Eaves & Gables

Combed wheat reed and water reed thatch need a 'kick' or upwards tilt at the eaves and gables. Traditionally there have been numerous different ways of achieving this in Britain, including rolls of straw fixed lengthwise.

Today the use of timber or fillets is commonplace. A timber can be seated onto the wall top projecting slightly beyond the outside face of the wall. Hardwood timbers of this kind, sometimes with a simple molding, are known from the 17th century.

A timber can be attached to the outside face of the wall, rising slightly above it. These can be unobtrusive, but should not be unnecessarily large and usually look best if painted the same colour as the walls of the house.

Unless there are good reasons for changing the system you already have, it is advisable to ask your thatcher to repeat the system when re-thatching, re-using hardwood timbers which may be of historic interest.