New with lots of questions!

[gurt_from_the_yurt]

we are in the process of buying some dirt and want to put a yurt on it to use as a weekend/vacation abode while we are building a house on the same property. The yurt will remain after the house is finished as a guest house. Of course, cost is a consideration. So...i'm hoping you guys can

We are building in Central Maine which can get pretty frosty so heat will be a big issue. Is there something we can lay between the platform and t&g flooring to give it a bit of extra

insulation

underneath?

I also thought about putting extra

insulation

inside by hanging mylar sheets from clips from the tension wire on the top of the lattice and then hanging a sheet of canvas over the mylar to sort of trap the heat in/cold out...would that work?

we're still in the very beginning of planning so any advice is superwelcome. I'm gonna have tons more questions. I'm so glad i found y'all!

[addicted56]

Depending on your type of platform there are many options. Foam insulation is a very easy choice but if have the ability with your design any standard insulation as long as it is protected from the elements and secured will work. I'm going to be using 2" foam insulation panels from the local big box store for mine.

As far as the inside I am still debating like you. Most likely a denim insulation secured by a fake wall structure instead of a drop cloth.

[Bob Rowlands]

T&G is normally installed directly over floor joists, or beams, if it is 1.5" thick, or thicker. Install your insulation between the joists before you install the T&G. Why?Stubborn warped bowed twisted crowned (common) T&G normally needs pried into place to make the floor tight. The carpenters need exposed floor framing, or beams, to pry the material into place. If you have 1" to 2" thick foam atop the framing, you'll have poed carpenters unless they have perfect T&G stock-which they won't, believe me. If there won't be clearance to install insulation into the framing from below, install it before the T&G is laid.

As far as wall insulation, all I can tell you is any layer you add will help, excepting plastic sheeting. I can't advise on what material is best, sorry.

[gurt_from_the_yurt]

thanks for your responses, guys. Like I said, ANY input is greatly appreciated.

so, we'll have the carpenter put in the best affordable insulation beneath the plywood on the platform? then lay the flooring. sounds doable.

yeah, i was worried about having weight pulling on the tension line but we will have the mylar and canvas sheeting up.

So i have a preliminary plan for insulation. Now i gotta figure out plumbing/electricity/kitchen storage/cooking...lol. It sorta feels like planning a yurt is almost as bad as planning a house.

[addicted56]

In some aspects it is worse than planning a house. But looking at my mothers log cabin they just built that took them around 10 years this doesn't seem that bad at all.

If you are going to do traditional joists under the platform you may be able to easily use a traditional fiberglass or similar insulation and wire it in. I would recommend a

moisture

barrier and wrap of some sort under it though as it WILL fall down with out something additional holding it up. Another reason why foam is very nice though its insulation values can be a lot less for the price.

[Bob Rowlands]

Yes, install the insulation before the plywood subfloor.

Speaking of plywood subflooring, I highly reccomend getting a few gallons of cheap 'whoops' paint from Home Depot, Lowe's, or wherever, and painting both faces before it gets installed. Just use a cheap roller. Slop it on and roll out a nice thick coat. Do the perimeter edge after it has been cut. No

moisture

enters that edge from rain, like when the lower wall cover is raised to cool the yurt, and you'r away when it rains.

Think of it as cheap yurt floor protection

insurance

. That way no matter what Act of God happens with your yurt down the road, that plywood is protected from moisture.