Craft Specifications - Part II
Combed Wheat Reed
Quality of material
The wheat reed shall be strong, supple and of suitable length. The wheat reed will be suitable if, on passing through the reed comber (located on top of an ordinary threshing drum), it combs out undamaged with the grain and leaves removed and with all the butts laid in one direction. No straw shall travel through the drum.
Ground work and storage of material
Material stored on site shall be protected by tarpaulin against adverse weather. The bundles may be lightly dampened and allowed to steep prior to use.

THATCHING TO TIMBERS
The specification for preparatory work, fixings and coatwork shall be the same as in Part I - Water Reed with the following amendment:

• Preparatory Work
  1. All old netting shall be removed.
  2. Old thatch shall be stripped off down to a sound base as necessary.
  3. Secured by hooks and sways or other appropriate fixings if necessary.
  4. Eaves and gables will be stripped out where appropriate.
• Fixings
  1. The wheat reed is to secured by adequate fixings to ensure that there is no slippage.
  2. Every course of wheat reed shall be fixed to the base coat underneath.
  3. A lining backfill course shall be employed as necessary to avoid wheat reed laying too flat.
  4. The depth of material over the fixing will be a minimum of 102mm (4in)
• Coatwork
  The depth of material over the fixings will be a minimum of 102mm (4in) with the exception of the top course which may by slightly less.

TOP COAT THATCHING
The specification for Top coat thatching will be as Part I - Water Reed with the following amendments to Coatwork paragraphs 1, 3 and 4.

• The wheat reed shall be sufficiently compact, and be of even density to maintain a suitable angle.
• The minimum depth over base coat from the surface of the thatch will not be less than 305mm (12in).
• Facework thickness will be maintained throughout all features.

EAVES AND GABLES
Eaves and gables will be cut or dressed to local style and custom. The criteria will be that there is adequate overhang.
RIDGEWORK
Material - good quality long straw, combed wheat reed or sedge.
NETTING
It is advisable to protect all slopes with 20 gauge x 19mm galvanised wire netting. The netting should conform closely to the roof shape.