The ridge

In the Dutch thatching tradition all properly thatched roofs are very similar. The small differences can be found in details like edges, curves of the roof and above all in the finish on the ridge. The ridge can be made according the wishes of the customer. There is more than one solution, some standard and some special ones.

The ridges as seen in other countries, made out of the thatching material fastened with skirts and spars are not used in Holland.
We very much prefer a ridge made out of a sturdier material like wood, steel plating or tiles, cemented together.
The ridge made out of red or gray tiles is by far the most common. It will last longer than the roof and is used together with tiles made out of the same material underneath the windows.
Here you find some examples of Dutch ridges, some nice, some to be forgotten as soon as possible


The tiles will last longer than the roof and can in some cases be re-used.



Gray tiles cemented "flat full".

Gray tiles cemented together as it is done in the northern part of Holland.
With a special "end piece", a so called "apekont".

A ridge made entirely out of cement, most seen in the southern part of Holland.

A ridge to be forgotten as soon as possible.

A detail which cannot be thatched.