How Often Should You Service Your Thatched Roof?

Why Thatched Roofs Need Regular Care

Thatch is a natural material, and like anything exposed to the sun and rain, it wears down over time. On average, a thatched roof loses about 20mm to 25mm of depth every 7 to 9 years just from general weathering.

That might not sound like much on a roof originally laid at 175mm, but the loss is steady. If you leave it too long, the binding twine holding the thatch down gets exposed. Once water hits those exposed fixings, it travels straight down into the roof structure.

Regular thatched roof maintenance (specifically getting the roof “combed” every few years) keeps the cover tight and prevents small patches of wear from turning into active leaks. It is also why most insurance policies ask for proof of ongoing maintenance and up-to-date fire retardant treatments.

What Actually Happens During a Roof Service?

A proper service (often called a “pull and comb”) is a lot more involved than just brushing off loose debris. Here is what a thatcher should actually be doing on your roof:

1. Checking High-Risk Areas First

Valleys, sections under overhanging trees, and low-pitch areas (below 45°) hold moisture the longest. These always need the closest eye.

2. Tightening the Under-Layer

Before any combing starts, the outer layer is pulled down where it has thinned out, and the binding twine underneath is re-tightened.

3. Careful Combing

Using a thatching spade (leggatt), dead material is dressed out to restore a tight, flat surface. Experience matters here, as an overly aggressive comb actually strips away healthy thatch and shortens the life of your roof.

4. Clearing Vegetation

Any overhanging branches or creepers resting against the thatch need to be cut back, as lingering shade and damp accelerate rot fast.

When Combing Isn’t Enough?

If wear gets to the point where fixings are visible on the surface, combing won’t fix the problem.

At that stage, you need targeted patching or re-thatching carried out by a professional thatching contractor to prevent water damage.

• Stripping out the rotten thatch down to solid material.
• Packing in fresh, dense thatch.
• Re-binding the section so it blends seamlessly into the rest of the roofline.

Catching these spots during a routine check is always a fraction of the cost of a full roof re-thatching or repairing water damage inside the house later.

How Often Should You Schedule an Inspection?

As a rule of thumb, you should service your thatched roof every 3 to 5 years. If you notice dark patches, moss buildup, or the surface looking generally “scruffy,” don’t wait. That is usually the first sign the top layer is loosening up.

Need a Hand with Your Roof?

Thatch Africa has been building, servicing, and repairing thatched roofs across the Eastern Cape for over 20 years. If it has been a while since someone was up on your roof, contact our team today for a straightforward assessment