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Conservation
Tips:
Reducing
the Risk of Thatch Fires
Jonathan
Taylor
Straw or reed thatched
roofs can be ignited by sparks from a chimney or bonfire, or by the heat
from faulty electrical wiring, particularly in very dry weather. Flame
retardants are available but may have to be renewed annually to remain
effective, and the chemicals used may encourage the thatch to decay.:
| Our
Recommendations : |
| 1 |
Fit
a spark arrester to the chimney |
| 2 |
When
rethatching, check all chimneys and flues particularly where they
pass through the thatch layer and repair them (using an appropriate
lime mortar) |
| 3 |
Separate
thatch from the chimney stack with heavy gauge aluminium foil |
| 4 |
If
the lining of the flue is found to be deteriorating, fit a flue liner |
| 5 |
Any
wire netting used should be designed for 'quick release', allowing
fire-fighters to remove the thatch in an emergency |
| 6 |
Access
ways to the roof space (such as trap doors) should be large enough
for fire-fighters to gain access to the underside of the thatch quickly |
| 7 |
Fit
a simple 'sparge' pipe (concealed within the thatch) to deliver water
along the ridge, with a connection at ground level to which the fire
brigade may connect a water supply |
| 8 |
Where
the historic importance or character of the interior will allow it,
line the ceiling or the underside of the thatch with fireresistant
boarding to provide passive fire protection between the interior and
the thatch |
| 9 |
Do
not light bonfires near the house |
For further information
see: Heritage Under Fire edited by Stewart Kidd, available from
The Fire Protection Association, 140 Aldersgate Street, London EC1 A 4HX
.
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© Cathedral Communications Limited 2005 |
