NAVIGATE
Wheat Reed is grown as wheat straw. It is usually cut by a binder before the corn has ripened, thus retaining the natural oils and waxes. It is then stooked, thrashed and combed and is now ready for the thatcher. When laid on the roof it will have a velvet appearance to the surface and the eaves and gables will be rounded and soft to the eye. If looked after it should last up to thirty years.
Water Reed is grown in reed beds, along rivers and estuaries. When laid on the roof it will have a crisp, sharp appearance with a velvet sheen to the surface. It is hard to the touch and if looked after should last in excess of fifty years.
There are two types of ridge. Firstly, flush ridging: this is where the ridge blends into the coatwork. The second is an ornamental block ridge. Here the ridge may have a raised pattern and is normally of straw; sedge grass is also used.