Replacing Straw with Water Reed

[Taggart]

I am all for, putting 300mm plus of Water Reed on top of Historical/Traditional Cottages upon the Thached Owners request. But why do some Thatchers, rip the whole historical layers of Straw off right back to the rafters.
Especially when it has long been the tradition to Scollop/Spar a new coat of Water Reed onto the existing Coat of Straw, having first prepared the Old Straw base Coat and replaced the Eaves with Water Reed.
Thatched home owners should be aware that these Historical Underlays of Straw or what ever else was used, are Time Capsules containing an untold amount of information. Having them ripped off is not nessary when Thatching in Water Reed.