feedback on a 30' yurt

[kyle]

I am thinking about doing a 30' diameter yurt and am just looking for some feedback on ring size, rafter size (2x4 - 2x6?), pitch etc. Have done some looking around but thought I would see if some folks had some experience to offer. Built a 16' diameter a couple years ago and want to go bigger for a more permanent abode.

[Jafo]

Snow, no snow? Climate?

[Bob Rowlands]

FWIW. 30' minus 5' for roof ring width, equals 25'. Divided by 2 is 12.5'. Add a half foot for hypotenuse length on a low pitch roof, or a foot for a medium pitch, or even two feet for a second story high pitch. 13 plus feet is a very long span for a 2x4. I'd go with 2x6, and I'd make certain the crown is facing up.

[kyle]

Thanks, Bob. I live in Machiasport Maine (home town of Bill Coperthwait, whos yurts are incredible!) so plenty of snow, and checking the long range forecast it looks like july before any melting is going to happen.... I am guessing I will need studs along the wall to support the roof as well?

[Jafo]

Definitely. Those studs also come in handy for installing traditional types of

insulation

.

[jeritchie]

Kyle,

Based on your location - I would recommend 2x6 rafters and 2x4 studs at every rafter. You might even consider 2x6 studs if you get a decent deal on 2x6 lumber. Be sure to use some type of hardwood for your rafters - not SPF - either SYP or Douglas or something equivalent in your area. Pitch your roof at 30 degrees with a back-cut on your ring.

Good Luck! j

[Bob Rowlands]

I agree 100% about installing a stud under the rafter at the wall.

In addition I would tie the rafter to the stud with a Simpson Strong Tie plate on both sides. It would be near impossible for the rafter to 'pop off' its support stud. Also, anchor the support stud to the deck with a 90 degree Strong Tie on each side. Use screws for future easy removal. I'm fastidious enough to drill pilot holes when I'm near the end of a board to prevent splits.

This seems overkill I know. But in extreme wind when the yurt is really rocking, you'll be VERY glad you are battened down tight.

[kyle]

The great thing about the billboard is that it is white on the back, so if you fold it in half you have two white sides showing - great stuff but a little rigid in the cold...
Thanks for the advice, Bob. I will plan to bracket it together and I'm alright with a little overkill. There were a couple times when I thought my first yurt was going to blow away and thats not an altogether great feeling!

[Bob Rowlands]

I lost the first yurt I built in a winter storm. Wind literally got under it, picked it up, tossed it twenty five yards, and blew it to smithereens.

When I finished building my second and was done anchoring it to the deck, I looked northwest towards the wind and said out loud, "OK gimme your best shot, ******." I framed for the first ten years of my carpentry career. I don't like wind at all. lol

[Jafo]