05-10-2016, 12:13 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Missoula, Montana
Posts: 29
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Re: Snow Load - Center Colume??
Hierony asked the key question - what is the snow load for your area? We have sent many yurts over the years to N Idaho, so we may already know what is needed if we can get the location from you. You could also get this information from the county or we have found contacting a local truss company can also be a good method of getting a recommended lbs. per sq. ft. # for your location. Being very familiar with our region we know that it is not uncommon to get rain at points in the winter on top of snow, making for a very heavy load. It is very important to get an accurate idea of the loading as it can vary greatly from area to area or by adding elevation.
We have found that in general a 2x4 rafter system is inadequate for snowy regions on a 30' yurt, which is why our standard rafter is a 2x6 (no upgrade needed) We will also routinely use a 2x8 or 2x10 rafter on our yurts. We have done complete engineering analysis on our yurts with these different rafter sizes in combination with snow and wind kits, block lines, etc, and know that our 30' can handle loads up to 120+ lbs per sq ft (ground snow load) without the use of a central column. A central column can be added as well to the yurt allowing us to go up to 240 lbs. per sq. ft on a 30' yurt. I can't stress enough how important it is to get an accurate idea on snow loads and make sure whatever company you go with is aware from the get go what you need to build for.
Water catchment systems are usually not intended for winter use. I can't speak for other companies, but ours is designed to be folded down in the winter and put back up in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Fairly painless to do.
Feel free to give us a call here in Missoula to discuss this and any other questions further (406)721-9878. Happy yurting!
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