The first half of the course looks at some of the history of thatched roofs, the materials used, regional styles, the different methods of  thatching and ridging techniques, some roof construction, tools and fixings, how to recognise the different materials.  There is also additional information on fire barriers and fire precautions, factors affecting the life of thatch and its maintenance and specific details on best practices employed in and around thatched roofs.  The course also touches on Building Regulations Part B, Part L, Part J and Part P.

The afternoon session is wholly focused on Defects in Thatched Roofs and how to survey a thatched roof for a condition based or full building survey. This will cover topics such as external defects specific to thatched roofs that include chimneys, roof coverings, rainwater pipes & guttering, windows in thatch & dormers.  Internal defects include roof frames and ceilings.  Condition rating is based on the criteria within the Mi Building Survey and the RICS Building Survey.  It does provide a sound and logical way of assessing the condition of a thatched roof for a Full Building Survey.

Time will be spent doing practical condition ratings on a selection of thatched roofs from photographs