Roofs and Structures
Traditional plant-based roof coverings
well attested
Thatch roof, Reed roof, Kūlinis roof
What are thatch and reed roofs?
A thatch roof is covered with cereal straw, most often rye straw. A reed roof is covered with reeds. Both are traditional plant-based coverings requiring the right pitch, fastening, and ridge finish.
They were not merely cheap old roofing. A well-laid thatch or reed roof is technically precise, warm, resilient, and highly expressive.
Distribution
Thatch roofs were widespread in farming regions because straw was a by-product of the farm. Reed roofs were especially characteristic where reed beds were available: the coast, the lagoon region, and Lithuania Minor.
Roofing material depended directly on landscape. Materials were taken locally.
Construction
Bundles were tied or fixed to battens, and the ridge was finished so it would not hold water or catch wind. A sufficient roof pitch was necessary because water had to run off quickly. According to VLE, until the 20th century roofs in Lithuania were most often covered with rye straw, while in the lagoon and coastal regions they were covered with reeds; roofers began laying from the lower left edge, called the pasterblis, pressing a row of straw with a small pole tied to the batten with a willow, goat willow, or bird cherry withe, and after World War I with wire.
Lithuania Minor and the lagoon region are known for reed čiukuriniai roofs whose silhouette became a regional sign.
Heritage care
Plant-based coverings require care: the ridge, ventilation, water runoff, and avoidance of unsuitable roof fittings are important.
Replacing straw or reeds with sheet metal removes much of a building's proportion and material character.
