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Traditionally, the Assamese houses were exclusively thatch roofed. The tradition of thatching is continuing to some extent, but the tradition is gradually and rapidly declining for various reasons. The thatch (kher) is known variously as the saran / chun / son / bunni / or sarouila-kher that grow abundantly in Assam. This thatch variety is most preferred and ideal for roofing which lasts for years and lends a temperate condition inside the house. It is customary to process the thatch properly prior to putting in the roofs. After mowing, the thatch is left in the field itself for days, to droop and dry naturally in sunlight. Normally, the thatch is dried for around seven days there in the field. After proper drying, the dust and rubbish from the thatch is removed. For cleaning, some amount of mowed and dried thatch is taken and holds them from the upper side with both hands and the bottom side of the bundle is battered to the foot twice. This juddering removes the dust and rubbish from the thatch and only the fine quality leaves remain there. This process of cleaning is known as karowa in Assamese. Then the dried thatches are tied in bundle known as gaina / mutha or goat and brought to home.

Apart from the saran kher, another variety of thatch known as baranga or boroila-kher is also used for thatching. This variety, that grows wild abundantly in the hills, is inferior in quality. Similarly, kahiban (flag) is also used if the saran-kher, is not readily available. Occasionally, the paddy stubble (nara) is also used if situation arises or for an insignificant architecture. For the purpose, long and fine variety of stubble, left in the paddy field after harvesting, are collected and used in lieu of thatch. Nara as a roofing material is inferior in quality and has least longevity.

Apart from the thatch, there is the prevalence of some other roofing materials in certain pockets. Thus, materials such as takou or palm frond (jhingou / Jhiglou / Gergoa leaves), khapori or terracotta tiles, jute stem, and split bamboo are also used for roofing. Gradually, materials such as Corrugated Galvanised Iron sheet, asbestos, and even polythene / tarpaulin are seen replacing the traditional materials and gaining popularity for different reasons.

During the re-thatching of a house, the previously used, good quality thatch is reused and applied below the new thatch. This old thatch is known as buruli, which is laid first in the roof and above which new thatch is laid during the thatching.