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: 
  • 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. 
  • The straw will be strong, supple and of suitable length. 

​Thatching to timbers
Preparatory Work 
  • Old wire and thatch to be removed. 
  • 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 
  • The long straw is to be secured by adequate fixings to ensure that there is no slippage. 
  • Every course will be fixed to every rafter with length hooks or other appropriate fixings. 
  • The dimensions of lateral fixings should be sufficient to ensure there is no bowing between rafters. 
Coatwork

  • The material will be sufficiently compact and of even density to maintain a suitable angle. 
  • The surface shall conform to the pitch of the roof and will not normally be less than 45 degrees. 
  • The minimum thickness of the coatwork measured above the batten at right angles to the rafter shall not be less than 355mm (14in). 
  • Lining or backfill courses shall be employed as necessary to avoid the course laying too flat. 
  • Facework thickness will be maintained through all the features. 
  • The minimum depth of material over the fixings will generally be 152mm (6in). 
  • Gables shall be cut or rolled to local style and custom. The criteria will be that there is an adequate overhang. 
  • Eaves and gables will be rodded to help provide a compact edge. 
  • Soil pipes etc extending through the coatwork will be weatherproofed by adequate flashings. 
  • Box gutters to chimneys will be large enough to accommodate removal of debris. 

Top coat thatching
Preparatory work 
  • All old netting will be removed. 
  • Old thatch will be stripped off down to a sound base coat as necessary. 
  • Secured by hooks or sways or other appropriate fixings if required. Eaves and gables to be stripped out where required.
Coatwork 
  • The material shall be sufficiently compact and of even density to maintain a suitable angle. 
  • The thickness for coatwork will not be less than 305mm (12in). 
  • Facework thickness will be maintained throughout all features. 
  • Minimum depth of material over the fixings for a topcoat will be 102mm (4in). 
  • The treatment of gables shall be in accordance with paragraph 7 above. 
Fixings

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

​Netting
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. 



​​