Do not overwrite the main roof date
If only the ridge is renewed, keep the original re-thatch or coating date and add a separate ridge event. This avoids years of confusion when somebody later asks how old the main coat actually is.
Record style and material
Keep the contractor’s description, material, ridge style and any decorative details. For listed properties, seemingly small changes can affect character, so establish whether consent is needed before changing material or appearance.
Take full before-and-after photographs
Include the overall roof and closer views of the ridge junctions, gables and chimneys. These images help future inspections understand what was changed.
Link related work
If chimney repairs, scaffolding or patching were completed at the same time, store them as linked project records rather than burying everything under “ridge”.
Keep the next recommendation
A thatcher may recommend a future review rather than a fixed replacement date. Record that recommendation and its source; do not replace it with a generic internet countdown.
- Historic England — Repair or Renew the Roof in an Older Home
- GOV.UK — Conserving and enhancing the historic environment
Source guidance can change. Check the current version and obtain property-specific advice where needed.