Thatched Property Owners and Fire Safety
Thatched properties can often be problematic to keep fireplaces in because of their structure and architecture. They are steeped in history and nearly every thatched cottage tells a story. Sadly, every year, around 70 to 100 thatched properties are the subject of serious fire damage. Losses both financially and historically can be catastrophic. The financial cost of reinstatement is likely to be in the region of £200,000 for every damaged thatched property. However, the most tragic loss when a property of this nature is damaged is the vanquished story that has been lost in the ether.
Prevention has to be centrally focussed on fire safety and the deterrence of further damage. Home owners of these properties must be made aware of how quickly fires can spread and the damage they can cause. Therefore, the quick detection of fires within vulnerable areas of these properties is important for longevity and sustainability.
Many fires within thatched properties are caused by chimneys and some are down to new installation of contemporary multi-fuel equipment. Many owners of thatched properties want their homes to look and feel desirable and the induction of a modern fire appliance is a preferred option.
Many thatched homes
Thatched home owners are also deciding whether a contemporary fire or a new wood-burning stove is a better option. A wood-burning stove burns solid fuel and can often be the natural option because of its appearance within the property itself. Owners need to be wary of the risk of such installations and the problem of discussing this with current or potential insurers. Insurers will take into account the fire risk to a property and insurance premiums are likely to increase if a wood-burning or multi fuel stove is installed in place of an open fire.
What Options do Thatched Property Owners Have?
Regulations regarding the installation of fuel fire and accompanying chimneys has changed over the years. HETAS are the governing body linked to overseeing the installations of fires within properties. Nevertheless, rules for installing fires within thatched properties are somewhat different because of the construction of these properties. The National Society of Master Thatchers sets out specific guidelines for installation and the upkeep of fires within thatched properties. Roger Angold and Majorie Sanders have conducted research into fires within thatched properties. These experts set out three main points for the prevention of fires:
(1) Keep gasses a minimum distance away from thatched material (at least 200mm). Thatched material should also be kept away from the chimney breast.
(2) The temperature of the gap must be kept down by making sure it is adequately ventilated. Heat that might build up must have an alternative way to escape.
(3) Hot gasses released from the top of the chimney must do at a safe distance, which is recommended to be 1.8 metres from the surface of the thatch.
Large thatched properties have an advantage when implementing these regulations because of their spacious nature. Contrarily, in smaller properties chimneys are installed in tighter spaces and smaller areas; fire regulations have to be therefore adapted accordingly.
Thus, regular surveys on a thatched property should be undertaken ensure fire regulations are being adhered to. Surveys offer the home owner positives, whilst simultaneously highlighting ways forward for the property.
Further Information Suggested by Research and Wood Burning Fires
The NSTM advise that open fires should be installed in thatched properties rather than a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove because of the reduced chance of fire damage. Companies such as Camelot Real Fires provide exceptional open fires that are reliable, efficient and adhere to the latest fire regulations. This particular company services the whole of the United Kingdom.
Clearly, wood burning open fires are a safer option when considering installing a new fire system within a thatched property.
Prevention has to be centrally focussed on fire safety and the deterrence of further damage. Home owners of these properties must be made aware of how quickly fires can spread and the damage they can cause. Therefore, the quick detection of fires within vulnerable areas of these properties is important for longevity and sustainability.
Many fires within thatched properties are caused by chimneys and some are down to new installation of contemporary multi-fuel equipment. Many owners of thatched properties want their homes to look and feel desirable and the induction of a modern fire appliance is a preferred option.
Many thatched homes
Thatched home owners are also deciding whether a contemporary fire or a new wood-burning stove is a better option. A wood-burning stove burns solid fuel and can often be the natural option because of its appearance within the property itself. Owners need to be wary of the risk of such installations and the problem of discussing this with current or potential insurers. Insurers will take into account the fire risk to a property and insurance premiums are likely to increase if a wood-burning or multi fuel stove is installed in place of an open fire.
What Options do Thatched Property Owners Have?
Regulations regarding the installation of fuel fire and accompanying chimneys has changed over the years. HETAS are the governing body linked to overseeing the installations of fires within properties. Nevertheless, rules for installing fires within thatched properties are somewhat different because of the construction of these properties. The National Society of Master Thatchers sets out specific guidelines for installation and the upkeep of fires within thatched properties. Roger Angold and Majorie Sanders have conducted research into fires within thatched properties. These experts set out three main points for the prevention of fires:
(1) Keep gasses a minimum distance away from thatched material (at least 200mm). Thatched material should also be kept away from the chimney breast.
(2) The temperature of the gap must be kept down by making sure it is adequately ventilated. Heat that might build up must have an alternative way to escape.
(3) Hot gasses released from the top of the chimney must do at a safe distance, which is recommended to be 1.8 metres from the surface of the thatch.
Large thatched properties have an advantage when implementing these regulations because of their spacious nature. Contrarily, in smaller properties chimneys are installed in tighter spaces and smaller areas; fire regulations have to be therefore adapted accordingly.
Thus, regular surveys on a thatched property should be undertaken ensure fire regulations are being adhered to. Surveys offer the home owner positives, whilst simultaneously highlighting ways forward for the property.
Further Information Suggested by Research and Wood Burning Fires
The NSTM advise that open fires should be installed in thatched properties rather than a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove because of the reduced chance of fire damage. Companies such as Camelot Real Fires provide exceptional open fires that are reliable, efficient and adhere to the latest fire regulations. This particular company services the whole of the United Kingdom.
Clearly, wood burning open fires are a safer option when considering installing a new fire system within a thatched property.
