Top tips to keep your thatched roof safe
Although thatch fires are not common, over 90% of thatch roof fires start as a direct result of using an open fire, wood burning or multi fuel stove.
As thatch is designed to repel water this makes extinguishing such fires difficult and, more often than not, results in homes & memories being destroyed.
By following these simple guidelines we hope to greatly reduce the risk of fire to homes and our heritage:
GET IT SWEPT
All working chimneys & flues should be swept by a professional either:
Once a year for smokeless fuel, oil or gas
Every six months for all other types of fuel
GET IT CHECKED
Get a CCTV survey completed on all working chimneys and flues every three years to check for any damage or faults
GET IT LINED
Chimneys & flues should be lined in accordance with “The Building Regulations Approved Document J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems” so get it installed by a professional
BIN IT DON’T BURN IT
Don’t use your fire as an incinerator, waste & wrapping paper can eject from the chimney as a burning ember
SEASONED WOOD
Burn only seasoned wood as the sap and tar content is substantially lower which reduces the build up of tar deposits in the chimney
BONFIRES & BBQ’s
Light bonfires, barbecues, fire pits, chimineas and incinerators as far away from the thatch as possible.
ELECTRICS
Make sure that your electrics are up to date and you have a current and satisfactory “Electrical Installation Certificate” (EIC). Recessed lighting can get extremely hot so ensure that fire protection covers are fitted
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Have a least one CO2 (minimum 2KG) fire extinguisher on each floor of your home and a fire blanket in the kitchen.
ESCAPE
Sometimes prevention isn’t enough so should the worst happen have an escape plan.