Harry Mc Evoy Repairing his Roof
Harry Mc Evoy of Martry, Kells, repairing his thatched roof. His thatching fork is prominent beside him.
By permission of Geraldine Tallon.Harry Mc Evoy Repairing his Roof
By permission of Geraldine Tallon.
By permission of Geraldine Tallon.
Harry Mc Evoy Repairing his Roof
Harry Mc Evoy of Martry, Kells, repairing his thatched roof. His thatching fork is prominent beside him.
By permission of Geraldine Tallon.Sometimes a layer of sod was placed on the roof timbers to support the thatch and provide a good seal.
Historically, thatchers sourced their materials locally. Materials used for thatch included the straw of wheat, oats, barley and rye. Sometimes, heathers were also used.
Innovative use of the Welly Boot
This shows a man happily thatching his house, using economical means.
Image courtesy of Seamus Healy.Innovative use of the Welly Boot
Image courtesy of Seamus Healy.
Image courtesy of Seamus Healy.
Innovative use of the Welly Boot
This shows a man happily thatching his house, using economical means.
Image courtesy of Seamus Healy.The longest lasting thatching material is water reed, which can last up to sixty years. In recent years, it has become difficult to get strong water reed in Ireland because its quality is affected by the use of chemical farm fertilizers. For this reason, some professional thatchers now source their materials from countries like Turkey, Poland, Hungary and France.
Thatching is environmentally friendly because it uses renewable materials that do not have to be mined or quarried. It avoids the creation of unnecessary waste, and does not drain the planet's natural resources.