Wood Stove & Thatched Roof: A Perfect Combination?
A wood stove or fireplace fits perfectly with the classic, rustic appearance of a thatched house. The crackle of the fire, the pleasant warmth – it is the epitome of coziness. But this combination also brings additional fire risks with it.
With the smoke and heat of a wood stove sparks are sucked up through the chimney. With a thatched roof this can lead to smoldering and fire. That's why insurers say strict requirements of homes with this combination.
Fortunately, with the right measures – a Spark arrester, regularly chimney sweeping and correct heating behavior – enjoy your wood stove safely and be well insured.
Important: Spark arrester Mandatory!
A spark arrester is required for a wood stove, fireplace, pellet stove or all-burner in combination with a thatched roof. obliged. Without a spark arrester, the insurer will pay for fire damage to the roof not out.
Which Stoves & Fireplaces Are Included?
The insurance requirements apply to all heating appliances solid fuels burning (wood, pellets, coal, briquettes):
Wood stove
Freestanding or built-in stove for logs. Very popular in thatched houses.
Open hearth
Classic open fire pit. Low efficiency (10-15%), lots of smoke and sparks.
Pellet stove
Automatically fired with wood pellets. Cleaner, but also a spark arrester needed.
All-burner
Suitable for various fuels: wood, coal, briquettes. Extra demanding.
💡 Gas Fireplace: No Spark Arrestor Required
At one gas fireplace A spark arrestor is not required because no solid fuels are burned and therefore no sparks are created. It is an annual one inspection of the gas installation obliged.
📋 Insurance requirements for wood stove & thatched roof
Spark arrester (MANDATORY)
Stainless steel or copper, mesh size 9.5-12.5mm, 3x flue surface. Mandatory for solid fuels.
Chimney Sweeping (MANDATORY)
At least once a year by a recognized company. With intensive heating, twice a year. Save swipe receipt!
Save swipe certificate (MANDATORY)
Official chimney sweep certificate. Evidence for insurance that maintenance has been carried out.
Flue Inspection (5 years)
Camera inspection every 5 years to identify cracks, blockages or wear.
Certified Installer
Have the stove and flue installed by a recognized company. Prevents risks.
Fire extinguisher 6 kg
Approved powder or foam extinguisher. NEVER water in a chimney fire!
Smoke and CO detector
On every floor + near the stove. Early detection of smoke or carbon monoxide.
Install a stove Report
Report this to the insurer within 2 months. May affect premium.
🔥 Spark Arrestor Requirements
The spark arrester is a mesh basket on top of the chimney that catches sparks before they end up on the thatched roof. To demand:
- ✓ Material: Stainless steel (SS) or copper wire
- ✓ Wire thickness: Minimum 1 mm diameter
- ✓ Mesh size: Between 9.5 and 12.5 mm
- ✓ Surface: At least 3x the passage of the flue
- 🧹 Maintenance: Clean annually together with chimney sweeping
- ⚠️ Quality: A bad spark arrester can actually increase the risk!
🧹 Chimney Sweeping: Why So Important?
Average in the Netherlands 6 chimney fires per day space – even more so during the heating season. The cause: accumulation of creosote, a flammable tar-like layer that forms during incomplete combustion.
- 🔥 Creosote accumulation: Flammable deposits due to damp wood, too little air or smothering
- 📅 Frequency: At least once a year, with intensive heating twice a year
- 👷 Approved company: ASPB member or certified chimney sweep
- 📄 Swipe proof: Official certificate, keep with insurance papers
- 💰 Costs: From €39.50 per flue (2025)
- 🏠 Thatched roof: Sweep from above + spark arrester control
🪵 The Swiss Method: Safe & Clean Firing
The fire brigade recommends this method for cleaner combustion with less smoke and creosote:
Air supply Open
Open the air valve fully for good oxygen
Thick Blocks Below
Place large logs parallel on the bottom
Cross Stacking
Place smaller blocks crosswise on top
Light From Above
Light on top with a fire starter
✓ White/transparent smoke = clean combustion | ✗ Black/gray smoke = incomplete combustion
🪵 Storing Tips for Safe Use
- ✓ Dry wood: Dried for at least 2-3 years, less than 20% moisture (measure with moisture meter)
- ✓ Unprocessed wood: No painted, varnished or impregnated wood
- ✓ Zero waste: Never burn paper, cardboard or household waste
- ✓ Do not smother: Do not pinch off the air for slow burning
- ✓ Allow to burn out: Do not smolder, close air supply
- ✓ Cleaning up ash: Carefully in a metal container, never in a plastic bag
- ✗ Dry periods: DO NOT heat during prolonged drought
🚨 Chimney fire: Prevention & Action
Recognize
Flashing flames from chimney, roaring/noise, extremely hot flue, shower of sparks
NEVER Water!
Water causes explosive steam reaction. Use sand, table salt or powder extinguisher
Air Shut Off
Immediately close the air supply and chimney damper to smother the fire
Call 112
Always notify the fire brigade. After fire: burning ban until inspection and repair
🛡️ What does Home Insurance cover?
With a wood stove and thatched roof, the correct coverage is essential:
- ✓ Fire damage home: Fully covered with AllRisk coverage
- ✓ Chimney fire: Covered if swept and maintained annually
- ✓ Soot and smoke damage: Co-insured with most insurers
- ✓ Extinguishing costs: Costs of fire brigade and extinguishing work
- ✓ Clean-up costs: Clean up and dispose of after fire
- ⚠️ Condition: Spark arrestor present + sweep certificate retained
⚠️ When Does the Insurer NOT Pay Out?
- ✗ No spark arrester: With solid fuels and a thatched roof: no payment in the event of a roof fire
- ✗ Chimney not swept: Without a swipe certificate, claim may be rejected
- ✗ Overdue maintenance: Wear, cracks or blockages not reported
- ✗ Heater not reported: Placement not communicated within 2 months
- ✗ Improper installation: Not installed by a recognized company
- ✗ Intentional/recklessness: Gross negligence or intentional arson
💰 Premium indication Thatched Roof with Wood Stove
| Roof construction | Indication Per Year |
|---|---|
| Screw roof (closed) + wood stove | €600 - €1,200 |
| Traditional (open) + wood stove | €1,000 - €2,500 |
| Traditional + wood stove + little prevention | €2,000 - €3,500 |
* Depending on reconstruction value, roof construction, prevention measures. Spark arrestor, annual sweeping and fire-resistant plating can provide discounts.
💡 Checklist: Wood Stove & Thatched Roof Insured
- ✓ Spark arrestor installed: Stainless steel/copper, correct mesh size, annual cleaning
- ✓ Sweep the chimney annually: By a recognized company, keep proof of sweep
- ✓ Inspect flue: Camera inspection every 5 years
- ✓ Stove reported: Within 2 months after placement to insurer
- ✓ Using dry wood: Dried for at least 2 years, max 20% moisture
- ✓ Swiss method: Light from above, do not smother
- ✓ Smoke detector + CO detector: On every floor + near stove
- ✓ Save swipe evidence: With insurance papers as proof
Insurers for Wood Stove & Thatched Roof
These insurers accept the combination of wood stove and thatched roof:
