| How
to Protect Your Thatched Roof At
Night Check
list…
Make sure the cooker and heaters are turned off.
Rake out open fires and make sure that a spark guard is in
place.
Finish your cigarette or pipe and put it out properly. Be
sure to check contents of ashtrays are cold before throwing
them away.
Un-plug all non-essential electrical equipment.
Close all doors. In the event of a fire, closed doors will
help prevent it spreading and protect your escape route. Electrical 5
year check
Electrical systems degrade with time. Have the system checked
every five years by a qualified electrical engineer. Hose
Reel
It helps to have a stand pipe (lagged against frost) with
a hose attached. The hose should be able to reach all areas
of the roof. Kitchens Fire
Blanket
Do not fit too closely to cooker as you might not be able
to reach it in the event of a fire. Leave the blanket over
the burning item at least 20 minutes to prevent re-ignition
of the fire.
Fire
Extinguishers Location
Locate the extinguisher just outside the
kitchen door.
Use
Make sure that all of your family know how to use it. Follow
the manufacturers instructions to ensure that the extinguisher
remains operational, replace when required.
Painters
and Plumbers Do
not use low torches in the roof void. If pipe work does run
through this space the tradesman should use pressure seals.
Fire Extinguishers
Do not allow any work to be carried out unless the tradesman
has an extinguisher next to him if a blow torch is being used.
Double Check
You should insist that work involving blow torches stop half
an hour before the tradesman leaves your home. This allows
time to check for smouldering debris.
Treble Check
You should insist that all areas where blow torches have been
used are treble checked before the tradesman leaves your home
Insurance Check
Ask
for a letter from the builders/tradesman insurers confirming
that their Public Liability insurance policy provides cover
for ‘the use of heat’ in your home. Without this
letter you should not allow the work to be carried out. Bonfires
Make sure neighbours are aware of the danger to your home
from bonfires. Be extra careful in dry periods with strong
winds. It may be a good idea to douse your roof with water
to help reduce the risk.
Chimney
Pots Height
The top of the pot should be at least 1.8m above the ridge.
Spark
arresters have caused debate with regards to their effectiveness.
While they act in limiting the number of dangerous sparks,
a building up of soot can occur. The need for regular and
proper cleaning is essential. Chimneys The
Major Cause Check
Have the brickwork checked by a professional builder. If in
doubt it is recommended that a liner be inserted to protect
the thatch. Maintenance
Soot builds up rapidly from wood burning fires. If wood is
burnt, have the chimney swept twice a year to reduce the risk.
Smoke
Detectors If
your home as a loft, fit one in the highest part of the roof
and link it to a second detector.
Link
Fit the second detector to a hallway or landing. Link the
two together, both will sound when one is activated. Detectors
are recommended for all rooms regularly used.
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