Yurts are often considered too simple and not suitable for more extreme weather conditions. People just assume they’re good for milder seasons like spring or fall, or in places where summers and winters are not harsh.
However, if you’ve got the right insulation and environmental control, your yurt can be dependable. As long as your yurt has the right construction quality and type of insulation, it can withstand harsher weather conditions.
There are many ways to adjust your yurt to fit your needs but you might not know where to start. We will tell you some important facts to improve your yurt and make it reliable in the coldest or hottest temperatures. Keep on reading to learn more!
Insulating your yurt to improve comfort
Having effective insulation in your yurt is important for comfortable and sustainable living through winters. Reflective bubble wrap is a very common insulation material used in yurts. It was first developed by NASA to use as insulation for astronauts in space, so there is no doubt it is effective.
A very popular form of insulation in yurts is the LOW-E Radiant Heat Barrier type. It is a double-sided insulation bubble wrap that is relatively new to the building industry, but you can buy it and install it. It uses aluminum foil and reflective technology to reflect heat within the yurt.
You could also insulate windows using insulated window covers that can be taken on and off. Insulating your yurt with material that works in both winters and summers to make it comfortable at any time of the year.
How to keep your yurt cool in the summer
Reflective Insulation
The LOW-E Radiant Heat Barrier insulation could help in the summer by reflecting sun rays away and keeping the yurt cool. Reflective insulation is very helpful in areas that are hot and very sunny. You can prevent your yurt from overheating on the inside.
Air Conditioning
If your yurt does tend to get hot inside, you can install an air conditioning unit. It is the most effective way to cool down during the summer. You can also install a mini-split system that is better as they don’t need many modifications to fit in the yurt.
Air Circulation
You can improve air conditioning by using fans to maximize air circulation through the yurt. Another option is to get an operable dome skylight. An operable dome will let hot air escape while pulling cool air in via windows, doors, or any vents.
Platform Vents or Ducts
You can install platform vents to bring up cooler air from below. However, if you prefer centralized, air-forced HVAC systems, installing ducts under the platform will do the trick too.
How to keep your yurt warm in the winter
Insulation
You can buy a yurt that has insulation built-in already, or purchase the material and add it to your yurt before it gets too cold. The most obvious choice is reflective insulation. It can reflect heat into and confine warmth within the yurt.
You may also add rigid foam insulation between floor joists. Heat can be absorbed and lost through flooring so insulating it will go a long way too. Another idea is to install plywood skirting around the platform which will stop cold air from flowing beneath it.
Air Circulation
You can increase the insulation’s efficiency for winters by installing a ceiling fan. It would allow for all the hot air from above to be pushed down to the bottom of the room and keep you warm.
Heaters
You can install heaters or heating systems into your yurt to keep it warm. This is especially good for nighttime because of how much temperatures would drop in elevated areas.
Can the elements reduce the lifespan of a yurt?
The yurt’s longevity will vary depending on how inhabitants maintain and take care of it. There will also be many other factors, internal and external, that may reduce a yurt’s lifespan.
First and foremost, the construction materials’ compatibility with varying weather conditions is detrimental. If your yurt is built to withstand one type of weather and not the other, it will affect its lifespan. You should look for or aim to build a yurt that is overall durable and reliable through all potential extreme weather in the area.
Secondly, let’s talk about installing insulation or any other means to improve comfort. If you install insulation or buy a yurt that already has it built-in, ensure that it does not affect the integrity of the yurt itself. Or if you install air conditioning/heating systems, fans, vents, etc., you should know how to maintain them.
It is also vital to be sure that any electronics or heating systems are installed appropriately. Yurts are vulnerable to fire so it is best that any wiring is insulated properly.
As long as you maintain and properly install any elements in your yurt, they may not drastically affect its lifespan. The key to longevity is to simply take good care of it.
Conclusion
Now, let’s conclude and tell you whether yurts are good for hot or cold weather. Any yurt that is well constructed with good materials is going to be ideal.
However, you will have to be able to make any necessary adjustments and changes you need to make it more comfortable.
Depending on the climate in the area your yurt is, it will be built to best suit the weather most prominent throughout the year. If it tends to get too hot or too cold from time to time, then you can install insulation that works for both situations.
If you do not want to go through renovations, then you can install air conditioners, fans, heaters, etc. it is also a good idea to take on environmental habits.
For example, opening your windows at night to let cool air in and closing them when the sun begins to rise during summers.
So yes, yurts can be good for hot or cold weather. We hope that we helped you figure out how you can make your yurt more comfortable throughout the year!
