dome

[deb]

Hello yurt lovers! I've been given an older 24ft yurt. The manufacturer is Yurtco, I believe no longer in business.
There are a couple issues tho. One being that I don't understand the

dome

setup. There are 4 points around it, 3 are tied down to eye screws. The third is the opening system, the Jack, or handle attaches to that. I need to know how to properly set it up so I can open it once in a while to help vent the hot desert air in summer.
The other is the vinyl outside, roof and walls. It had been next to alder trees which let tiny black drips of something onto it. They are acidic and have etched the

dome

, but remain all over the outside walls and top. The vinyl is somewhat fragile due to age and weather now, so how can I safely wash it all off? Otherwise it's a lovely, solid structure I intend to enjoy.

[Jafo]

Hmm, can't help you much on the dome as I have no idea who yurtco was, but I would bet your average contractor could probably figure it out. As for the pitch on your fabric, I would suggest testing a small section of the wall fabric by cleaning it with simple ivory soap and water and see what happens.

Where are you located? You may be near an existing yurt company that may be able to assist you with advice or replacement parts. Some yurt companies will make custom parts from time to time.

[deb]

How does the average dome open? Are there four points around, like a hinge, two side atachments and the opening fixture? How wide is the open side when open? General info could be a beginning for me. No companies nearby, no.

[Jafo]

Well, each company does it different. Mine has a giant screw that you turn with a handle that opens one side about maybe 2-3 inches. You position it away from the prevailing wind. I was actually tying in the wall when the dome went up on my yurt so I didn't see the install itself. Looking at it, it would appear as if the one half is hinged, the other is not, but I don't remember to be honest and will have to look next time I am up there.

[hierony]

A note on pitch from a summer working for an arborist: use an oil to dissolve the pitch, then soap to get the oil off. Olive oil works pretty well, though cheaper ones sometime work too.

[Jafo]

That's a good tip. For pine pitch, rubbing alcohol works well for many things, but not sure about fabrics.

[deb]

It's sort of like mildew actually, but from the tree. Will try oil, would steam be too harsh?

[Bob Rowlands]

hierony that was a really helpful post. Thanks.

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by deb

It's sort of like mildew actually, but from the tree. Will try oil, would steam be too harsh?

If it is mildew, we just use mild soap, water and a scrub brush. We get it every year on the eave of the yurt, if that is what you call it. Just brush it lightly if the fabric is delicate. I think we just use the dish soap and try to time it for a rainy day so we don't have to rinse.

[Emma Day]

Hello Yurters. I need a dome for my 12' yurt. I could buy or build one. How have yurt builders accomplished this?