Bristol Roof Thatcher

Simon Willey Master Thatcher provides his Roof Thatching services throughout Somerset and Bristol using only the finest materials. He can also provide expert advice on all the options you have for your thatched roof. Each thatched roof will be finished to the highest standards as a result of experience and traditional, time tested materials and methods.

Thatch is most likely the most common roofing material in the world, this is because the materials used are so readily available in most places. Different materials are used across the world depending on local floral, throughout Bristol and Somerset you will most likely find thatched roofs made from long straw, combed wheat or water reed which combined with craftsmanship and quality the final result will be timeless.

Throughout Europe the UK and Republic of Ireland have more thatched properties than anywhere else. Traditionally most Bristol and Somerset thatch is wheat reed, which now is produced for the industry at specialist farms. Water reed is another common material. Using a good quality wheat reed, a skilled and experienced thatcher can create a thatched roof which will remain serviceable and watertight for over half a century. Water reed can, in the right conditions, last for over 70 years. Traditionally, if the existing thatch was in fair condition the new layers were simply added on top. In some ancient properties this has resulted in thatch 7 feet thick where the lower levels date back six hundred years.

Simon Willey Bristol Roof Thatcher with his years of experience and tuned all the knowledge from past projects to perfection, not only by knowing the best quality materials to use but also the best way to layer it to shed water away from the inner roof. Thatch is applied in fastened bundles about two feet across, laid on to the roof and secured to the beams of the roof. after which they are pegged in place with wooden rods. The thatcher adds the layers on top of each other, finishing with a layer to secure the ridgeline of the roof. Thatched roofs, because of this technique are very straightforward to repair and can withstand even heavy storms.

Because of the quality and how well the thatch is laid it will not need maintenance very often, occasional repairs will be required if it becomes damaged which is another service that can be provided throughout the Bristol area. One part of the thatch which will need maintenance because of its exposure and likely to need replacing every decade or two is the ridge at the top of the thatch.

Thatch 'thins' our over time as the reed is slowly eroded by the weather, this is natural and does not mean that the thatch needs replacement until the fixings are close to being exposed. Any water penetration that occurs in thatch, if it does happen at all, will be minimal. Leaks are usually caused by either storm damage or capillary action through the thatch. Moss growing on that does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. If you are worried about it, then it may be best to get an expert opinion.

Devon - Barnstaple - Tiverton - Somerset - Taunton - Wellington