Thatched Roof Fire Risk

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 risk. The risk of fire in thatched roofs is an issue that owners and others ignore at their peril. Once a fire starts in a thatched structure that structure is more likely to suffer damage directly related to roofing materials. 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. Property owners with thatched roofs should therefore take certain precautions to ensure the safety of their buildings.

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. Thatch fire prevention is the best course of action. 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.

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. Thatched roof fire protection is part of the package of owning a beautiful thatched property. If the causes are properly understood and the appropriate measures taken the risk of one occurring is low.

The most significant disadvantage is the fact that thatch is combustible. However it is clear that not all owners are aware of the risks they are taking. It seems worse mainly because thatched fires in unprotected properties usually causes severe damage and therefore receives maximum publicity.