While thatched roofs are most commonly associated with quaint country cottages in picturesque villages in England, they can actually be found all over the world. But are there thatched roofs in america?
In fact, there are a number of thatched roofs in America. It is estimated there are a thatched properties in every US state although these roofs are far less commonly found here than in other countries.
Thatching is a type of roofing material that has been used for centuries. It is typically made from straw, reeds, or grass, and it is held together with twine or wire.
Thatch is an excellent insulator, and it is also very effective at shedding water. As a result, thatched roofs were once a popular choice for homes in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Today, thatched roofs are more commonly seen in historical reenactments and tourist attractions than in actual homes in America. However, in times past it was used before it fell out of fashion.
Thatched Roofs In The USA
Thatched roofs fell out of popularity in the United States and Canada in the late 19th century. Today, there are only a handful of thatched roofs left in the country.
Nevertheless, these unique structures continue to evoke a sense of history and tradition.
Thatch roofs are now commonly seen at resorts, theme parks, and private projects. Using thatch roofs adds a vintage feel to these projects. It is becoming a popular tourist idea for people who want to explore the past.
However, with thatch’s resurgence as a sustainable and aesthetic material, thatch’s popularity is now on the rise.
Synthetic thatch is durable and recyclable, thereby minimising its vulnerability to fire and other problems making it much more appealing.
Why Are Thatched Roofs Not Popular In America?
Thatch is a natural building material and has been used for centuries as a roof cover before the advent of modern materials like asphalt shingles or corrugated steel roofing.
Thatched roofs were once a common sight in America, but they fell out of favour in the late 19th century.
There are several reasons why thatch roofs are uncommon in America.
Thatched Roofing USA
Thatch was used in Europe and Australia because of the abundance of easily harvested reeds and grasses, which are sufficient to cover a roof without needing to be imported from elsewhere.
The United States does not have a native source of reeds or long grasses that can be readily harvested for thatching, so it’s very rare to see it in use there. There are some areas where thatched roofs might be built, but they’re likely to use imported material, which makes them uncommon.
Secondly, thatch is a highly flammable material, and straw fires were a common occurrence in rural areas.
Finally, thatched roofs require regular maintenance, and as American cities grew, people became less willing to invest the time and effort required to keep a thatched roof in good condition.
As a result, thatched roofs became increasingly rare in America, and today they are mostly found in historic buildings or tourist attractions.
Can You Have a Thatched Roof in America? Are They Legal?
Thatched roofs are legal but much less common in America than in other countries because of a lack of readily available materials, the historic fire hazard, the maintenance and requirement for skilled labour to keep them in good condition. Plus the insurance on the thatched roof might also be a problem.
However, thatched roofs are still a unique and evocative type of roofing, and especially now with the advent of synthetic thatch, they are becoming increasingly popular again here as well as in other parts of the world.
