Considering thatched roofs are made from natural materials, it’s fair to ask, do thatched roofs grow?
Well, if you’ve found yourself asking this question, we’re here to give you the answer. Let’s look at whether thatched roofs grow.
Do Thatched Roofs Grow? Thatched roofs don’t typically grow. While they’re made from organic material, it’s stuff that has been previously harvested and dried. In fact, in most situations, moist organic matter is very harmful to the roof’s structure.
Most thatched roofs in the UK are made from either straw or water reed. This grows in the sense that it must be grown to exist, but once harvested and dried, will cease to grow.
After all, it’s been separated from its roots and leaves, so has no way of actually growing.
The only thatched roof that would grow is one made of sod (turf). This isn’t a common technique used nowadays but was popular in Nordic cultures during the first millennium.
During this time, people would build houses that they simply thatched with grass, or used earth and waited for the grass to grow.
It offered surprisingly good insulation and, unlike modern thatch material, was much less prone to fire. Of course, fires were more likely back then when you had an open one in the middle of your house, so it isn’t something you’d need to worry about now.
If you want a representation of what this kind of thatched roof would look like, some good sources are The Northman and, surprisingly, The Lord of the Rings. After all, what is a Hobbit home if not a building thatched in sod?
What Grows on a Thatched Roof?
While the thatching material itself doesn’t grow, a better question might be, what grows on a thatched roof? The organic matter and presence of moisture on the surface is a pretty good basis for things to grow on. So, let’s look at what grows on a thatched roof.
Moss and Lichen
Moss and lichen are the most obvious things that grow on a thatched roof, particularly on the leeward (downwind) side. The wet conditions of a thatched roof in rain are perfect for both of these organisms, giving them plenty of opportunity to grow.
Also, moss is great at retaining water, meaning it only makes the problem worse.
Remove it using a specialised moss remover:
Grass
Grass can grow almost anywhere it wants, including on a thatched roof. If seeds blow up there, nothing is stopping them from taking hold.
Grass needs very little in terms of nutrients or support, which is why a thatched roof is an ideal home for those errant seeds. If you see it growing on your roof, be sure to call a thatcher to get it sorted.
Final Thoughts on Thatched Roofs Growing
Hopefully, this article has answered your question of whether a thatched roof grows. Generally, the answer is no, but it ultimately depends on the thatching materials used.
Providing the materials are harvested properly, they shouldn’t grow, and providing your roof is maintained, nothing should grow on them!
