Myths And Tips About Your Thatched Roof

In ancient times, a thatched roof was a sign of the low welfare of the landlord. Today the situation is reversed. Now this roof indicates the high status and wealth of the property owner. Such materials are very popular in European countries, and recently this fashion came to Russia. However, they do take a lot of maintenance and should be dealt with well. Consider thatch roof maintenance.

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Features and myths

There are a large number of misconceptions about the consumption properties of straw as a roofing material. Therefore, many misconceptions and myths need to be debunked.

Myth: Rodents like to live on straw (mice and rats)

This is not true. The material fits very tightly, with each of them pressed tightly to the rod with thread. Under such a coating can penetrate not only rodents, but also external moisture.

Myth: A scaly roof indicates the poverty of homeowners

Country style today is very popular, especially in America and Europe. That is why the thatched roof today does not make the house a “village hut”, but shows the taste and originality of the owner of the house. The siding can look very interesting, especially if you approach the installation and overall design of the house and creative landscape.

Strengths and weaknesses

Using straw as a roofing material also has advantages and disadvantages:

1. The benefits include some performance.
2. Straw is a safe and environmentally friendly material that does not emit harmful and toxic substances during use, and does not contain radiation.
3. The roof of the press is strong and durable. At the same time it is light and does not create a load on wooden beams and floors. Weight 1 square. M is only 35 kg.
4. The cover is low cost, as reed straws are cheap and materials are cheap.
5. Straw contributes to creating a comfortable microclimate. The coating thickness of only 30-40 cm reliably protects the house from heat in summer and frost in winter.
6. Flammability and hygroscopicity of the material due to the fact that it is processed on both sides of two types of flame retardants (external and internal). These impregnants are not washed away in rain and snow. On the contrary, the ingredients create a moisture-proof layer, due to which the water does not fall under the roof during the melting snowmelt showers.
7. The press does not interfere with airflow, so there is no need to install the hose pipe either.
8. Straw has a long service life (over 50 years). It is resistant to the effects of harsh weather conditions, such as the roof fungus does not reproduce and does not form mold. 

Unfortunately, there also some (minor) disadvantages:

1. Straw is rarely used as a roof covering, so today it is difficult to find a good specialist who knows all the intricacies of the installation of this material.
2. The installation work usually takes more than two weeks.
3. Such a roof requires protection from birds, otherwise they may begin to build nests on the straw. It is necessary to install the mesh, which often spoils the appearance of the roof.
4. Straw is more expensive than porcelain tile.