In the United States, the get off-grid lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular.
It has become common for people to choose to live in yurts.
If you have lived in a yurt for a short time, you should be impressed by its minimalist lifestyle.
They are relatively affordable, portable, and can be customized according to personal preferences. You will know what true relaxation is.
However, people who use yurts as their permanent home will be challenged to live in humid outdoor conditions, much like those who reside in conventional homes.
This article is to tell you how to deal with the moisture problem in the yurt.
What is Yurt Moisture?
Moisture is a common issue for yurt owners.
It’s not just a yurt, it’s a problem in any outdoor dwelling.
When the moisture content in the air is relatively high in the enclosed space of the yurt, then the warm and moist air comes into contact with a cool surface, which will cause the moisture to condense into water droplets.
This will make people in the yurt feel damp and uncomfortable.
Why Moisture Forms in Yurts？
Moisture can form in yurts for many reasons, including human activity, seasonal factors, weather, and location.
The human body will remove a lot of water when breathing and sweating. If the ventilation of the yurt is not very good, the water accumulated inside will quickly form moisture. The more people in the yurt, the more moisture is added to the air. Also, people also produce a lot of moisture when they bathe and cook. When you cook or bathe inside your yurt, the steam from boiling water or cooking food can add moisture to the air.
If you live in yurts during spring and autumn, you will also face the problem of humidity even if you have good ventilation. The humidity in the air is very high during those two seasons because there is more rain. Whenever it rains, water will seep into the yurt through the walls and roof, causing moisture to accumulate inside. It isn’t easy to keep dry in the yurt.
Some locations are near places with abundant water sources, such as the seaside and rainforests. These two places are places with high moisture. You need to face the problem of moisture all year round.
Tips To Deal With Moisture In The Yurts
Improving Ventilation and Airflow
Utilizing the natural air flow inherent in a yurt is one of the most cost-effective methods to get excess moisture out of the yurt.
Design enough windows and openings to improve ventilation and airflow when building the yurt. Allowing fresh air to circulate.
If your yurt has a bathroom and kitchen with hot water and walls, it’s a good idea to have a window that opens. If there’s a lot of moisture inside the yurt, you can also open the roof cap vent to let it out.
Install De-Humidifier and Fan
If your yurt has access to electricity, installing a dehumidifier or fan is a good option. Installing the dehumidifier in a central location in the yurt, preferably near a source of moisture such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Or dig a hole on the top of the yurt and place a high-power fan. To prevent the rain from causing a short circuit when it rains, waterproof measures need to be taken.
If necessary, you can also install the fan in a location that will allow it to circulate air throughout the entire yurt.
Insulation and Condensation Prevention
Insulation and condensation could effectively handle moisture in the yurts. Thus you can install appropriate size and shape vinyl to help prevent moisture.
Vinyl is a waterproof material that can cover the yurt’s walls and floor, preventing moisture from seeping in.
First, clean the walls and floor of your yurt thoroughly to ensure that the vinyl will adhere.
Then cut the vinyl to the appropriate size and shape, leaving a little extra material around the edges.
Apply the vinyl to the walls and floor, using a strong adhesive or velcroed to ensure that it sticks securely.
Finally, smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the vinyl to ensure a tight seal.
Proper Heating Equipment
If you could use a propane stove or heater, it would be very effective in solving the moisture issue of the yurt.
A more cheap cost is to use a wood stove, which is cheap but requires you to work hard for firewood all winter.
The heater in the yurt makes it warmer and drier by reducing moisture in the air. This prevents water from forming on surfaces. As the temperature rises, the air can hold more moisture, so the humidity goes down.
Using Effective Desiccant
Using desiccants can effectively absorb a considerable amount of moisture from the air.
Common desiccants include zeolite, molecular sieve, and calcium.
They can soak up many times their weight and transform into a pool of salty water. Another choice is calcium sulfate. It soaks up some of its weight in water and can be refreshed by baking it at high temperatures in an oven.
To use salts or zeolite, simply circulate air over them with a small fan and replace them regularly.
Flooring and Elevated Foundations
To keep your yurt dry and well-ventilated, you can use a raised wooden platform or foam insulation pad.
The ground contains a lot of water, especially after it rains.
Rain and moisture will seep in through the bottom of the yurt and raise the humidity in the yurt.
Using waterproof flooring like vinyl or tile can prevent moisture from seeping in.
Does Moisture Harmful For The Yurts?
The answer is undoubtedly yes!
Moisture is a common problem in yurts, and it can cause a range of issues if left unchecked. One of the most common problems caused by excess moisture is mold and mildew growth.
Mold and mildew can cause unpleasant odors, and damage to interior walls and ceilings. In more serious cases, it may cause health hazards to the occupants’ bodies.
Another potential problem is that excess moisture can attract pests out there. Such as insects and rodents, who like damp places to live and breed.
Additionally, moisture can cause damage to wooden lattice walls, synthetic waterproof materials, and interior walls, making them less durable and more prone to damage.
How To Recognize The Signs Of Excess Moisture?
Recognizing the signs of excess moisture is the first step in addressing the issue. Here are some signs to look out for:
• Condensation on windows and walls
• A damp or musty smell
• Water droplets on the interior walls or ceilings
• Mildew or mold growth on furniture or other surfaces
• Stains or discoloration on the walls or ceilings
• Warped or buckled wooden lattice walls
• Excessive sound dampening
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory issues
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to address the moisture problem before it gets worse.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with moisture in your yurt can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your yurt dry and cozy.
Here are some final thoughts to keep in mind:
- Ventilate: Good ventilation is key to prevent moisture buildup. You can add vents or fans for better air flow and less humidity.
- Use a dehumidifier: If your yurt gets damp after rain or during humid weather, a dehumidifier can help remove extra moisture from the air.
- Insulate: Proper insulation helps regulate the temperature and reduces condensation. Use natural materials like wool or hemp that are breathable and moisture-wicking.
- Check humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your yurt. Try to keep it below 50% to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Do you have experiences or stories about dealing with moisture in yurts that are invaluable?
I invite you to share them in the comments section below.
Let’s continue to learn from each other and ensure our yurt adventures remain as dry and delightful as possible!
