Frequently Asked Questions

How can rFOIL insulate if it's so thin?

It is a common misconception that insulation must be thick to perform well. It is also a common mistake to consider only a material's R-Value when choosing insulation. It is highly possible for a thinner reflective material to provide better thermal performance than a thicker non-reflective product.

Not including gold and silver, pure aluminum is the most reflective material on the planet. The thin aluminum layer in rFOIL reflects radiant heat energy; and this ability is unrelated to the product's overall thickness and R-Value.

Will rFOIL prevent condensation? If so, how?

Yes. rFOIL is an outstanding solution to condensation problems. The thermal break provided by the bubbles prevents warm, moist air inside a building or duct system from interacting with cold air surface. When installed correctly, with secure seams, condensation will not occur on the surface of the rFOIL.

What kind of flooring do I need?

Your yurt must be attached to a circular floor/platform the same size as the yurt. It is recommended that this floor be insulated and installed above ground. Yurtco offers ready built, insulated flooring, which comes in sections that are connected together with splines, for a perfect fit. This floor system makes your yurt truly portable. As an added benefit, fewer footings and joists are required to install, thus saving money using less labour, time and materials.

How long does it take to assemble a yurt?

Smaller sizes can go up in a day with two or three people helping, and the larger sizes usually take three or four people a couple of days to assemble. Yurtco provides an Installation Manual, complete with diagrams and a list of tools required.

Can yurts be connected together?

Yurts can be connected to each other, or to other buildings. Connections can be via walkway, breezeway or enclosed hallway, and can be zippered together, thereby allowing the yurts to be separated, if ever required. Many customers choose to have a separate bathroom for toilet, shower, etc. and then connect it using one of these methods.

How do I take care of the yurt fabric?

Simply wash the outside of the yurt once or twice a year with warm water and soap, or a simple dish detergent. Do NOT use a power-washer or cleaning chemicals on the fabric. If kept clean and free of dirt and pollution, the fabric will last a long, long time.

What is the best way to heat a yurt? Can I use a wood stove?

A yurt can be heated the same way as conventional buildings, using wood or pellet stoves, propane, electric heaters or fireplaces, central heating or radiant floor heating. Stoves are vented through the side wall using a chimney exhaust shield and should be installed according to manufacturer's specs and applicable building code.

Can yurts have bathrooms?

Bathrooms can be installed in the same manner as in a conventional building, and plumbing would be brought up through the floor. The ceiling can be framed to a standard height, or taken right up to the rafters.

How is lighting installed?

Any type of lighting can be installed, including track lighting (which looks really attractive running across or along the rafters), overhead lights, ceiling fans, floor or table lamps. These can use electricity, propane or 12 volt.

How strong is the roof dome?

The roof dome is made of industrial strength polycarbonate, which is virtually unbreakable.

Can I leave the dome open when it is raining?

Yes. The dome is completely watertight and can be left ajar for ventilation in normal rain conditions, due to Yurtco's unique design of the lip around the perimeter.

What kind of foundation do I need?

Yurts 12ft. to 20ft. in diameter can be placed directly on cement blocks. It is recommended that the foundation for yurts 24ft., 28ft. and 32ft in diameter should be made of cement pier blocks, supporting 4”x 4”timber and 2”x 10”stringers, as per the engineer approved diagram provided by Yurtco. A deck can be built off this foundation. If preferred, the yurt can be placed on top of a deck.

How secure is a yurt?

Yurtco uses standard size, insulated exterior doors, and all door windows contain unbreakable glass with an inner laminate core. The continuous heavy-duty wood lattice wall spans from one side of the door frame to the other, even through the windows, which means the only way to break in would be through the doorway, and with unbreakable glass, this is not possible.

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