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Re-Ridging & Repairs

Thatch Maintenance
After re-ridging a thatched roof
Decorative ridge finish on a roof in Cumbria
After repairing a thatched roof
A restored thatch roof in Southern France with a tiled ridge

Re-Ridging

Any thatched roof will need re-ridging every 10-15 years, and when this work is carried out the roof will also be generally tidied up, small repairs done, moss removed and the edges of the roof straightened. If the roof has wire netting, this will be removed and on completion of the work, new netting will be fitted.

Our information sheet on ridges details the different types of ridges fitted by thatchers in the UK and Ireland and shows how ridges will vary greatly in their make-up which creates distinct regional styles. All ridges are not the same.

Repairs

The old saying 'a stitch in time saves nine' is very relevant with any thatch roof and it is essential that any thatch owner thoroughly examines all possible options with regard to short term repairs and then the likely lifespan of the roof before major work is needed.

As with a tiled or slate roof a thatched roof can be repaired by removing the damaged section and inserting the same material as the surrounding area of roof. The colour of the thatch will fade after about 18 months - 2 years and to the untutored eye will be almost unrecognisable.

One of the most difficult things to assess is should I renew or repair? Our free on-site inspection will guide you through the scenarios of the next 2-5 years and 5-10 years.