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Practice paper

Understanding thatched buildings

Jessica Hunnisett
Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, 10 (1), 46-61 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.69554/GYTX3916

Abstract

Thatched buildings are found throughout the UK but are in decline in some areas, particularly in Scotland. There is a wide range of thatching traditions and materials which are locally distinctive in terms of the roof construction, profile, materials, methods and fixing details. Understanding the construction and materials found in thatched-roofed buildings is essential when undertaking inspection, repairs or renovation projects. Thatched roofs are subject to deterioration through lack of maintenance and are particularly susceptible to damp, vermin attack and fire, if not detailed correctly and maintained. Thatched roofs offer challenges to the surveyor, who must understand the historic construction methods, regional variations, appropriate materials and what to include in a specification. Ensuring that building professionals and clients understand these unique buildings, the materials and the risks will help ensure that good quality repair and conservation projects are carried out.

Keywords: thatch; thatching; roofs; vernacular; conservation

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Author's Biography

Jessica Hunnisett MRICS IHBC FSAScot, is a conservation accredited chartered building surveyor and District Surveyor for the Central West region of the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Estate. Jessica studied building surveying at the College of Estate Management and has an MSc in building conservation from Heriot-Watt University. She has written and presented widely on behalf of HES at conferences and seminars on a range of matters affecting the conservation of the traditional built environment. She has previously worked in the HES technical research team, taking a interest in traditional materials and vernacular buildings, also in the buildings team at the National Trust for Scotland and as a local authority conservation officer in Sussex and Bath. She is an RICS Certified Historic Building Professional, an accredited member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and an SPAB Lethaby Scholar. Jessica managed the SPAB Survey of Thatched Buildings in Scotland, published by HES in 2015.

Citation

Hunnisett, Jessica (2021, June 1). Understanding thatched buildings. In the Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, Volume 10, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.69554/GYTX3916.

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cover image, Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation
Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation
Volume 10 / Issue 1
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