Woodgate & Clark Puts Out Thatched Roof Fire Warning

After a long period of dry, hot days, a fully dry thatch is more likely to catch fire from small sparks.  To mitigate this risk, Woodgate & Clark would like to see homeowners encouraged to dampen their roof if they can so that it isn’t bone dry and to consider specialist fire-retardant treatment.  Around 60,000 of the UK’s housing stock has thatched roofs and 75% of these are listed buildings.

While thatch is designed to shed water, this makes it difficult to extinguish in a fire. There are between 50 and 80 serious fires each year at thatched properties . In addition, fireworks and other external sources contribute to 18% of thatched roof fires.

Richard Wilson, Director of Specialist Services at Woodgate and Clark said: “Thatched roof fires are most common in Autumn and Winter as they tend to start from the chimney, but after this sustained period of hot, dry weather in the UK, there is a concern that a spark from a barbecue or outside fire could easily ignite the thatch.  Once a thatch has caught fire it spreads very quickly.

“A fire-retardant treatment should be applied the outside of the thatch to protect it from embers and sparks from chimneys, fireworks, and UV rays. This should be done every five to seven years and can go a long way to prevent a disastrous fire at any time of year.”

Historic England carried out a three-year research programme and offers guidance on reducing risk.

About Woodgate & Clark:

Woodgate & Clark is a financially secure, highly experienced, loss adjusting company which makes independent business decisions that are in the best interests of our clients. Since 2015 we have been part of the Van Ameyde Group of companies, Europe’s market leader in international claims management and, through acquisition and organic growth, Woodgate & Clark now serves the vast majority of the insurance market; specialist personal lines including heritage and HNW; commercial lines including property and business interruption; entertainment, events and media (film and TV); London Market; and contractor networks. Through Van Ameyde, we also have access to European wide expertise in all marine and nonmarine insurance claims handling services including loss prevention marine consultancy and operational and technical surveys.

For more information: Alison Reeson at HSL on 07876 597466 or Matthew Enderby at HSL on 07788 257107

Useful links

• www.adrianflux.co.uk/blog/2024/06/thatched-roof-pros-cons/
• nsmtltd.co.uk/properties-most-at-risk-from-a-fire-in-the-thatch/
• www.thatchadvicecentre.co.uk/thatch-fire-prevention/risk-management/risks#gallery-3
• historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/emergency-and-fire/fire-advice/reducing-fires-in-thatched-roof-properties/