Inexpensive yurt cover in PNW climate?

[Pucks_poppy]

I'm building my own 16' yurt on the cheap, and am considering cover options.
What would be good (and lasting) inexpensive cover, wall, and

insulation

material for the PNW (near Portland, OR) climate? The winters here are mild and (gently) rainy, generally above freezing, and we don't have much humidity when it is hot. I will live in this yurt year-round.

I'm going to install a rocket stove (likely a mass heater), which should help a lot with

heating

, and I have a place to stay if we get a terrible cold snap, so I don't really want to go overboard on

insulation

, considering that the winters are so mild here (and I don't get cold easily).

I'm looking at things like billboard tarps and pool covers, but also keeping an eye on sales for waterproof canvas. I'm concerned that vinyl wouldn't play well with the constant mild rain of the winter, although the low-humidity summers are helpful I suppose. I'm interested to know specific brands for some of the higher-end materials for permanent yurts, in case it becomes clear that I should just bite the bullet and raise some money.

Thanks so much!

[Bob Rowlands]

Without any doubt a professional fifteen year cover is going to be worth the expense for your primary yurt. No doubt about it at all. If I lived in my yurt full time that is certainly what I would have. Just earn the money and get one is my opinion.

For a cheap long lasting cover my guess is a billboard tarp would be as good a choice as there is. As for wp canvas, ime it will start weeping in three years and definitely gets thoroughly soaked at four years. At five years you will have leaks coming in everywhere. This assumes constant exposure to elements. A tarp erected above the yurt would certainly extend the life for many years. Good luck.

If going real cheap I'd make a roof cover from heavy duty tarp from Home Depot or wherever. Cover the walls with canvas. Can't help with insulation mine is uninsulated. Good luck

[Pucks_poppy]

Thanks for the info, Bob. I'll cross canvas off the list. I'm curious what climate you live in that you are able to skip insulation, or do you just not use the yurt in the winter?

I'm thinking I will go with billboard tarp for the top and either used vinyl banner, billboard tarp, or new banner material for the walls. I'm still curious what experience folks have had with vinyl in rainier climes.

[Bob Rowlands]

Our climate here in Colorado Springs is semi arid. I visit my yurt, sleep there sometimes, hang out with the woodstove in the winter. Linda like camping but in the backyard. Used to take the grandkids in there and make smores. The yurt is behind our house.

If I lived in one it would be a traditional 6 meter or 20', but have a very high grade professional cover and be insulated.

If you want to see it, copy and paste:

Bob Rowlands hand made yurt

Mine is the rustic yurt with a green door with spare rafters standing vertical either side of the door.