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.
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How long does it take to assemble a yurt?
Assembly time is dependant on the size of the yurt., smaller sizes can go up in a few days with two or three people helping, and the larger sizes usually take around a four to five days with three people. YurtZ by Design provides an Installation Manual, complete with diagrams,a list of tools required, and hardware needed.
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 a toilet, shower, etc. and then connect it using one of these methods.
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.
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 gentle 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.
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 YurtZ by Design's unique design of the lip around the perimeter.
How secure is a yurt?
YurtZ by Design uses standard size, insulated exterior doors, and all door windows contain unbreakable glass with an inner laminate core and locks. The continuous heavy-duty wood lattice wall spans from one side of the door frame to the other, even through the yurt windows.
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 YurtZ by Design. A deck can be built off this foundation. If preferred, the yurt can be placed on top of a deck.
do you need a permit?
It is recommended that you talk to your city about getting a permit before purchasing your yurt. Each local government building department has different requirements for all permits and inspections.
Can yurts withstand snow and wind?
Yes, Yurts were made to withstand snow and wind. Snow and wind kits are poles that attach to the ends of the rafters, to the wall, and then down to the floor. This will give the yurt more stability. For a larger snow fall, sweep off the snow from the roof to avoid any damage.
can you buy components separately?
Each Yurt component can be purchased separately for replacements and upgrades. However, new components may fit differently in older yurts that have been erected for some time.
is the yurt platform included?
No, the platform is not included in the base price. If you need a platform quote or information of our platform options, please give us a call.
what is the cost for shipping?
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The location and size of the crate for shipping will differ for each order, please give us a call for more information.