Thatched Roof Fire Risk

Thatch fire prevention is the best course of action.

Thatched roof fire risk.

Of the 50 000 to 60 000 thatched properties in the united kingdom approximately 24 000 are listed. Property owners with thatched roofs should therefore take certain precautions to ensure the safety of their buildings. It seems worse mainly because thatched fires in unprotected properties usually causes severe damage and therefore receives maximum publicity. The most common cause of a thatch fire is when the chimney catches fire and leaks into the thatch roof often through poorly maintained brickwork as it passes through the thatch near the ridge.

As pretty as a thatched cottage is unfortunately if a fire takes hold in a property with a thatched roof the result can be more damaging than in a conventional property. Thatched roof fire protection is part of the package of owning a beautiful thatched property. See fire safety products and supplies on our new thatch directory. This chimney appeared in the page on listing rising through many layers of thatch.

Remember thatch is not more likely to catch fire than other properties it is just harder to put out and makes more mess if it does. However it is clear that not all owners are aware of the risks they are taking. If the causes are properly understood and the appropriate measures taken the risk of one occurring is low. Statistically homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs however if they do the results are often rapid and spectacular.

The biggest risk lies in the fireplace. The risk of fire in thatched roofs is an issue that owners and others ignore at their peril. The most significant disadvantage is the fact that thatch is combustible.