Pros And Cons Of Thatched Roofs For Cottage-Style Homes
by William Gerard
When it comes to creating an authentic cottage home, there's no better roofing choice than a thatched roof—in terms of looks, at least. While this style of roof looks perfect atop a cozy cottage, you need to consider more than just looks before you arrange to have a thatched roof placed on your home. Consider these pros and cons as you make your decision.
Pros of Thatched Roofs
They are made from natural materials.
Most thatched roofs are made from water reeds, which are grass-like plants known for their water-repelling ability. Some are made from specific types of water-resistant straw. Whatever material your thatcher uses, you can bet it's natural. This is a big bonus if you're aiming to create a green or eco-friendly home, since most roofing materials (including asphalt and metal) are not all-natural.
Thatched roofs offer excellent insulation and ventilation.
The straw or reeds from which the roof is made are excellent at keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also offer great ventilation. This means you'll have to spend less on additional insulation and vent materials. You'll likely end up with lower heating and cooling bills, too. Many people worry that thatched roofs will hold onto moisture, but this is not the case. Water actually runs off their surface quite adeptly, thanks to the waterproof quality of the reeds.
Cons of Thatched Roofs
Your home will be at an increased risk of fires.
Fires on thatched roofs are not a huge issue these days, since modern thatched roofs are generally protected with fireproof coatings. However, thatched roofs are still more likely to catch on fire than other roofing materials. If you live in a very hot, dry climate, thatched roofing may not be the wisest choice. You may also find yourself paying higher homeowner's insurance premiums because of the increased fire risk.
It's not always easy to find a thatcher.
Thatching roofs is a dying artform. The use of thatching on roofs began to decline in the early 1900s, and now, there are very few roofers left who specialize in this material. You may have to look outside your immediate area to find a thatcher, and if he or she is based a few hundred miles away, you may end up paying premium to have your roof serviced because of the travel time. However, if you are able to find a reputable thatcher, you can feel good about using their services because you are helping to preserve a dying art.
If you're willing to pay a bit more for homeowner's insurance and you can find a thatcher in your area, a thatched roof is a green, efficient choice for your cottage home. For more information contact a local roofing company (such as Damphousse Roofing LLP).
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!