Thatched Properties

When a fire takes hold of a thatched property the damage is devastating. Follow our simple top tips for keeping your thatched property safe and download our handy information booklet for lots more useful fire safety advice.

• It is important to insulate the chimney flue to prevent the heat from transferring into the thatch layer. This is especially important when a solid fuel or wood burner is installed as they burn at higher temperatures than conventional open fires.
• Have the chimney swept regularly by a qualified chimney sweep. A chimney in regular use should be swept twice a year.
• Only burn seasoned wood.
• Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney engineer.
• If you have a spark arrestor fitted clean it regularly. This should be done every three months on chimneys in regular use and the arrestor should be taken down to clean.
• Fit a bird guard to deter birds from building nests in chimneys.
• Develop a fire plan for your home.
• Smoke alarms should be installed throughout your home. If you have a loft space then an interlinked smoke alarm should be installed which is linked to at least one other within your home.
• Be careful when using blowtorches or heat guns (if plumbing or painting etc).

We also encourage you to fill in our Thatched Property Owners Pack and keep it in a safe place at home. The details in this pack will give firefighters all the information they need to know about your property and in the event of a fire at your home, will enable them to tackle the fire more swiftly.