Costs & Guides

Do you want to know how much a thatched roof costs?
This pricing list includes installation, repair, materials, and labour expenses for thatch roofs!
So, read on to learn everything there is to know about thatched roof prices…

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Thatched Roof?

The three main materials used in the construction of a thatched roof in the United Kingdom are water reed, combed wheat reed, and long straw. They all have unique qualities and are available in different regions.

Farmers favour shorter wheat varieties because they are easier to cultivate and harvest, therefore long straw is becoming less frequent. Roofing thatching was previously a by-product of agriculture, but it is now grown specifically for that purpose.

We’ll go through the various costs of a thatched roof in this article, including material costs, added charges, and labour costs.

We’ll also go over how long it takes to have a thatched roof installed, the benefits of having one, and how long it takes to have one removed if you don’t want it.

So, if you’re considering having a thatched roof installed on your home, you’ll find all the information you need to budget for the project right here.

Like any other construction project, thatched roofs have two costs: supplies and labour. The size and complexity of the project have an impact on both.

As a result, a small cottage with a simple pitched roof will cost significantly less than a large detached house with several chimney breasts, dormer windows, and other irregularities.

A thatch property will take more maintenance, but there are various benefits that outweigh this, including increased property value when it comes time to sell and speedier sales because thatch properties are more sought.

When you examine the physical characteristics of thatch, you’ll discover that it stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, implying that it may be more energy efficient.

Furthermore, replacing an existing thatched roof is less expensive than replacing a tiled or slated roof with a new one. If you’re searching for ballpark figures, thatched roofs usually charge by the square, which is 10 ft (100 ft2) or 3 m 3 m (9 m2).

Prices vary, but expect to pay between £700 and £750 per square foot.

A tiny dwelling with a 45° roof (say, 25 ft x 25 feet) would have 900 ft2 of roof area. That would cost between £6,500 and £7,000 to install. A large, detached house with many dormer windows and two chimney breasts would cost from £25,000 to £35,000.

A new modest thatched roof will cost between £3,300 and £5,220, while an insulated thatched roof would cost between £4,700 and £8,800.

A medium new thatched roof will cost between £5,000 and £8,000, while a new insulated thatched roof would cost between £8,000 and £13,300.

Large new thatched roof prices range from £6,700 to £9,400, or £9,400 to £17,800 for an insulated thatched roof.

Thatched Roof Prices

The costs of a thatched roof are shown in the table below:

Job	Cost
Price per square	£700 – £750
A tiny cottage (say, 25 ft x 25 feet)	£6,500 – £7,000
A large, detached house	£25,000 – £35,000
A new small, thatched roof	£3,300 – £5,220
Small insulated thatched roof	£4,700 – £8,800
Medium new thatched roof	£5,000 – £8,000
Medium insulated thatched roof	£8,000 – £13,300
Large new thatched roof	£6,700 – £9,400
Large insulated thatched roof	£9,400 – £17,800

The nature and size of the job, the number of tradespeople required, the convenience of access, and the location of your home all influence the cost of constructing a thatched roof.

The southeast of England (particularly London) has prices that are frequently higher than the national average. In places like the north of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the opposite is true.

What are the Supply Costs of a Thatched Roof Installation?

Installing a thatched roof should be done by an expert who knows what they’re doing and how to do it correctly.

If you want to acquire your supplies without having to pay for labour or extra thatch roof charges, we’ll go over the various items you’ll need to have a thatched roof placed in your home.

The usage of combed wheat reed is a little more expensive option. It’s similar to long straw in some ways, but it’s handled differently.

The most expensive thatching option is water reed, but it also has the longest lifespan. As a result, paying the extra money now to save money on labour costs later may be justified.

Scaffolding is required for the job to be safe. Scaffold tower construction costs between £200 and £300. Scaffolding on three sides of a semi-detached house costs £800 to £1000, whereas scaffolding on three sides of a detached cottage costs £600 to £700.

You will also require lumber, which will cost between £33 and £50 depending on the number of pieces required and the size of the timber. A thatched cartridge will set you back between £170 and £220. Wood is used to make the spars.

A twister will price you back £8 to £18, a drill driver will set you back £25 to £120, and a set pin will set you back £10 to £20.

A spar hook costs between £20 and £40. Kneelers will be required to protect your knees. They range from £5 to £15. A mallet will cost between £3 and £7.

The table below breaks down what you’ll need to install a thatched roof.

Supply	Cost
Scaffolding	£200 – £1,000
Timber	£33 – £50
Thatched cartridge	£170 – £220
Twister	£8 – £18
Drill driver	£25 – £120
Set pin	£10 – £20
Spar hook	£20 – £40
Kneelers	£5 – £15
Mallet	£3 – £7

It’s vital to inquire about what’s included while getting quotes. Some quotations may be more expensive but contain everything you need to thatch your roof, but others with cheaper costs may come with a few extra charges at the end.

What are the Additional Costs of Building a Thatched Roof?

A thatcher must consider a number of factors when estimating the cost of a thatch roof. Aspects to consider include size, material, access, scaffolding requirements, features, complexity, and placement. As a result, a property visit is always required, and cost may differ significantly.

As a result, we’ve put together this section to teach you what to expect while building a thatched roof.

Replacement Conservatory Roof

If you have a thatched roof, getting a replacement conservatory is a fantastic option. As a result, knowing the cost of conservatory roof costs is beneficial.

Depending on the size of your conservatory, a lean-to conservatory will cost between £2,300 and £5,000. Depending on the size, a Victorian conservatory will cost between £3,300 and £10,000.

A polycarbonate roof will cost between £2,300 and £4,500 depending on the size, while a Victorian conservatory will cost between £3,300 and £10,000.

The cost of this project will be influenced by a number of factors, including the size and kind of conservatory roof, location, the number of craftsmen hired, materials, ease of access, and the property’s location.

The design and material of the conservatory roof replacement are significant factors to consider. Most other conservatory roof alternatives are less expensive than lean-to conservatory roof installations, however Edwardian conservatory roof installations are more expensive.

Depending on the size of the roof, a conservatory roof replacement could take anywhere from one to three days. A 3m x 3m conservatory roof, for example, might take 1-2 days to replace, whereas a 5m x 5m conservatory roof might take three days.

The size/type of conservatory roof, the current roof’s condition, the number of artisans hired, and the ease of access will all influence the project’s duration.

For further information, please see our guide to the cost of replacing a conservatory roof.

Guttering

When getting a new roof, you should think about getting a new gutter as well. But how much does it cost to install new guttering?

PVC guttering costs roughly £400 – £500 for a terraced house, £400 – £500 for a semi-detached house, £500 – £700 for a detached house, £400 – £550 for a cottage, £240 – £360 for a flat, and £325 – £350 for a garage.

Installing new guttering takes a different length of time depending on the type of thatch roof. It can take anywhere from 2 hours to a full day to install. The length of time it takes to install guttering depends on the type of guttering, how easily you can access your roof, and the state of your roof.

If you are having your roof refurbished or if you want new gutters placed because your current gutters are worn beyond repair or because you prefer a different type of guttering, you may wish to have your gutters removed.

Labor costs for removing old guttering are expected to be between £100 and £150. Waste and outmoded guttering can be disposed of in a skip or by using a’man and van’ service.

For more information, please see our guttering pricing guide.

Soffits and Fascias

The cost of replacing fascia and soffit varies depending on the size of your property, but it typically ranges from £1000 to £4600.

The time it takes to replace soffits and fascias is determined by a number of factors, including the size of the property, the design of the house, the convenience of access to the soffits and fascias, and the sort of soffits and fascias you desire. It might take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 days to replace soffits and fascias.

Soffits and fascias can be removed and replaced with new ones. This may be done because the existing soffits and fascias are too damaged to repair or because the homeowner wants new soffits and fascias made of a different material.

Soffits and fascias are likely to cost between £20 and £26 per hour to remove, with a two-hour minimum flat rate. The costs of removal could range from £50 to £200. Old soffits and fascias can be disposed of in a skip or by hiring a’man and van’ service.

For further information, please see our cost guide for soffits and fascias.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding will almost certainly be required because it makes the process safer and faster. Scaffold tower construction costs between £200 and £300.

Scaffolding a chimney will cost between £450 and £550, while scaffolding on three sides of a semi-detached house will cost between £800 and £1000, and scaffolding on three sides of a detached cottage will cost between £600 and £700.

Minimum Fee

In some cases, labourers or companies may charge a minimum thatch roof installation cost. This could be included in the overall bill or added to it. Assume a large scaffolding job is in progress, with scaffolding erected all around a semi-detached house.

Because two days of labour would be taxed, it would cost the same whether it took a day and four hours or a day and seven hours if you were charged by the day.

Size

It goes without saying that the larger the roof, the more expensive it is. This would be significant not only in terms of material costs, as a larger roof will simply cost more, but also in terms of labour costs, as a larger installation will most likely take longer, increasing the total trades costs.

Increased trash collection costs would arise from a larger roof replacement.

Location

Because labour costs differ across the country, where you live matters. On the one hand, labour expenses in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England are frequently lower than the national average. However, costs are higher in the southeast (London in particular).

Duration

The labour cost will almost probably be influenced by the length of the task. Most contractors charge by the day or by the hour.

The length of the project, on the other hand, is unlikely to affect the cost. For example, a contractor or organisation may have a set charge regardless of how long the project takes.

Tradesmen Costs for Installing a Thatched Roof

You should have an understanding of the average labour costs to install a thatched roof before you engage a tradesperson. As a result, you won’t be able to be duped out of additional money because you already know what the typical price is.

As a result, we’ll go through the labour costs for erecting a thatched roof in this part. This does not include any additional expenditures or supplies.

Although the prices appear to be excessive, the planning and installation of thatched roofs takes a lot of time, effort, and expertise.

A thatcher might cost anywhere from £100 and £225 per day, depending on your location and the severity of the job. There’s also the cost of scaffolding to consider. If the old thatch is removed, the labour cost will increase.

The initial installation of a thatched roof, as well as a comprehensive re-thatch, is a labor-intensive task. This procedure could take several weeks and is charged based on the size of your home. The higher the price, the larger the house.

Thatching a roof is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. As a result, it may take a long time to finish. When comparing quotations from different thatching companies, look for ones that have labour charges that are much lower than the others.

This could indicate inexperience on the part of the thatcher or any of their general labourers.

Start by asking your friends and family, as well as coworkers, for recommendations when you need a new roof. Take a look around your area. Is a roof being replaced somewhere? If they are, you can ask if the thatching company comes highly recommended by the owner.

Finally, write down the quotation and examine it to make sure it incorporates all you mentioned throughout your chat.

Your home will be more unique with a thatched roof. It will also insulate your property properly. The ridging will most certainly need to be changed every 15 years, but the rest of the roof will last 60 years or longer if well maintained.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Thatched Roof?

Thatch is a strong and adaptable roofing material that may be used on a variety of structures, from houses and cottages to bars and businesses.

A thatched roof can be made of many different materials, such as reed or straw. A roof thatcher must examine the job’s size and scope, as well as the work that will be required on the roof, because this is a labor-intensive and time-consuming material to install.

As a result, in this section of the post, we’ll go over how long it takes to create a thatched roof; therefore, if you prefer to be organised and have a rough estimate of when your thatched roof will be finished, keep reading.

The time it takes to complete a thatching job varies substantially depending on the structure’s size and design. Naturally, the larger the property, the longer it will take to install, and the cost will reflect this. When predicting how long a thatch installation will take, there are a few more elements to consider.

It all depends on if there are any underlying problems and how well the roof is kept up. Factors like removing the previous thatch, rewiring the roof, and re-ridging will all effect how long it takes to finish the thatch installation.

A normal re-thatch will take 6-8 weeks, depending on the amount of craftsmen working on the roof. Winter conditions can also affect how long it takes to accomplish a full re-thatch.

A re-ridge can take anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the pattern’s complexity and whether any parts of the roof need to be repaired.

Benefits of a Thatched Roof

Many people in the United Kingdom fantasise about living in a tranquil village with a thatched roof. While thatched roof dwellings are attractive and have various advantages, they do have some disadvantages.

We’ll go through the numerous benefits of having a thatched roof and how they can help you in the long term.

Good for Insulating

Your home will stay warm when it’s cold outside and cool when it’s hot outside thanks to thatched roofs’ great insulation. Your house will be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving you money on heating expenditures.

Durable

Thatch roofs are often extremely durable and long-lasting. If well maintained, thatched roofs can last up to 60 years. A thatched roof’s durability is governed by how well it is maintained, the materials used, and the thatcher’s ability and experience.

The water reed can live up to 40 years with adequate care and attention.

Good for the Environment

Thatch is one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials on the market. The materials are often sourced from rural areas and are cultivated and gathered by hand.

Gives Your Home That Little Bit Extra

Without a question, a thatched roof adds a lot of character to a home. While many homes have a cold and uninviting appearance due to double-glazing and a brick wall, thatched homes have a warm and rustic charm that cannot be matched.

Ages Well

Thatched roofs age gracefully and acquire natural characteristics that enhance their beauty and charm. Thatch darkens over time, allowing it to blend in with the trees around it.

As a result, you won’t have to worry about your thatched roof looking old very soon, because the older it gets, the more people notice it.

Thatched dwellings are typically built near a natural water source and on sheltered, gently sloping terrain, which allows for good drainage and prevents damp problems.

Cosy Feeling

Many people love the historical significance of the construction method and materials, while others appreciate the warm and inviting feel of thatch.

Local governments are working hard to preserve thatching, which is a throwback to the UK’s past. For owners of listed buildings, thatching may be their only alternative.

Adds Value

A thatched property increases the value of your home, and there are numerous thatched properties for sale in the United Kingdom. It is an excellent investment and can raise the value of a home.

Flexible

Thatch is a soft, flexible material that can be moulded to fit any size or form of roof. Interesting motifs and patterns can be created at the ridge and the edges, allowing you to customise them to your desire.

Waterproof

The roof’s waterproof thatch can withstand high winds, even hurricane-force gusts, and it rarely leaks. When one of the ridge’s wooden spars breaks, the thatch may open slightly after a period of dry, warm weather and then leak when it rains; nonetheless, this is self-healing because the thatch will close naturally.

How Long Does It Take to Remove a Thatched Roof?

Many people with thatched roofs refuse to remove any of it, resulting in thick, sagging eaves, less daylight into windows, lower chimney height, and increased weight on often very old rafters.

The type and quality of straw/reed used to make your roof, as well as your local environment, all play a part in the longevity of a thatched roof.

A decent thatch management strategy should include moss monitoring, physical appearance (gullies, chimneys, and water flow), and ridge maintenance in the long run. As a result, it’s possible that your thatched roof will need to be replaced or maintained.

Here, we’ll walk you through the steps of removing a thatched roof, including the time it takes. It may appear that removing your roof will take a lot of time and money, but you will need to do it when the time comes.

A range of factors, including workmanship and materials used, influence the longevity of thatched roofs. A excellent water reed roof should last 25 to 40 years; a combed wheat reed roof should last 25 to 35 years; and long straw should last 15 to 25 years.

Regardless of the materials used, ridges must be replaced within 10 to 15 years of installation.

A normal re-thatch will take 6-8 weeks, depending on the amount of labourers working on one roof. Winter conditions can also affect how long it takes to accomplish a full re-thatch.

FAQs

Q: What is the material used to make a thatch roof?
A: Thatched roofs are made of grass, reeds, and other natural materials.

The most commonly used materials in the UK are water reed combing wheat reed and long straw, but heather, turf, sedge, rye straw, and veldt grass are occasionally used, especially when historic preservation is a priority.

Q: How often do you have to re-thatch a roof?
A: A range of factors, including workmanship and materials used, influence the longevity of thatched roofs.

A excellent water reed roof should last 25 to 40 years; a combed wheat reed roof should last 25 to 35 years; and long straw should last 15 to 25 years. Regardless of the materials used, ridges must be replaced within 10 to 15 years of installation.

Q: What is the purpose of a thatched roof?
A: A thatched roof provides both insulation and a water barrier by utilising the natural properties of the materials used in its construction. To produce a topcoat that can be up to 12 inches thick, master artisans apply bundles of thatched material to the underlying structure of a roof. There is no need for venting because thatching material breathes naturally.

Q: Can a thatched roof attract pests?
A: The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Pests love thatched roofs because they are warm and dry, and they can even provide food. Pests are more common in properties that have been unoccupied for a long period. Pests thrive in this type of setting since the residents do not bother them.

The following pests are frequently encountered:

• Birds
• Squirrels
• Mice
• Rats
• Flies
• Wasps
• Spiders

Large pests must be dealt with, and you should get assistance from your local pest control service. They should be able to explain how the pests got onto the roof.

That way, you’ll be able to take the required precautions to keep them out. Wasps can be smoked out by a pest controller, and bees can be rehomed.

Q: How do you keep a thatched roof in good shape?
A: In most cases, thatched roofs do not require much maintenance. Property owners, on the other hand, must inspect their roofs on a regular basis to verify that everything is in functioning order.

Simple maintenance techniques include keeping the space above the roof clear (to allow for air circulation) and making sure no one walks onto the roof. To provide for easy access to the roof, loft spaces should be kept uncluttered within.