Thatch is the oldest form of roofing known. A combination of dried grass and reed, traditional thatch roofing is basically all that is needed to make a complete roof. Water reed which can be found in both fresh and salt water environments is the reed most often used. It resembles bamboo (though much smaller); it’s hollow and has knots every foot or so. Thatch is both waterproof and can maintain a building’s temperature with ease. How does it do that? We asked Joseph Sasse, one of Commonwealth Roofing’s principals and a thatch expert.
“Thatch does a natural breathing,” Joseph explained. “During the day heat literally stays ‘on top’ of the thatch and at night the thatch releases what small amount of heat it did absorb during sunlight hours. Thatch has been shown to have the highest R-value of any roofing material.”
One might think that because thatch roofing is made from naturally grown products that it would decompose in a short amount of time. Just the opposite is true. Thatch roofs can last up to fifty years or more. “The oldest thatched roof I ever worked on was in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was 80 years old.” And thatched roofs can effectively keep a building cool in hot summer months and warm in the coldest of winters. “The typical thatch roof is 12″ thick and has amazing natural heating and cooling abilities,” Joe explained, “but just exactly how long a thatch roof will last depends on where the materials come from and where they’re being used.”
Joseph Sasse spent two years apprenticing in England with master thatcher, Peter Brugge. Joe then returned to the U.S. and for the past ten years has been applying his knowledge and perfecting his skills as a thatcher all across the nation. “Thatch roofs are most widely seen in this country on pool houses, gazebos, and on buildings where an authentic look is desired, like a winery. One of the biggest calls for thatch roofs is at theme parks and zoos.” Joe has worked on thatch roofs in places like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the Oakland and Bronx Zoos.
As you might guess, Joe is one of a rather elite group. “In the U.S., thatchers are a very small community and we’re all acquainted. When we have a large project to do, we sometimes bring in thatchers from England and Africa to help.” One of Joe’s ambitions is to educate the private residential market in not only the aesthetics of a thatch roof, but also its durability, thermal quality and green roof benefits. “Even after a thatch roof has been used for over 50 years, the water reed can be recycled into paper.”
So what would be the number one reason an individual might choose a thatch roof? We put the question to Joe. “Aesthetics” was his answer. “Thatch roof buildings bring the romance and charm of the old world to today’s century. It reminds us of the magical tradition of thatching that is still prevalent in England, Ireland and Europe.” Today there are around 24,000 listed thatched buildings in the United Kingdom, some 5% are new buildings and 1,500 individuals are still engaged in this ancient craft. “Those looking for authenticity can have a beautiful, problem-free roof. It will cost a bit more than a traditional slated roof, but most homeowners with a thatch roof feel it is definitely worth the investment.”
With today’s emphasis on “green”, it might be impossible to imagine a roof any “greener” than thatch. It’s 100% natural, affords the best insulation value from the heat and cold, it’s impermeable to precipitation, by “breathing” it keeps the structure below it cool in summer and warm in winter, it can last up to 50 years or more and it has a charm and beauty that no other roof can boast. With all that said it might be safe to say, “Thatch is back.”
For more information contact Joseph Sasse (502) 459-2216
