Craft Specifications - Part III a
Long Straw
Quality of material
The association recognises only good quality long straw grown specially for the purpose of thatching. The guidelines for assessing quality are as follows:

1. Whichever method of threshing is employed it shall leave the straw stem as little bruised and broken as possible, preferably removing cavings and all other debris.
2. The straw will be strong, supple and of suitable length.

THATCHING TO TIMBERS

• Preparatory Work
  1. Old wire and thatch to be removed.
  2. The roof frame will comply with specifications for thatch.
• Fixings
  The criteria to be employed at all times is that the material is to be fixed under tension and that it will not slip
  1. The long straw is to be secured by adequate fixings to ensure that there is no slippage.
  2. Every course will be fixed to every rafter with length hooks or other appropriate fixings.
  3. The dimensions of lateral fixings should be sufficient to ensure there is no bowing between rafters.
• Coatwork
  1. The material will be sufficiently compact and of even density to maintain a suitable angle.
  2. The surface shall conform to the pitch of the roof and will not normally be less than 45 degrees.
  3. The minimum thickness of the coatwork measured above the batten at right angles to the rafter shall not be less than 355mm (14in).
  4. Lining or backfill courses shall be employed as necessary to avoid the course laying too flat.
  5. Facework thickness will be maintained through all the features.
  6. The minimum depth of material over the fixings will generally be 152mm (6in).
  7. Gables shall be cut or rolled to local style and custom. The criteria will be that there is an adequate overhang.
  8. Eaves and gables will be rodded to help provide a compact edge.
  9. Soil pipes etc extending through the coatwork will be weatherproofed by adequate flashings.
  10. Box gutters to chimneys will be large enough to accommodate removal of debris.

TOP COAT THATCHING

• Preparatory work
  1. All old netting will be removed.
  2. Old thatch will be stripped off down to a sound base coat as necessary.
  3. Secured by hooks or sways or other appropriate fixings if required. Eaves and gables to be stripped out where required.
• Coatwork
  1. The material shall be sufficiently compact and of even density to maintain a suitable angle.
  2. The thickness for coatwork will not be less than 305mm (12in).
  3. Facework thickness will be maintained throughout all features.
  4. Minimum depth of material over the fixings for a topcoat will be 102mm (4in).
  5. The treatment of gables shall be in accordance with paragraph 7 above.
• Fixings
  1. Where eaves and gables are removed, the new eaves and gables will normally be secured using hooks and sways or other appropriate fixings.
  2. Elsewhere it will be normal to use spars of adequate length to secure the new coat to the old, with or without the use of straw or other bonds.
  3. The criteria to be employed at all times is that the material is to be fixed under tension and will not slip.

RIDGEWORK
NB: The association does not recognise the practice of cutting a block pattern out of coatwork to create a thickness of ridge.

1. Ridges may be of block cut pattern or flush type as required.
2. Both types shall be set in the best possible angle, dependent on the features of the roof.
3. Rolls are normally employed in ridging work and covered with a minimum thickness of 102m (4in) of material.
4. Where a block pattern is employed the depth of cut, including ornamental patternwork, shall be a thickness in region of 76mm (3in).
5. Joints at chimneys etc projecting from the ridge shall be weatherproofed by adequate flashing.

NETTIING All areas of the roof will be securely protected by 20 gauge x 19mm maximum mesh galvanised wire netting. Netting shall conform closely to roof shape.