Straw roofs might seem like something out of a fairytale. But straw roofs are real, and they have been used for centuries—if not longer—on multiple continents. More formally, these roofs are known as thatched roofs, although thatching can also be made from water reeds in some cases. While you won't find one in every town, there are still roofing companies that install thatched roofing. Here are some important things to know if you're considering a thatched roof for your home. 

Thatched roofs are very energy-efficient and sustainable

You might wonder why someone would install a thatched roof today when there are high-end roofing materials like tile and metal to choose from. In many cases, the answer is "energy efficiency." The straw or water reeds these roofs are made from are great insulators. Your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and you won't need a boatload of insulation in your attic in order to get these effects.

Straw is also an eco-friendly, sustainable material. It won't pollute the soil when you throw it away one day. It will break down like any other plant, adding nutrients back to the soil.

Thatched roofs do take a while to install

Big roofing companies can reroof a home with shingles or shakes within a day. Thatched roofing, by comparison, does take longer to install. First, the straw or reeds need to be carefully bundled and compacted. Then, they have to be attached to your home. How long this takes will really depend on the size of your roofing crew and the size of your home, but it would not be unusual for it to take a week to install a thatched roof.

Thatched roofs stand up to bad weather remarkably well

You might be hesitant to have a thatched roof installed in an area that's rainy or windy. But actually, thatching holds up really well in stormy conditions. Straw naturally sheds water, and in thatching, it is bundled really tightly to accentuate this trait. The thatching is also attached in such a way that makes it hard for the wind to catch it. The only place you really don't want to use a thatched roof is a place where wildfires are a concern. Straw is quite flammable.

Straw roofs are not just from fairy tales or days gone by. They are a real option to consider for your home.

Contact a local roofing company, such as Link's Contracting Inc, to learn more.