Help With Waterproofing My Yurt Crown??

[Redwilson]

Hi All,

My first time to this forum, so thanks for having me.

I have a Mongolian Yurt here on my land in Abiquiu, New Mexico that is leaking around the crown. I wonder what you all might suggest for waterproofing this thing?? I have tried various sealants, and even cutting tiny pieces of wood to then screw onto the spots that are leaking. And, it is still leaking.

This yurt was hand carved by Mongolian artisans and shipped from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It's a beautiful traditional piece, though, lacks proper sealing around the crown... which has been a huge challenge for me.

I've been told that finding a dome cover (that fit my crown dimensions) may be a solution?? Any other suggestions?? I'm happy to send exact measurements, and more info, pics, if needed.

Thank you in advance, and hope to find the solution before monsoon season hits out here.
Best, Aimee Wilson

 

[Jafo]

Could you post a pic of where exactly it is leaking?

 

[Redwilson]

Sure, here are shots from the inside. Hard to know exactly where the leaks are happening, as they are inside and behind the wood you see here in the pics. But I'm noticing most leaks seem to be coming from around the crown rim. We have already laid an aluminum ring around the outside of the rim.... and leaks are still happening.

Let me know if you need outside shots, too.
Thanks!

 

[Jafo]

Hmm, interesting design. Could you take a picture of the crown from the outside?

 

[Redwilson]

Yes, notice- we have already tried sealing and laying aluminum flashing around... and it still leaks.

 

[Jafo]

I think Bob will have better advice than me, but it looks like those little vertical windows are where I would start. I see in your one picture, some misses when it comes to the caulking. I would think water could pool up on that shelf there right under the windows and then basically either seep in or come back through the pane. That would be my first guess.

I see staining under the top windows too which tells makes me think water is getting in where the window meets the wood.

Also, I would find a boot for that chimney pipe because water will definitely get in where you cut the hole.

 

[Redwilson]

Hmm, thanks. I'll look into missed caulking spots - and try to fill in any gaps. I'd love to hear from Bob, or any others that may have ideas.

If I were to look into getting a clear dome shell fabricated for this crown ~ do you have any recommendations on who to ask? We have thought about somehow getting this made, and just slipping it during monsoon / rain season.

 

[Jafo]

If I were to look into getting a clear dome shell fabricated for this crown ~ do you have any recommendations on who to ask? We have thought about somehow getting this made, and just slipping it during monsoon / rain season.

Well try asking Pacific Yurts, Colorado Yurts, Shelter Designs or maybe Ranier Yurts too. However I am pretty sure they have set specs on their domes and won't be able to make a custom size for you so you would probably have to get lucky to have the same exact dimensions but you never know.

If you want a custom solution, you might want to try Surely Yurts. They build a lot of custom stuff. They don't make domes, but may have some ideas on crafting another solution.

 

[Redwilson]

Perfect, thanks. Will do! I just haven't known where to begin - on who to ask for custom making one of these. Or, if it's something I (and friends) could make?

Hope to gather ideas, from the collective mind here on this forum...

 

[Bob Rowlands]

Well thanks for the compliment but I'm no roofer. I'd run a hose up there and go section by section looking for obvious leaks. Looking at your photos I would silicone every last seam and also the exposed inside edge of the flashing where it sits on the ring, plus the tops of the screws attaching flshing to the ring. Ideally that flashing would be sandwiched between the upper assembly and the ring, would be canted to the outside, and have a lip on the inside facing up. But that's just a guess I'm no roofer. Good luck.

 

[Bob Rowlands]

Looking more carefully at those photos it is evident water has pooled on the plate that the eight spokes rest upon. That might be from interior condensation, or might be from exterior leaks at the plex segments.

Covering the entire upper structure with a dome would seem to be be one way to keep out the water, if you just can't stop the leaks. A less traditional type option would be to replace the entire upper assembly with a more modern lid, with operable hatch to let out moist air. Wish I had better advice. Good luck.

 

[Redwilson]

Thank you, Bob. Yes.... my senses tell me there is condensation inside the crown wood. I'm leaning towards getting a dome fabricated to cover the entire crown (if possible), but still not sure who to ask, to do such a job. Can you think of any one and/ or company that could fabricate a dome for me? (Without my spending a forture... ?) ;-/

 

[Bob Rowlands]

Sorry, I know zip about plexi domes and their cost. Hopefully one of the fine yurt manufacturers or other members on this site might advise you. My guess is anyone that makes these domes is going to be well compensated for their product. Frankly before spending big money on that option, I would hose it down, look for obvious leaks, and otherwise just silicone the snot out of that dude before -bailing- on it. lol

 

[Cdeloof]

I'm not sure I have to much to add but I would look at contacting the folks at Groovy Yurts. I purchased a Mongolian ger from them last year and the help has been wonderful throughout. They're handmade in Mongolia and the people from the company have incredible knowledge of the products and may know some possible solutions for the issue you have.


The yurt I purchased is designed quite differently. Its a flatter dome with a 2 or 3 inch lip on the outer side of the tonoo. Underneath that a housewrap that extends several feet out is stapled underneath the lip with a small amount of silicon caulking to seal. Along with that I use a clear vinyl urgh or topflap that keeps water off the dome itself since my panels aren't waterproof. I doubt this solution would be feasible with your design but that's my setup and it kept my completely dry after this weeks downpour in Alaska.

I hope this helped. Thanks

 

[pinermel]

The idea of putting a vinyl dome with skirt, like the main yurt manufactures provide would keep the water out and still give you a view of the sky and light. For the stove vent you could go with a vent boot to keep the rain out.

If the main yurt companies cannot help, any upholstery team should be able to get that made for not too much. If your location is close to water, look for an upholstery team who works on boats.

Nice looking woodwork!