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Longstraw is the same material as Combed Wheat Reed (CWR),
harvested in the  same
manner as that used for producing CWR only the processing
after reaping and binding differs. ie. The straw is fed
directly in to a thrashing drum where the ears and butts
become mixed.
Longstraw has the same rounded look as with CWR but can
be distinguished by the use of an exposed Ligger or Cross
Sparring running around the eave line. The roofs tend to
have a flush ridge and at a close view you can see the mixed
ears and butts. Life expectancy of between Fifteen to Twenty
Five years.
 
 Combed
Wheat Reed is also known as Devon Reed and it has a life
expectancy of Twenty to Thirty years.
CWR has a more rounded look or the 'Hovis Loaf' look because
of the build up of thatched layers.
The eaves are cut by hand rather than dressed in to place
as in Water Reed.
Re-ridging will need to be done at Ten to Fifteen year intervals.
The roof tends to be completely covered in wire netting.
 
Water Reed, also known as Norfolk Reed, is the most durable
thatch which can last in excess of Fifty years. Water
Reed tends to be flat and angular and more accurately
follows the shape of the underlying roof timbers. New
roofs only tend to have the ridges wired. Note the sharp
corners known as hips and gables.
Maintenance will include a re-dressing and re-ridging
every Ten to Fifteen years.
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