Service Identity
If your thatched roof is letting water in, thinning in places, or showing heavy moss and debris, we help you get it assessed and repaired. We arrange site visits and written condition reports that outline the problem, recommended actions and the materials likely to be used. Our role is to produce clear, technical information so homeowners, commercial owners and heritage stewards can decide on next steps.
We work with roofs that use water reed and long straw. Typical situations include patch repairs, ridge replacement, re-coating, stripping back to sound layers and full re-thatch. We cover listed building work, period properties, newer builds that need a traditional finish, and commercial roofs such as pubs or B&Bs that require minimal trading disruption.
Our service focuses on practical outcomes: a weather-tight thatch with an appropriate finish and a written plan for maintenance. Estimates describe scope, materials, the likely remaining lifespan and an outline timetable for work.
How It Works
1. Initial enquiry: Tell us about the roof. Provide photos where possible and note any leaks, internal damp, or visible wear. We review the details and may ask for further photos or plans.
2. Site visit: We arrange a local Roof Thatchings to visit. The on-site inspection records ridge condition, thatch thickness, signs of rot or vermin, and any structural concerns. The visit usually takes under an hour for a typical cottage roof.
3. Condition report: After the visit you receive a written condition report and a summary of findings. The report identifies whether patching, re-coating, stripping back or a full re-thatch is appropriate. It lists materials (water reed, long straw or long-straw ridge), describes required techniques, and gives a lifespan estimate and maintenance recommendations.
4. Quote and scheduling: The report accompanies a free, no-obligation quote from a local Roof Thatchings. The quote is itemised and specifies scope, materials, timings and access needs. If you accept, the local Roof Thatchings will agree a start date and on-site arrangements.
5. Completion and follow-up: Work is completed by the local Roof Thatchings named in the quote. A final check confirms ridge finish, thatch profile and tidy-up. We ask the Roof Thatchings to provide a written maintenance plan and clear contact details for future inspections.
Partner model: we pass enquiries to local Roof Thatchings who carry out the agreed work.
Oversight & Standards
All enquiries are reviewed against a standard checklist so the condition report is consistent. Reports record visible symptoms such as leaks, wear, moss or debris, and list the technical actions recommended for each issue. Common components covered in reports include ridge condition, thatch layers and recommended fire barriers where appropriate.
Work is planned to follow published guidance from the National Society of Master Thatchers (NSMT). Where relevant, we note qualifications such as Thatching Apprenticeships (City & Guilds) held by Roof Thatchings who attend the site. Quotes include clear scope statements so you know whether the proposal is patching, re-coating, stripping back or a full re-thatch.
For listed buildings we include basic planning and listed-building considerations in the report. That information is for guidance; you should consult your local planning authority for final consent requirements. The condition report aims to reduce uncertainty about costs, timescales and likely visual outcomes.
Service Coverage
We operate across Dorset and nearby areas, serving owners of period homes, listed properties, commercial premises and new builds that require a traditional thatch finish. Work ranges from small patch repairs to full re-thatch projects and ridge replacement.
Availability varies with season and with the workload of local Roof Thatchings. For larger or commercial jobs we recommend contacting us early so we can secure inspection dates and a reasonable start window. The written condition report and quote make it easier to plan around business hours and trading needs.
Independent Professionals
We do not carry out on-site thatching work ourselves. Work is completed by local Roof Thatchings who hold relevant experience with water reed and long straw techniques. Dorset Thatchers reviews your request, arranges a suitable Roof Thatchings to inspect the roof and issues a written condition report and itemised quote.
No. Work is completed by independent local Roof Thatchings in and around Dorset. We review your request and arrange for a suitable Roof Thatching to contact you with a quote and availability.
Local Roof Thatchings supplying quotes will specify materials, the proposed technique (for example re-coating, stripping back or handcrafted layering), estimated timescales and recommended follow-up maintenance. They will also confirm any listed-building considerations and outline measures to reduce disruption during the works.
If you need further clarification after an inspection, we can ask the attending Roof Thatchings to provide additional detail. Our aim is to keep the decision process factual and transparent so you can plan costs, access and timing with confidence.