Hi Don,
I personally would not recommend making any intrusive inspections of historic timbers that would require altering the patina of age or remove coatings that have built up over the years.
I think that 4 - 4 feet of thatch would prove to be a good heat insulator and they do say that this type of house is warm in winter and cool in summer.
Regards
Ken Hume
Last edited by Ken Hume; 04/06/09 04:56 PM.