Thatch

Thatch, spark arrestors, and what your insurer wrote

Updated 21 September 2026

A thatched roof is combustible. Sweeping on schedule, using a registered sweep, and keeping certificates is often a condition of cover. Read the endorsement. This is not insurance advice.

What HETAS says

HETAS: installations in thatch — speak to the insurer before a new stove; use a HETAS installer; sweep at least annually on mineral fuels and twice a year on wood; keep the stack sound. Prefer an open terminal; use an open-mesh bird-guard cowl only if nesting is a risk.

On spark arrestors HETAS is blunt: avoid them on thatched terminals. They clog, restrict the flue, and become a fire hazard. If an older policy still names one, ask the underwriter in writing.

Find a thatch-aware sweep

Not every sweep works thatch. Guild: historic / thatched sweeps — members who flag that work. Confirm they still do it and will issue a Guild certificate for your address. Also HETAS Approved Sweeps — ask about thatch when you call.

Fuel and paperwork

Burn dry Ready to Burn wood; wet fuel throws sparks and tars the flue. Once the flue is clear, dry fuel matters more on thatch than on a tile roof.

Buy Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs from LogsOnline (affiliate link — we may earn a commission if you buy).

See logs. Keep every certificate with the policy. Book outside silly season if you can. Intervals: how often. Nest risk: bird nests. Find a sweep.

Disclosure: some product links are affiliate / referral links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Not affiliated with HETAS, NACS, the Guild, APICS or Sweep Safe.