Service Identity
Dorset Thatchers arranges and carries out roof thatching, repairs and re-thatch work using water reed and long straw. We work on period properties, listed buildings, older homes and appropriate new builds. Customers typically contact us when their thatch shows wear, moss or thinning, or after storm damage that causes leaks or ridge failure.
Our service includes condition assessment, written recommendations and the practical work to reinstate a weather-tight roof. Typical repairs range from patching and re-coating to full re-thatch and ridge renewal. We describe materials and techniques in plain terms so owners and stewards can choose the correct approach for their property and conservation needs.
How It Works
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Get in touch: Send details and photos of the roof, plus property type and any listing status. This helps us understand the likely scale of work before a visit.
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Site assessment: We arrange a site visit. Our Roof Thatchings inspect thatch layers, ridge condition, signs of leaks, moss build-up and any structural concerns. They record material type (water reed or long straw) and note where patching, stripping back or a full re-thatch may be needed.
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Condition report: After inspection we provide a written condition report. The report specifies scope, recommended materials, expected remaining lifespan and any listed-building or planning considerations. It also outlines maintenance actions and known trade-offs between repair types.
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Written quote and schedule: If you approve the report, we issue a written quote that lists tasks, materials (for example water reed, long straw, ridge work), estimated timings and a proposed schedule to reduce disruption. For listed buildings we note any additional steps for consent.
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Delivery and handover: Our Roof Thatchings carry out the agreed work, perform final checks and leave a maintenance note showing expected inspection intervals and any short-term care actions. For commercial clients we plan work to fit trading hours where feasible.
Oversight & Standards
Enquiries and reports follow clear, technical checks. Inspectors look at thatch depth, layer integrity, ridge condition, moss and debris, and signs of vermin or water ingress. Where relevant they note structural load concerns from old heavy layers and advise on stripping back before re-laying.
Work is completed to published practices for traditional roofing. Our Roof Thatchings record the materials used—water reed, long straw or long-straw ridges—and verify that the finished thickness and workmanship meet the agreed scope. We include notes on fire barrier provision where applicable and on maintenance intervals to avoid premature deterioration.
Service Coverage
We operate across Dorset, serving homeowners, commercial property owners and heritage stewards. Typical jobs include patch repairs after storms, routine condition surveys for listed buildings, ridge renewal and full re-thatch of older homes or new-builds requiring traditional finishes.
Clients in rural and conservation areas often ask for documentation for planning or insurance purposes. We provide the written condition report and quote you can use when seeking consents or confirming specification with local authorities.
Our Team
Our work is carried out by local Roof Thatchings who hold Thatching Apprenticeships (City & Guilds) and who follow National Society of Master Thatchers guidance. Where listed-building work is involved, our Roof Thatchings note the documentation needed for Listed Building Consent and the techniques required to retain original character.
We schedule work to limit disruption to homes and to trading hours for pubs, hotels and B&Bs where possible. All staff descriptions and qualifications are provided in the written quote and condition report when you request a site visit.