Just getting started

[baldy]

I am very interested in building a yurt where I live in Southern California. When I first saw a "yurt" was at Lake Chachuma in Santa Barbara County. They have quiet a few that are used as camping rentals. From that point on I was sold! However my main concern is the material used to make yurts. Fabric appears not to last or to add any strength to the overall construction. What are the

insulation

factors for cold and hot weather? That is my one and only main concern, thanks.

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by baldy

I am very interested in building a yurt where I live in Southern California. When I first saw a "yurt" was at Lake Chachuma in Santa Barbara County. They have quiet a few that are used as camping rentals. From that point on I was sold! However my main concern is the material used to make yurts. Fabric appears not to last or to add any strength to the overall construction. What are the

insulation

factors for cold and hot weather? That is my one and only main concern, thanks.

Much of it depends on what kind of yurt you are going to purchase. On a traditional yurt, the fabrics of course will not last as long as the modern architectural yurts that are using vinyl and polyesters. The later materials will last quite a long time. The roof on my yurt is warrantied for 15 years which is pretty close to what you are going to get on most roofing these days.

Most of the companies offer a reflective insulation that holds up ok until you start getting to extreme colds, and then you may have to consider other insulation. Many people are using denim, rigid foam, or even standard fiberglass insulation.

If you are going to live in the yurt full time, you will want to think about a bit, especially in colder regions.

[baldy]

JaFo, thanks for the info. That is one question that I couln't seem to find answers for even though I see hundreds of pictures of yurts in the snow with just the standard looking roof cover. I was thinking of providing extra insulation like foam board or fiberglass and just putting up a false ceiling. The side insulation I was going to do the same thing since I plan on having the snow and wind beams installed which will give me inches to work with all along the walls. The area is Southwest Riverside California, average summer temps above 100 and winters well below freezing.

[Jafo]

Foam would be the way to go on the ceiling IMO. You can use any kind of insulation on the walls really.

[SoCalYurt]

Baldy, did you ever build your YURT in SoCal?