The scientific term for insulating properties is “thermal conductance,” known as the U value. Unlike conventional roofing systems that trap heat and moisture vapour in attics, thatched roofs require no attic ventilation.Ī water reed thatched roof, 12 inches thick at a pitch angle of 45 degrees meets the most modern insulation standards. One of the great attractions of thatch is that is extremely thermally efficient – warm in winter and cool in summer. Each thatch layer is built up to a minimum thickness of around 14 inches and gravity carries rain, sleet, and snow down and off the roof. The thatchers’ art consists of carefully laying 5 to 6 foot bundles of reeds atop one another so that an impenetrable shell of waterproofing covers a roof. Moisture typically does not absorb into the thatch bundles more than 1 or 2 inches. If you bundle enough of these water shedding plants together, water simply cannot penetrate. The water is kept out by the tight overlapping of cells on the plant’s outer layers. In fact, the inside of a natural water reed is hollow. This is no waterlogged plant, soggy and bloated with water. River Shannon reed cutters work very hard at managing the reed beds and provide top quality thatching reeds which stand the test of time. The Shannon River and it’s tributaries produce an abundance of water reed. The most durable thatching material is water reed (Phragmites Australis) which can last up to 60 years but in Ireland 40+ years is more typical. In wet lowlands, sedge has been a traditional thatch, particularly for ridging material. Rye, barley and oat straw, and even heathers have been used. If local farmers were growing wheat, then wheat reed or straw was used. Traditionally thatchers use locally available materials. Thatch is a natural reed and grass which, when properly cut, dried, and installed, forms a waterproof roof. Distinctive? With a capital D! What is thatch and a thatched roof? There is simply no other type of roof that has such texture, such swoops and rolls, and such personality. Thatched roofs are beautiful! Once you’ve seen a thatched building in decent repair, you’ll never ask the question again. Once on the roof, the reed acts as a carbon store and carbon drawn from the atmosphere during the growth period is locked within the reeds. From harvest to the finished roof, thatch uses a minimal amount of energy. It is not only beautiful on the eye, but also environmentally beautiful. A thatched roof is sturdy, durable and an effective barrier against the elements and is impenetrable to bugs, birds and vermin. Water reed thatching is a proven system with a life expectancy in excess of 60 years.
0 kommentar(er)
