Have you considered why yurts have been around for thousands of years and they are still being used in present day? Their unique structure has stood strong through weather and construction improved throughout the years making them one of the viable housing options. So exactly how well can they withstand winds?
Modern yurts are capable of handling wind speeds of up to 142 mph in any direction due to their aerodynamic housing. You should be looking into securing the base and wind kit if you live in an area prone to extreme wind conditions.
In fact, yurts are very resilient structures especially when upgraded weather support kits. Yurts are just like any other structure. They are made of wood, and they are not impervious to storms. Yurts can also be weakened by the winds; however, yurts can be strengthened by upgrading to a stronger material, or adding weather support.
As always, do your research before you start: check out reviews from people who have built their own yurts and then checked them out during storms. Also look for detailed information for building guidelines for your particular country/region so you know where you stand in terms of building regulations (in case your country doesn’t have any). Check local wind conditions so you know how strong the winds will be, and most importantly do your own research on how well a particular design withstands high winds.
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What Materials Are Used For Yurts?
In the past, traditional yurts structures are made with lightweight materials readily available like willow, bamboo, and horsehair holding them in place. However, now with improved modern materials, it is possible to build stronger yurts structures. Many people want to build their yurt but they are confused by the many different materials used to do so. It is common for yurts to be built with wood and there are also many people who prefer to build their yurt out of metal structures/stone.
Choosing a material for your yurt is not too difficult, but understanding what it means when a material is “stiff”: the material must be able to flex (or bend) without breaking is crucial. If a material is too stiff, then the structure built with it will not be able to withstand the wind. There are many different types of woods that can be used to build a yurt, and there is no one right answer.
Some people choose to use maple because it is softening, but other people believe that harder woods such as ash or cedar are better options. Ultimately, the best decision is based on what you find appealing and what will work well for your specific project.
Although the yurt may not seem like a sturdy structure, the materials used to create it are very durable materials like wood, metal, or stone. It also depends on the weather conditions in the area where the yurt is used. There are many different types of woods that can be used, and each one has its own unique characteristics.
Maple, Ash, Oak, Cherry, Pine, Spruce, and other types of wood for yurts are some of the best options I recommend.
So, the bottom line is that if you are building your own yurt, then you need to understand the materials you are using.
Here’s the thing, besides weather conditions, price points, the possibility of relocating and maintenance should be your concern when you’re looking at building a yurt. After all, to build one of these is no small commitment. Let’s take a look at the different materials.
Wood: Wooden frame is lightweight and flexible, making it an ideal material for a yurt. Although it is tested to withstand high wind speeds, it is not fail-safe and the damage to wood is irreversible if it gets ripped off. So it would be wise to check the owner’s manual for the expected wind resistance for your area.
Metal: Metal can be used to make yurt roof and wall panels. Metal is a sturdy material that stands up to wind well, but it may not be the best option for people who are worried about sound insulation or corrosion.
Stone/concrete: While many prefer to build their platform deck with wood, some might opt for concrete or stone or even both. This makes it exceptionally sturdy and durable withstanding even the strongest winds. However, this option will cost you more to build and may not be suitable for all locations or applications.
How Do Yurts Withstand High Winds?
I bet you probably have the same thought as me, how can a flimsy-looking yurt withstand such strong wind?
On the whole, the wind resistance of a yurt is very high, as long as they are built well and secured to the platform. The yurt is built with layers of strong material so that the entire structure will withstand wind pressures up to 142 mph.
The compression ring and wind/snow loads provide a downward force on the roof and rafters. This distributes the loads to the beam members and the lattice walls. With the tension cord around the perimeter, it restricts the outwards force making it very difficult for the yurt to blow over at the same time reducing stress on the lattice wall itself.
Depending on the type of yurt you build, modern or traditional yurt, there are different wind speed requirements.
The best way to do so is to look up the wind speeds in your area. You might want to check with your local yurt companies if you’re in doubt about the winds that your yurt can withstand.
That is why it’s important not only to use large diameter rafters for a yurt structure but also adequately strengthen all support beams with rafter hangers or other steel supports that cover the entire surface area of the dome.
However, it might be susceptible to damages from impact loading from tree branches, this is the most common damage to yurts
Improving Yurt’s Structure
Regarding the question of what wind speed a yurt can withstand: I think it is appropriate to say that high gusts will do more damage to a yurt than others. But this depends on the quality and materials of your yurt.
If you are building it yourself, here are some things to know. Even if you are purchasing a yurt kit, it is still good to know.
Platform & foundations – There are a few types of platforms for you to secure your yurts. If you are not too worried about harsh weather conditions, a simple deck with the same diameter as your yurt is sufficient. Otherwise, you can choose to cure a concrete pad.
Tension cords: The thickness of tension cords determines how much force it is able to resist and it is directly proportional to the size of the yurt. A 1/4″ thick stainless-steel cord can take on 7,000 lbs of force that is usually used for larger yurts.
Rafters: The number and thickness of rafters are just as important, make sure it is spread evenly. I know the tendency to upsized the rafters but overloading your roof is not something you’d want to do for a small yurt.
I am no expert on this so it is best to check with the manufacturer or a qualified specialist with these factors in mind. Wind can cause structural damage to a yurt if it’s not built correctly. Yurts that are built without proper support will be destroyed in a matter of seconds.
High winds are not the only risk of yurt, if you’d like to know how to stay safe from other security risks, check out this post here. Stay safe friends!