Thatching Services
Water Reed Thatching
Water Reed is the longest lasting of all thatching materials.Distinguishable through its sharp features and single coat, water reed should last a minimum of 40-50 years, with some examples lasting up to 100 years, with the roof having a new ridge every 10-15 years.
Combed Wheat Thatching
Combed Wheat Reed is a form of straw, which rather than being ‘threshed’ to remove the grain, is combed. This process keeps the stem of the straw stiffer and produces a crisp finish to the eye. This material has a life span of 25-40 years
Long Straw Thatching
Long straw at one stage was the most common form of thatch but has in some parts of the country all but died out. Long straw is now predominantly seen in East Anglia and the East Midlands, with few thatchers now being trained in its use.
Re-Ridging
Re-ridging occurs every 10-15 years and is normal maintenance for all thatched properties. The old ridge is removed and replaced, with the existing coat inspected and repaired. Any moss and lichen is removed, along with general debris, really tidying the roof up.
Emergency Repairs
A leaking roof can spell disaster, soon causing damage to the fabric of the building and a huge amount of worry. Thankfully most leaks can be solved and we offer a fast turn around as we recognise the importance of fixing leaks as soon as possible.
Bespoke Buildings
From porches to well heads, summer houses to game larders, here at Chris Dodson Thatching Services, we have extensive experience in thatching bespoke buildings and can provide advice from the design phase all the way through to full re-thatching.
Fire Protection
Fire is one of the greatest fears for thatched property owners, though statistically, a thatched property is no more likely to catch fire than any other property.
Surveys
We offer full surveys on thatch, from home purchase to insurance. Pre-purchase surveys are especially important, to give new owners a full understanding about the property the are purchasing.
FAQs
Have any questions about thatching? Here is a list of our frequently asked questions, as well as there answers. Feel free to get in touch with us if your question wasn’t covered.
Contact
We’d be happy to hear from you, whether you know exactly what you need or even if you just want to say hi, contact us today and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Master Thatchers in Cambridgeshire covering Neighbouring Counties
Chris Dodson Thatching Services brings over 90 years of family expertise to traditional thatching. As a well-established, fourth-generation, award-winning Master Thatcher, we operate from central Cambridgeshire, providing expert services across Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. We proudly use water reed, combed wheat reed, and long straw, offering friendly, practical advice on all aspects of thatched roofing.
53 Green End Road, Sawtry, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5UY