Second home owners, property investors and village parishes are all in agreement that roof thatching is a special skill that needs to be preserved.
It is widely agreed that this profession needs to be cherished, this specialist and disappearing craft has been keeping people dry and warm inside their home for centuries. For many Westerners the idyllic pictures of English country cottages are the epitome of thatching but in fact the method is widely used all around the world.
Thatched roofs became less popular in Britain during the late 19th century with the coming of the industrial revolution, improved transport links and access to a wider range of materials. It was from this time onward that your roofing became a symbol of success and your economic situation.
Welsh slate became especially popular and whilst it was probably cheaper it changed the landscape of much of Britain very quickly. The insulation properties were initially very poor, no extra materials were used to protect the main living areas. However if you could afford to use a new slate roof, presumably you could afford the heating bills to go with it.
This decline in the use of straw and reed as a roofing cover has over the past twenty years begun to reverse as wealthy homeowners look for authentic cottages in the countryside that portray their ability to afford and maintain an older building.
In addition many cottage owners are recognizing that, compared to modern concrete roofing materials, traditional thatch is environmentally friendly. The marsh areas and riversides that are harvested every year provide an environment for wildlife that is perfect for domestic birds, insects and amphibians.
So, we have come full circle over the last 200 years, owning a cottage that was originally thatched is now a sign of prosperity and surely proves that roof thatching is a special skill that needs to be preserved.
Before you select a roof thatcher for repairs or a new roof, make sure you check out the Master Thachers website where you will find advice and useful information Master Thatchers
