Thatching Services
Cambridgeshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, and the surrounding areas.
At Cobb Thaching Ltd, we offer a range of expert thatching services to enhance and preserve your property. Our long straw thatching, sourced locally and averaging 3 feet in length, creates roofs with a distinctive “shaggy” appearance and decorative woodwork, typically lasting 20-30 years. We also specialise in durable water reed thatching, sourced from the East Coast of England and Hungary, which can last 40+ years. Our combed wheat reed roofs, known for their neat appearance, can endure 30-40+ years. Additionally, we provide ridge replacements and maintenance every 10-15 years for all thatch types. Even if you don’t own a thatched house, you can enjoy a thatched gazebo or summer house with our bespoke services. Serving Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas, we ensure your thatched structures remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Long Straw 
Long straw is a traditional and highly esteemed material in thatch roofing, celebrated for its natural beauty and exceptional durability. Harvested from specially grown wheat varieties, our locally sourced long straw, averaging 3 feet in length, is carefully threshed to retain its full length, providing a robust and aesthetically pleasing thatching material. Expertly applied, it forms a dense, water-resistant layer offering excellent insulation. A long straw roof typically lasts 20-30 years, identifiable by its “shaggy” appearance and decorative woodwork around eaves, gables, and windows. Many “chocolate box” houses and “Lilliput Lane” ornaments feature long straw thatching.
While the lifespan of a thatch roof can be estimated, factors such as climate and the roof’s ability to dry out significantly impact its longevity. Regular checks for vermin or bird interference, as well as managing overhanging trees to prevent debris buildup, are essential to maintain the integrity of the thatch. At Cobb Thatching Ltd, we combine traditional techniques with modern expertise, ensuring each roof we craft stands the test of time with a flawless finish.
Water Reed 
Water reed is a premier material used in thatch roofing, celebrated for its strength, durability, and natural aesthetic. Sourced primarily from wetlands and marshes, water reed consists of tall, rigid stems that are expertly harvested and bundled for use in roofing. This high-quality material is known for creating tightly packed, highly weather-resistant roofs that can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Its sleek and uniform appearance lends a clean, elegant look to thatched properties, making it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary buildings.
Our water reed, harvested from the East Coast of England between late November and mid-March to protect local wildlife, is of the finest quality. We also use Hungarian water reed, equally superior and available year-round. Typically, a well-thatched water reed roof lasts over 40 years, with some enduring up to 70 years through three cycles of new ridges and maintenance. At Cobb Thatching Ltd, we ensure every roof we thatch not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of durability and beauty.
Combed Wheat Reed
Combed wheat reed is a traditional thatching material prized for its aesthetic appeal and robustness. This material is produced by threshing wheat to remove the grain, then combing the stems to align them uniformly. The result is a smooth, straight bundle of straw that creates a neat, even finish when applied to a roof. Combed wheat reed offers excellent insulation and weather resistance, typically lasting around 30-40+ years with proper care. It often requires a new ridge and maintenance every 10-15 years, and some roofs have lasted through two cycles of new ridges and maintenance, particularly those thatched in the 1970s. Its refined appearance, with clean lines and a tidy profile, makes it a favoured choice for both heritage restorations and new builds. At Cobb Thatching Ltd, we source the highest quality combed wheat reed to ensure each thatched roof is not only visually stunning but also durable and resilient against the elements.
New Ridge & Maintenance
Ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of a thatched roof involves periodic ridge replacement and maintenance. The ridge, which forms the apex of the thatch roof, is particularly susceptible to wear due to its exposure to the elements. A new ridge not only enhances the roof’s appearance but also plays a crucial role in maintaining its weatherproofing capabilities. The process involves removing the old ridge and any deteriorated materials, then carefully crafting and installing a new ridge using high-quality thatching materials. This meticulous work ensures that the roof remains watertight and aesthetically pleasing.
This procedure is typically required every 10-15 years on all thatched properties, regardless of whether the roof is made from long straw, water reed, or combed wheat reed. The old wire is removed, and maintenance is carried out across the roof where needed. A new ridge is then applied, with decorative woodwork added around the eaves and gables of long straw roofs. The entire roof is re-secured with new galvanised wire, and the cement fillets around the chimneys are replaced. This comprehensive maintenance ensures the roof’s durability and visual appeal for many years to come.
Decorative Gazebo / Summer Houses
A thatched decorative gazebo or summer house can transform your garden into a charming retreat, even if you don’t own a thatched house. These structures offer a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. A thatched roof provides natural insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Skilled thatchers meticulously apply the thatch to a suitable frame, creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.
Adding a thatched gazebo or summer house brings unique character to your property, ideal for relaxation, entertaining guests, or enjoying the outdoors. The natural materials and traditional techniques used in thatching ensure that each structure is beautiful, eco-friendly, and sustainable. At Cobb Thatching Ltd, we use high-quality materials such as long straw, water reed, or combed wheat reed to create a visually stunning, long-lasting roof. Our expertise ensures that your gazebo or summer house will be a standout feature in your garden, providing a peaceful and attractive space for years to come.
Finials 
Finials are decorative ornaments placed at the apex of a thatched roof, adding a distinctive and personalised touch to the structure. Traditionally crafted from materials such as wood or stone, finials come in various shapes and designs, ranging from simple geometric forms to intricate carvings of animals or mythical creatures. These ornamental features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the roof but also serve as a signature of the thatcher’s craftsmanship. Each finial is meticulously designed and installed, reflecting both the heritage of thatching and the individual style of the property owner.
In addition to their decorative function, finials can also play a practical role in protecting the roof. They help secure the thatch at the ridge, preventing wind damage and ensuring the longevity of the roofing material. At Cobb Thatching Ltd, we offer bespoke finial designs tailored to complement your thatched roof and enhance its visual impact. Our skilled artisans take great pride in crafting and installing finials that blend tradition with artistic flair, making your thatched roof truly unique and eye-catching. Whether for heritage properties or new builds, finials add a finishing touch that elevates the charm and character of your home.
Further Information:
For further information about our comprehensive thatching services, including traditional long straw, water reed, and combed wheat reed thatching, please contact us. We offer expert roof inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure your thatch roof remains in top condition. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalised service. Reach out to us today to discuss your thatching needs and receive a free consultation and quotation.