Why Thatched Properties Are Different

Thatched homes present unique fire risks — chiefly heat penetration through chimneys and ember ignition, which can ignite the surrounding roof material. HETAS regulations and Building Regulations Approved Document J demand strict safeguards to prevent this.

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Our Specialist Approach

1. Professional Assessment & Consultation

Before any work starts, we recommend you consult your insurance provider and, if your home is listed, your local conservation officer. We then conduct a thorough site survey to assess:

• Chimney stack condition and internal dimensions

• Clearance between flue, chimney brickwork, and the thatch layer

• The feasibility of achieving ≥ 200 mm distance between liner and ignitable materials, or otherwise installing protective shielding.

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If compliance can’t be safely achieved, we always advise clients honestly — and walk away where necessary HETAS.

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2. Compliant Chimney & Flue Installation

Depending on what your chimney permits, we install either:

• A traditional clay or concrete flue liner, suitable where ≥ 200 mm clearance exists

• A twin-wall insulated system chimney, fully CE‑tested and capable of being back‑ventilated to guard against heat transfer in smaller chimneys.

In tight spaces, we may recommend thin fire‑proof shielding or air‑gap protection, always in consultation with a registered thatcher and in line with the Dorset Model approach.

Termination of the chimney must be at least 1.8 m above the ridge line of the thatch, per Building Regulations — often involving consultation or planning if altering a heritage structure.

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3. Safe Operation & Handover

Once installed, we:

• Commission your appliance carefully, testing flue draw and system integrity

• Educate you on correct operation — never poking embers, slow-door opening, correct fuel use (e.g. <20% moisture, Ready-to-Burn) to minimise ember ejections HETAS

• Hand over a maintenance plan: chimney sweeping twice a year for wood, once for smokeless fuels, carried out by a HETAS-approved sweep.

We also advise installing interlinked smoke alarms, and ensuring clearance from boundaries is compliant under fire safety guidance like the Dorset Model where needed labc.co.uk.

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Why Choose Us?

• We’re HETAS-registered and fully insured

• You’ll get an honest feasibility assessment before any quote

• We work closely with insurance companies, building control, and thatchers

• Safety-first designs, always compliant with current Building Regulations

• Transparent guidance, expert commissioning, and flexible support thereafter