Thatch is a desirable roofing style for any homeowner who admires traditional building techniques and loves a country aesthetic. But thatch-enthusiasts sometimes worry that this particular type of roof leaves less room for renovation or installing new features, such as windows or sky lights.
It is possible to install windows in a thatched roof. You can put a window in a thatched roof, provided they are specially designed and are installed by a building contractor experienced with the requirements and workings of thatched roofs.
It’s also worth remembering that many older thatched buildings come with listed status, restricting owners when it comes to carrying out external renovations or additions.
A window installed directly into thatch will usually come with a thatch-specific velux-style design. Other window styles commonly seen on thatched buildings are the eyebrow window and the dormer window.
Can you put skylights in a thatched roof?
Old thatched buildings can sometimes prove a bit gloomy in the loft spaces, since very few original thatch roofs come complete with modern skylights or large windows.
So is it possible to install new windows in thatch directly to let in a bit of sunshine?
It is technically possible to install skylights into thatch. In order for this to work, a hole in the thatch will need to be expertly cut to size by an experienced constructor.
A purpose built window box containing your skylight or solar panel can then be installed.
This is not a simple procedure and may not be practical depending on the structure and age of your building.
The operation is likely to require structural analysis of the thatch and roof from a qualified installer to see whether it is possible.
The hole created for housing the window box will need to be finely measured, so that the skylight itself sits flush to the thatch. Waterproofing and proper seals will also be required.
Many older thatched buildings, particularly in the UK, may come with listed status in order to preserve their historic significance.
This can mean as an owner you have significant restrictions when it comes to carrying out internal or external renovations.
Modern skylights in an old thatch roof may therefore prove technically possible, but be legally out of bounds.
What windows are usually found in thatched buildings?
There are two common ways in which upper floor windows are designed to work alongside thatched roofs. If you look at thatched buildings in your local area, you are likely to see variations on either of these types.
Eyebrow or eaves windows usually have their base either in or on top of the main wall. The edge of the thatched roof, known as the eaves, will then be cut and reshaped to fit around the window, sheltering it whilst also allowing it to open and close.
Because the structural bulk of an eyebrow window is in the main wall of the building, such windows typically require less disturbance of the thatched roof. They can be designed in such a way to prevent the thatch from protruding too far.
Dormer windows are built into the roof structure itself and may have thatch running below as well as above them.
One advantage of a dormer window is that the space it will afford inside the property is usually greater, particularly in terms of height and head room.
Old thatched lofts without dormer windows tend to be quite stooped affairs, particularly towards the eaves.
Dormer windows can make it challenging for a thatcher to ensure that the pitch of the roof is kept at a minimum grade.
The pitch of the thatch is the angle between the eaves and the ridge line. It is usually stated that a minimum angle of 45 degrees is required for the purposes of waterproofing and durability.
Final thoughts
Thatched roofs aren’t usually the easiest roofing type for installing new features or extending the roofline.
That being said, experienced building professionals specialised in working with thatch and its requirements should be able to determine whether or not skylights, or any other window project, are going to be feasible for you.
Remember, many owners of thatched roof buildings in the UK may also be restricted in what they can and can’t do to the roof due to listed status.
Make sure to check with Historic England, the regulator overseeing listed buildings within the UK, to see what’s possible given the status of your building.
