Everything you need to know about thatched roofs

The charm and craftsmanship of thatched roofs

The thatched roof embodies both the beauty of rural heritage and the ingenuity of ancestral craftsmanship. Once common in the countryside of Normandy, Brittany, or Brière, thatched roofing symbolized a simple and sustainable form of vernacular architecture.

Today, it is once again admired for its natural aesthetic and ecological performance. In a world striving for sustainable materials, the traditional thatched cottage is making a comeback — combining authenticity, comfort, and environmental respect. Let’s discover everything you need to know about it.

What is a thatched roof?

A thatched roof is a natural roofing system made from materials such as rye straw, Camargue reed, or rushes. These plants are bundled into thatching sheaves and fastened to a traditional wooden frame using battens and galvanized wire. The bundles are laid in thick, dense layers that provide excellent rain protection.

Breathable, insulating, and fully biodegradable, thatch offers a healthy and sustainable roofing solution.

Unlike tiled roofs, it doesn’t retain heat and naturally regulates indoor temperature. Its soft, silky appearance gives homes a unique charm, typical of traditional thatched cottages.

The advantages of a thatched roof

• Eco-friendly roofing: made from natural, renewable materials.
• Natural insulation: keeps warmth in during winter and coolness in summer.
• Excellent soundproofing: thatch absorbs outside noise.
• Natural waterproofing: the dense layering prevents water penetration, even in heavy rain.
• Healthy and sustainable material: chemical-free, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly.
• Unique aesthetic: a rustic, warm, and timeless plant-based finish.
• Eco-conscious housing: ideal for sustainable building and natural renovation projects.

The drawbacks of a thatched roof

Despite its many advantages, the thatched roof also has some limitations worth considering before starting a project:

• Regular maintenance: gentle cleaning and moss removal every 2 to 3 years are needed to preserve the roof.
• Specialized labor: only a few master thatchers possess this rare expertise, which can lengthen project timelines.
• Sensitivity to humidity: in wooded or poorly ventilated areas, thatch dries more slowly and ages faster.
• Fire resistance: although dense and treated, thatch remains more flammable than tiles.
• Higher initial cost: building or restoring a thatched roof is more expensive than standard roofing.

What is the lifespan of a thatched roof?

The lifespan of a thatched roof ranges from 30 to 50 years, sometimes more with regular maintenance. A durable thatched roof depends on the quality of materials, roof pitch, and exposure to wind and sunlight.

NOTE: Hiring a qualified thatcher is key to ensuring longevity. When maintained properly, even an old thatched roof can be restored and last several more decades.

How is a thatched roof installed?

Installing a thatched roof requires precise technique and attention to detail.

1. Preparing the wooden frame: the structure must be strong, well-ventilated, and able to support the weight of the thatch.
2. Fixing the bundles: the reed or rye straw bundles are laid layer by layer on battens, tied down with galvanized wire for secure fastening.
3. Finishing the ridge: the top section is covered with a ridge made of heather or compressed thatch to ensure watertightness and durability.

Each step requires the expertise of a thatcher. This traditional craft cannot be improvised — it’s best to hire an experienced artisan trained in this specialized trade.

How to maintain a thatched roof?

Proper thatched roof maintenance is essential to extend the life of this eco-friendly roofing. Here are a few tips:

• Gentle cleaning: avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals. A light brushing is enough to remove debris.
• Remove moss and algae: they trap moisture and accelerate aging.
• Repair damaged areas: an artisan can replace worn bundles without redoing the entire roof.
• Inspect every three years: have the roof checked by a professional to detect early signs of wear.

How much does a thatched roof cost?

The cost of a thatched roof generally ranges between €100 and €150 per m², depending on the region and project complexity. Several factors affect the price:

• The choice of materials: rye straw, reed, or rush.
• The roof pitch and site accessibility.
• The finishing details, especially the ridge and decorative elements.

Installing a thatched roof requires the expertise of a professional thatcher, which explains the higher labor cost.

To help offset the investment, certain grants or heritage restoration subsidies may be available, particularly for historic or listed properties. A personalized quote remains the best way to estimate your thatched roof project cost.

Where can thatched roofs be found?

Thatched houses are an integral part of France’s rural heritage. They are most common in the western and northern regions: Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, as well as Brière and the Marais Poitevin, where this traditional roofing has survived through the centuries. In the Camargue, thatch still shelters the region’s iconic “gardian” huts.

Today, this ancestral craft is being revived in modern eco-construction projects, admired for its natural charm and performance.

Abroad, especially in England and the Netherlands, thatched roofs remain widespread — symbols of rural architecture that is both beautiful, durable, and environmentally conscious.

A living and eco-friendly craftsmanship

The thatched roof represents the perfect balance between tradition and sustainability.

A true emblem of thatched craftsmanship, it combines natural beauty with durable roofing. This ancestral expertise, passed down through generations, deserves to be preserved.

Order your thatched roofing straw directly from our specialized shop — 100% French straw, grown with respect for the environment.