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Rye Straw:
The premium thatching material—long, strong, durable. Rye straw resisted rot better than other grains, lasted longer on roofs, shed water more effectively. But rye was expensive grain, and using its straw for roofing meant substantial economic investment.
Rye specifically grown for thatching was harvested differently—cut by hand (not scythe, which crushed stems), and left long rather than chopped short. This specialized harvest added labor and cost.
Wheat Straw:
More common than rye, wheat straw was acceptable thatching material though inferior—shorter, weaker, more prone to rot. Wheat thatch lasted perhaps half as long as rye, requiring more frequent replacement.
Reed:
In wetland regions, reed (especially common reed, Phragmites australis) was superior thatching material—even longer-lasting than rye, naturally water-resistant, growing abundantly in marshes. Reed thatch could last fifty years or more if properly installed.
Harvesting reed required access to wetlands and specialized cutting tools. The reed was cut in winter when growth had stopped, allowing the stems to dry properly.
Heather:
In upland regions where grain was scarce, heather provided thatching material. Heather thatch was shorter-lived than straw or reed, but it was free, abundant, and surprisingly effective when layered thick enough.
Grasses:
Various native grasses could be bundled and thatched, especially for temporary structures or outbuildings where longevity was less critical. Grass thatch required more frequent replacement but was accessible to even the poorest households.
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