Understanding Thatch Courses 2010 in Devon

For courses in Northampton at the Association of Building Engineers Click here

For Courses in Devon read on.  

Current Courses:   Friday 18th June 2010 – 9.00am to 5.00pm

Where: Church House, South Tawton, Okehampton. (Venue to be confirmed)

Who have attended - Building Inspectors, Home Inspectors, Conservation Officers, Building Surveyors, DEA's, Architects, Estate Agents, Loss Adjusters and Home Owners. A prior knowledge of old buildings will be necessary.

Outline - These Powerpoint based courses are ideally suited to those people who need to have a greater understanding of thatch and how a thatched roof works. We do touch on Building Regulations Part B and Part L.

CPD - Applied to BRE for CPD approval, already accepted with ABE.

Introduction to Thatch and EPC's for HI's, DEA's & On Construction DEA's

This will cover some history of thatch, the materials used, regional styles, the different methods of thatching; Combed Wheat Reed, Long Straw and Water reed, ridging techniques, some roof construction, tools and fixings, how to recognise the different materials, fire precautions, factors affecting the life of thatch and its maintenance.  Specific details on best practices employed in and around thatched roofs will be included. We will discuss energy ratings for thatch. 9.30 - 12.15.

Cost: £100 p/person for Introduction to Thatch including tea, coffee,  a light lunch and course notes.  (£90 for DCHI members) CPD - 3 hours

Guided Walk around South Tawton looking at thatched roofs. 12.30 - 1.30

This is a great opportunity to see and assess the external condition of some of the thatched houses and cottages in South Tawton. This is especially useful.

The Church House is a fine example of medieval architecture dated 1490 and has smoke blackened thatch. www.thechurchhouse.org.uk

Cost:- FREE to attendees.

CPD - 1 Hour

Defects in Thatched Roofs and How to Condition rate a Thatched Roof for an HCR, HCS or Building Survey. 2.15 - 5.00

This will cover:- External defects specific to thatched roofs that include: chimneys, roof coverings, rainwater pipes & guttering, windows in thatch & dormers. Internal defects include: roof frames and ceilings.

Time will be spent doing practical condition ratings on a selection of thatched roofs from photographs.

Cost:- For the whole day £160. (DCHI members £140) including tea, coffee, a light lunch and a very comprehensive set of course notes.

CPD for the whole day -7 hours

Achievements

Introduction to Thatch- You will have a basic understanding of how a thatched roof works, how thatch is attached, be able to identify the different types of thatching and materials used, be able to recognise fire barriers and the energy performance of thatch.

Defects in thatch - You will have a reasonable understanding of the common defects found in thatched roofs and will be able to condition rate most thatched roofs for a building survey, HCR or HCS.

Qualifications

The courses are lead by Charles Chalcraft who is a Home Inspector, an Accredited Domestic Energy Assesssor, an associate member of both the National Society of Master Thatchers and the Devon and Cornwall Master Thatchers Association and a member of the Devon and Cornwall Home Inspector's Association.