APPENDIX II 



THATCHING ON THE FARM 



Principles and Practice described ; Timbering, Materials and 



Methods 



Thatch as a roof-covering is quite unsuitable for use in cities and towns, 

 indeed it is usually prohibited by municipal authorities on account of the risk 

 of fire. For rural districts, however, it is more suitable, not only for cheap 

 sheds, etc., but also for dwelling-houses. 



If the use of thatch as a roof-covering is contemplated, its advantages and 

 disadvantages should be weighed. 



Advantages. — As advantages it may be mentioned that it is light and is 

 also a good heat insulator, rendering the building which it covers cool in 

 summer and warm in winter. Coolness in summer is of particular importance 

 in the case of dairies, for which thatch, used in conjunction with hollow or 

 cavity brick walls, gives good results. 



Thatch is also cheap when good thatching material is used, but it is false 

 economy to use poor thatching-grass for anything but work of a purely 

 temporary nature. When well laid and kept in repair, thatch is rarely penetrated 

 by rain. 



Disadvantages. — Probably the greatest objection that can be urged against 

 thatch is that it increases the risk of fire. This is reflected in the premiums 

 charged by fire insurance companies, who impose premiums on thatched buildings 

 which are about three times as high as those on buildings roofed with tiles or 

 slates. 



The problem of rendering thatch fire-resisting has led to considerable 

 discussion. One method is to soak the dry grass in a solution of alum in the 

 proportion of not less than 1 lb. of alum to eight gallons of water. The grass 

 should be allowed to soak in the solution for from one to one and a half hours. 

 A long drinking trough is useful for the purpose. While the grass is being 

 dried the drips of alum solution may be caught for further use. 

 Another method is to soak the grass in lime water. 



