as our database lists all registered master thatchers in the UK, so we can recommend a thatcher in your area.
Once you have made contact, this thatcher can survey your property’s roof and advise you as to whether thatching is suitable for your property. If so, they can provide you with a quote for the work, detail the process, and carry out the thatched roof installation for you.
However, before investing in a thatched roof, it is essential that you do your homework and fully understand what taking on a thatched roof property will entail. A lack of knowledge can be costly in these situations, so we have listed some areas to be aware of below.
Get a Full Electrical Check Done
Dodgy wiring and thatched roofs do not mix well, so we recommend having your entire electrical system checked by a qualified electrician.
Investigate Insurance Costs
You will need to have insurance that is specific to thatched roofing, as many standard insurance policies don’t cover thatched roofs. However, this needn’t be costly, as there are many dedicated thatched roof insurers offering affordable policies.
Employ the Professionals
It goes without saying that you should always hire thatching professionals to install a thatched roof, but we will say it anyway. Through our database, you can find thatchers that are registered and peer reviewed, so you know you are dealing with experts.
Have Your Chimney and Flue Inspected
The leading cause of thatched roof fires is inadequate chimneys and flues, and these fires are easily avoided by simply looking after your chimney and flues. Have them regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure the risk of fire is reduced dramatically.
How Long Do Thatched Roofs Last?
One of the many questions we get asked quite frequently is “how long do thatched roofs last?” Having a thatched roof installed is obviously a hefty investment, and you will of course want to make sure it is a worthy one that will last for years to come.
Well, the simple answer is that thatched roofs can last anywhere from 15 years to 40 years, but this will depend on the type of thatching used and how well it is maintained. The ridge of your thatched roof will need to be replaced more frequently, but that is still between 10 years – 15 years on average.
The lifespan of your thatched roof will depend on numerous factors, such as the skill of the thatcher that installed it, the thatch materials used, the direction the thatched roof faces, the pitch of the roof, and even the geographic location of your property.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Thatched Roof?
If you currently have a thatched roof installed, and it has seen better days, you will no doubt be looking to have it repaired. The cost of repairing your thatched roof will depend largely on the material used, as damaged water reed thatch can’t be repaired, meaning it will need to be replaced entirely, raising the price.
To understand an estimate of how much it can cost to repair a thatched roof, we have broken the costs down here. New lead flashing for the roof can cost around £350, and you will need to rent scaffolding for the job, which can cost around £300.
Labour is a huge factor to consider with thatching, as this can be anywhere from £100 – £225 a day per thatcher, with multiple thatchers taking around a month to complete a new roof. While a repair may be quicker, the costs can soon add up. Plus, the ridge will need to be replaced every 10 – 15 years, which costs around 25% of the entire thatched roof.
If you need thatched roofing repair, your local thatcher will be able to provide you with an estimated cost for the work.
Check Out Our Thatcher Services
Hopefully after reading the above, you are more informed about the cost of thatched roofing and how to go about investing in a thatched roof. If you now wish to invest in one for your property, you can get in touch with a local, reliable thatcher through our Find a Thatcher database at the NSMT. Through this, you can search for local thatchers in your area, all of whom are registered, experienced, and peer reviewed.
If you require further information regarding thatching itself, we are on hand to assist, as we are experts regarding all things thatching. Give us a call on 01530 222954 or send an email to info@nsmtltd.co.uk and we will respond shortly.