Thatching
New thatching and re-thatching, plus ridging and patching every 10 to 12 years to keep roofs in good condition.
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Master Thatcher, Ilminster, Somerset
Based in Somerset, serving the South West and beyond, including France and Ireland.
New thatching and re-thatching, plus ridging and patching every 10 to 12 years to keep roofs in good condition.
Find out moreRestoration and repair work on traditional and listed properties, using traditional methods and tools.
Find out moreAdvice on fire barriers, fire retardant spray and insulation, plus roof assessments to see how much life is left in your thatch.
Find out moreGrowers and suppliers of combed wheat reed and water reed, supplying other thatchers across the UK.
Find out moreReuben Matravers started his career in thatching by completing a 4 year apprenticeship at Knuston Hall, Wellingborough. On completing the course in 1990 he formed RJ Matravers Master Thatcher.
Since 1990 the company has grown and has a reputation of great master craftmanship, with his team of 4 thatchers carrying out work across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.
RJ Matravers is a member of the National Society Of Master Thatchers, an entry procedure that ensures the very highest quality standards of craftsmanship are maintained.
We would just like to thank you and your thatchers for making such a beautiful job of our ridge, it has been much admired! Your men were also a pleasure to have around and did a lovely job of cleaning up afterwards.
Thank you for your work and making the house look like a chocolate box! We are grateful for your expert attention and for getting the work done efficiently and quickly.
From the moment they quoted we knew we were working with a very professional organisation who would do a quality job. The work was completed on time and to a very high standard and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
We first engaged R.J. Matravers Ltd. to renew the ridge on our property in 2005 which they undertook effectively, on time, tidily and at a competitive cost. Without hesitation, we'd employ RJ Matravers again.
Reuben is very personable, honest and professional at what he does; a true Master Thatcher.
A thatched roof will last between 20 to 30 years before it needs re-thatching, depending on the reed used. We'd recommend inspecting the thatch ridge at 10 years.
We'd ideally recommend no trees are allowed to grow close to the thatch, as this can hinder drying out and lead to birds, squirrels and other animals causing damage.
Do not allow other workmen on the thatch or to use the ridge as a working platform; consult us before instructing any other tradesmen.
If you notice holes, thinning patches, moss or lichen, or flashings coming away, our team will visually assess the thatch, check its depth and provide advice and a quote.
Get in touch to discuss your thatching requirements and questions.