Thatch

I spent some time today admiring a craft
Cockle Row cottages remain as a signature icon of old Groomsport. They were probably built from local stone in the 1700's as houses for the local fishermen.Even though a thatched roof is somewhat loose, it is still virtually impenetrable by water even without a decking or an underlayment installed. The layered straw is usually about 12 to 15 inches thick and water can only typically soak through an inch. The steep slope of a thatched roof of usually 50 degrees improves its water resistance by allowing water to quickly travel down the slope.
Such skill. Respect!