Thatched Roofs

Question 1

What are thatched roofs typically made with?

Answer 1

1. Long straw/ combed wheat/ water reed
2. Straw bundled together using spurs (timber or reed strips) OR
3. Steel wire with crook or screw fixing
4. Covered in metal mesh

Question 2

What is spar coating?

Answer 2

Where original layers of thatch are left in place and a new layer added over the top

Question 3

What are the common causes of fire in thatched roofs?

Answer 3

1. Chimney related
2. Careless workers
3. Faulty electrical installations
4. Lightening strikes
5. Bonfires/ BBQs/ fireworks
6. Arson

Question 4

What are the main hazards of fires in thatched roofs?

Answer 4

1. Collapse of structures
2. Electrocution
3. Rapid or hidden fire spread

Question 5

What are the control measures for fires in thatched roofs?

Answer 5

1. Isolate utilities
2. Using ladders and SWAH
3. BA and RPE

Question 6

What is the rate of fire spread in thatched roofs?

Answer 6

On average 4m per hour in either direction

Question 7

When can BA crews be committed to a loft space in a thatched roof fire?

Answer 7

Only when there is a back-up BA crew immediately below them

Question 8

Explain the Dorset model in thatched roofs

Answer 8

Thatch is laid on top of fire resistant building board (FRBB) to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire protection for the roof timbers