What is a Thatch Roof Insurance Survey?
Owning a thatched property certainly has its unique charm and historical value, but it also comes with a unique set of responsibilities. Namely, ensuring your property is adequately protected and insured.
On that note, if you own a thatched property yourself, the chances are that you’ve come across the term ‘thatch roof insurance survey’. But what specifically is this, what does it mean, and why is it relevant to keeping your home protected? Our thatched home insurance specialists are on hand to explain.
What is a Thatch Insurance Survey?
So, the big question: deciphering what we mean by thatch insurance survey.
In short, a thatch roof insurance survey is a specialised inspection conducted to assess the condition and risks associated with a thatched property. This survey is typically required by insurance providers before issuing or renewing a thatched house insurance policy. More specifically, this enables the insurance provider to evaluate various elements of the property, ensuring it meets the necessary safety standards, as well as to identify any potential risks that could impact the insurance coverage.
Why is a Thatch Roof Insurance Survey Important?
It’s a well-established fact, albeit an unfortunate one, that thatched homes are inherently susceptible to certain risks. In turn, these risks make it necessary to complete a thorough assessment of these properties before being able to provide accurate insurance coverage.
As an example, a thatched home that is well-maintained, and that has taken suitable precautions to protect against fire, will naturally pose less risk than one that has largely been neglected. As a result, this property should, in theory at least, be easier and more cost-effective to insure. A thatch roof insurance survey is therefore necessary to identify this level of risk, and to highlight any immediate issues that need to be addressed before thatched home insurance can be provided.
Having this survey completed can offer a number of other benefits to the homeowner, too:
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential hazards, such as fire risks or structural weaknesses, ensures that necessary precautions are in place.
- Accurate Coverage: A detailed survey helps insurance companies provide a tailored thatched house insurance policy that reflects the true value and risk of the property.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your property has been thoroughly inspected and meets all safety standards gives you confidence that, despite any extra risks, you’ve done everything to remain safe.
The Different Aspects of a Thatched Property the Survey Will Look At
A comprehensive thatch roof insurance survey can examine several critical aspects of a thatched property:
- Roof Condition: Inspectors will check the overall condition of the thatch, looking for signs of wear, damage, or lack of maintenance that could increase risk of fire.
- Chimney and Flue: Ensuring that chimneys are in good condition and have proper flue lining to prevent sparks from igniting the thatch. At Higos, we can potentially include a chimney and fire assessment survey within some of our specialist policies to cover these vital checks.
- Fire Safety Measures: Evaluating the presence of fire retardants, fire barriers, and the adequacy of fire extinguishing systems.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring the overall structural stability of the property, including walls, beams, and foundations.
How to Prepare for a Thatch Roof Survey
Preparing for a thatched house insurance survey can help streamline the process as well as potentially save money with a more favourable outcome. Here are some general steps to take:
- Regular Maintenance: Keep the thatch well-maintained by an expert, replacing any worn or damaged areas promptly.
- Chimney Sweeping: Ensure your chimney is regularly swept and inspected by a professional to reduce fire risks.
- Install Fire Safety Measures: Equip your property with suitable fire alarms and extinguishers.
- Clear Vegetation: Maintain a safe distance between your thatched roof and any surrounding trees or bushes.
- Professional Inspection: Have a professional inspect your electrical systems and address any issues prior to the survey.
Thatched House Insurance from Higos
A thatch roof insurance survey is often an essential step in securing the most suitable insurance for your thatched property. At Higos, we recognise the unique needs of thatched cottages and homes – and even how unique they can be between each other.
To learn more about our comprehensive thatched home insurance policies, get in touch by calling 01458 675522. We offer independent advice and expert knowledge based on our long-term relationships with insurers. For thatched home insurance, it has to be Higos.