We are AWARD-WINNING MASTER THATCHERS based in Cambridgeshire, with over 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. We are able to offer a FULLY COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE  to the customer on all types of thatched properties

Services

Ridge and Repair

This service normally happens after 12 – 18 years after Re-thatching has taken place. It involves the removing of the entire old ridge and repairing the roof where necessary. A choice of pattern is offered. The whole roof is then Re-Wired on Completion. Sometimes, if required only the Ridge is Re-Wired.

Re-Thatch (Straw)

Depending on the old thatch, it depends on how many layers are to be removed from the property. Most straw roofs have multiple layers; once the old layers are removed the property is re-thatched in 16–18 inches of new straw. A new ridge is fitted and the whole property is re-wired.

Full Re-Thatch (Reed)

This involves the removal of all the old thatch. The old timbers are examined and then the installation of fire retardant materials at this point is offered. To re-thatch in 15–18 inches of the best quality reed. The roof is then completed with a new ridge in the customer’s choice of pattern and re-wired.

All carpentry work is able to be undertaken from replacing of rafters, to the re-fitting of an entire roof. Any woodworm treatment and the installation of fire board, as required, can also be undertaken.

Chimney fillets are replaced every time thatching work is undertaken. If pointing is necessary this service can be offered.

Scaffolding can be provided where possible by ourselves, or we will liaise with other companies to ensure a smooth process.

We will clear and remove all rubbish from site and ensure that the whole area is left clean and tidy on completion. Are aim is to offer the best customer service at all times throughout the whole process.

Materials

We now harvest our own thatching straw, the types that we use are old English varieties. We cut the straw with a binder, before it is fully ripe. We then stook up the straw in order for it to dry in the field, before it is threshed ready for thatching.

We Coppice our own hazel to make into Rods and Wooden Spits in order to make the patterns on top of the Ridges and to hold the Thatch on to the Roof for some of the properties.

* We harvest all our own Thatching Straw.

Water Reed

This is material that is grown in either salt or fresh water. It is then cut and stored in dry conditions and only then can it be used. This material gives a very sharp and crisp finished look.

Combed Straw

This material gives a very neat look. The straw is undamaged in the harvesting and preparation. It should be around 3½ feet in length and tied in small bunches. It is stored in the dry until it is ready to use.

Long Straw

This gives a shaggy looking finish. Rod work is normally fitted to the eaves and the brows. When harvesting it will go through a threshing drum. It is then normally shook up into a heap and then drawn out ready to use. Water is often applied during the process before it is used.

These are just some of the work undertaken in recent years.

Important info

We will only take on one project at a time until all work is completed.

We work for several large Estates, Councils, Property Maintenance Companies and Insurance Firms.

We are holders of CSCS Heritage Approved Certification.

All of the Staff are trained by Graham personally and go on to become Corporate Members of “The National Society of Master Thatchers”

Graham is also a Member of the “East Midlands Master Thatching Association”.

Insurance – We carry Full Public and Employers Liability Insurance and are conversant with Health and Safety Regulations.

In Respect of precautions relating to COVID, all of our Staff are equipped with the relevant Facemasks, Gloves and Hand Sanitisers.

Guarantee – We offer a 5 Year Guarantee on all Re-Ridging and all other aspects of Re-Thatching work. We will put right at our expense any damage to your roof, which is of a non-insurable nature, i.e. any faults with workmanship or materials is necessary this service can be offered.

We can provide scaffolding where possible; however, we will liaise with other companies to ensure a smooth process if we are required to do so.

What People Say

Angela and I would like to thank you both for the hard work and excellent job you did here at “Bell Cottage”. We are very pleased with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you.

Angela and Philip

We are very happy with the new ridge and extremely impressed with the professionalism and skill of Graham’s team. They worked hard and showed great care for our property and garden. They exceeded our expectations and made the whole experience much easier than we expected.

Mr & Mrs Thompson

Dear Graham, Our thanks to you and not forgetting Sam for the lovely job you have done on our home – a proud advert for your work! With our thanks and best wishes.

James & Ann 

Many thanks for your expert workmanship in the re-thatching of our cottage, we are overwhelmed by the tourist interest Graham and co created, a class act for us to live up to.

Mr Darling

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for doing such a splendid job on our cottages and to let you know that we appreciate your efforts and skills. We have received many compliments from people passing by and the neighbours regarding the roof.

Mr & Mrs Pinner

Dear Graham and Team. Thank you soooooo much for such a lovely job. Also, the little dog is great!

Inky & Sandra

Hi Graham, I just wanted to Thank you for the very professional and helpful service you gave us. I was absolutely delighted with the result and the way you and your team worked. I would not hesitate to recommend you in the future and wish you well with your business.

Kevin & Anita Morone

Thank you so much for all the hard work, we are so pleased with results and we hope you also managed to secure some passing trade!

Gary Fox & Paula Ward

Thank you very much for doing such a lovely job on my roof.

Rosemary

Many thanks for your effective and speedy service.

Mrs Mathews at Manningtree

“Thank you to you, Sam, Tommy and Oliver for the wonderful job you’ve done in Re-Thatching “Wood Cottage”. The way you and the Team work is very impressive and I have enjoyed your company! I shall miss being woken by “thump-thump-thump” on the roof! All the best.

Nick

"Many thanks, we are both delighted with the work and would also like to say how impressed we were with your team, they are a credit to you"

Mr & Mrs Read

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