I spotted this thatched roof having the final touches put to its new ridge today. The main part of the roof is usually thatched in reeds, and can easily last for over 40 years. Straw is used for the ridge because it is more flexible and can be bent over the top. It is less hard-wearing and takes the brunt of the weather so has to be re-done more frequently. Each thatcher has his own signature pattern that he carves into the bottom of the finished ridge.
how cool is that? it occurred to me looking at your other photos that altho' i've heard about thatched roofs forever, i'd never actually SEEN one, even in a picture... so interesting to finally get a chance to see what it's all about :)
Great shot and info. we have a place where we shop that has a thatched roof. Makes you wonder why this guy isn't sliding off and why animals don't eat it.
@sailingmusic Hmm I am not sure why it isn't eaten, but the last house we lived in was thatched and we had LOTS of spiders and a bit of a mouse problem because of it. He isn't sliding off because he has several short ladders that are attached to the roof with long spikes. You can just about see them in this pic
