Britain’s 60,000 thatched cottage owners are being warned today to double check their chimneys before they light their open fires and wood burners this winter.
- Average cost Ł100,000 per property
Britain’s 60,000 thatched cottage owners are being warned today to double check their chimneys before they light their open fires and wood burners this winter.
The majority of thatched properties are in the South West and East of England. Last year was one of the worst on record for thatch fires in East Anglia – there were over 30 in Norfolk and Suffolk and 13 in Cambridgeshire.*
The majority (around 90%)** are chimney related - caused by wood burners and open fires with the fire starting in poorly maintained or faulty flue liners and chimneys. The heat transfers through the brickwork into the adjacent thatch, reaches ignition temperature and catches fire.
An investigation carried out by Norwich Union Insurance into 20 thatch fires over the last two winters has revealed the average cost is around Ł100,000 per claim.***
Colin Connor, household underwriter at Norwich Union, says simple steps like having your chimney swept and flue lining inspected regularly can prevent future problems.
“So far the winter has been mild and many people have chosen not to light fires, but the recent freezing temperatures are a stark reminder that we still have a lot of cold weather ahead of us. We are warning all thatch home owners to ensure their chimneys and thatch are in tip top condition.
“While fires in thatch properties are rarer than in standard homes - mainly because of the extra precautions that thatch owners take - it is important to remember that once a fire takes hold in a thatch the damage can be much greater.
“The average house fire costs around Ł5,000, our figures show that the average cost for a thatched property is twenty times that amount.”
Today’s thatch properties mainly use water reed, combed wheat reed and long straw, all of which burn rapidly. The roof is also designed to repel water so it makes it doubly difficult for fire fighters to extinguish.
Of particular concern are wood burning stoves – an ever increasing feature in many period properties. It will surprise many to discover that wood burners can reach temperatures of around 600şc - which is double that of an open fire.
Graham Joy, risk manager at Norfolk Fire Service, said wood burners were believed to be the main cause of thatch fires last winter.
“In every case bar one we attended a wood burner was involved and was alight at the time of the fire.
“Homes these days have huge wood burners that give out amazing amounts of heat so the flue gases reach much higher temperatures than the chimney was originally designed to take.”
Thatch: Some facts
90% of thatch fires are chimney-related but other reasons include:
- Electrical faults
- Building works – use of electrics/naked flames
- Discarded cigarettes
- Garden bonfires
- Vermin – check your attic! Rats, mice or squirrels can chew through wiring and cables leaving them vulnerable to catching fire.
Thatch fire prevention tips
- Have chimney swept at least twice a year (three times if you use your fire daily)
- Ensure the chimney stack is “sound” as well as lining and timbers – have it inspected at least every three years by qualified chimney engineer
- Don’t burn wet or unseasoned wood as this leaves greater tar deposits in the flue
- Check and test all electrics every six years
- Don’t place high wattage security lights near the thatch
- Beware of building work in the attic which may involve naked flames
- Have fire extinguishers readily accessible
- Fit smoke detectors in the attic space and ensure they are inter-linked with other smoke detectors in the house
- We don’t recommend the use of spark arrestors, they become easily clogged up with soot and tar deposits therefore preventing hot gases from escaping. This results in an increased temperature build-up within the chimney. Where they are fitted it is essential they are regularly cleaned
- Ensure electricity cables do not come into contact with the roof.
-ends-
Press office contacts:
Rebecca Holmes, Norwich Union press office, 01603 354346/07800 690731
Notes to editors:
* Figures supplied by Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Fire Services
** Norwich Union Risk Services data
*** Norwich Union reviewed 20 thatch fire claims from 2005/06 the average cost of those claims was approximately Ł100,000.
For a copy of The Thatched Property Safety Guide, go to www.norfolkfireservice.gov.uk
About Norwich Union
Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with a market share of around 15%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers. FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings business in the UK.
Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva's internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media