What is a thatch eaves board (duisplank)?
A thatch eaves board, called “duisplank” in Dutch, is a thick, narrow plank used in traditional construction — especially on thatched roofs and old timber buildings — as a closing or supporting board along the eaves, the gable wall or a specific roof detail. The term is archaic and regional; modern drawings refer instead to a wind board, fascia board or starter board.
Function
In old roof construction, the thatch eaves board served several purposes:
- Eaves closure — comparable to a lower fascia board
- Stop for the thatch layer — giving the thatching a fixed starting line
- Wall protection — shielding the upper edge of the wall from driven rain
- Substrate for gutters or asphalt details — providing a base for metal gutters and flashings
Application
The thatch eaves board still appears in:
- Thatched roof restoration — to preserve historic detailing
- Farmhouse building — particularly in the eastern Netherlands and northern Germany
- Traditional barn construction — on hay barns and storage buildings
- Heritage conservation — explicitly named in restoration specifications
Material and dimensions
- Material — oak or spruce, painted or tarred
- Thickness — usually 22 to 32 mm
- Width — 100 to 200 mm
- Fixing — nailed to purlins or wall plate, sometimes with wrought-iron strapping
Distinguishing related terms
A fascia board sits at the eaves of modern roofs; the thatch eaves board often lies deeper or has a more specific role in thatched roofs. A wind board runs along the gable and is a separate element.
Related terms
- Eaves
- Fascia board
- Wall plate
- Thatch
- Thatched roof
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