When rethatching a long straw roof, is it best to keep the lower layers or replace them?

Long straw thatch is usually patched, with overcoats applied when needed. After several overcoats have been applied, there will be a build up of thatch that needs to be removed. Here, it is best practice to strip the thatch back to a sound base coat rather than the rafters, before reapplying. Base coats can be ancient and should be retained when possible. Check your local council’s policies before repairing thatch on a listed home.

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