Are you considering investing in a yurt for your backyard or as a vacation retreat? These ancient nomadic structures offer affordable, eco-friendly, and unique alternatives to getaway cabins. However, yurts require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and functionality. Read along as we discuss how to properly maintain your yurt.

What Is a Yurt?

A yurt is a circular, portable structure originating from the nomadic tribes of Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey. You’ll recognize these structures by their unique design, which combines a durable wooden frame with a felt or canvas covering. This design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making yurts ideal for people with a mobile lifestyle.

The interior of a yurt often has an open floor plan, providing flexibility to customize the space according to your needs. Over the years, modern adaptations of yurts incorporate contemporary materials and amenities while retaining the traditional structure. Today, people use yurt-cabins as vacation homes, backyard offices, artist studios, and permanent residences.

Why Proper Maintenance Is Important

First, we must understand why maintenance is crucial for yurts. Unlike permanent cabins made of metal or concrete, yurts are made of wood and fabric and require regular inspections and care to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, yurts rely on tension for stability, so regular maintenance will help you ensure the structural integrity of your cabin.

Maintenance also plays a significant role in keeping your yurt safe and comfortable. Neglecting maintenance can lead to roof leaks, mold growth, and pest infestations, compromising the health and safety of anyone residing in the cabin. By taking care of your yurt, you can prevent these issues and make your yurt safe and enjoyable.

Keep Your Yurt Clean

Cleaning your yurt is one of the most critical maintenance tasks. Dirt and natural debris can build up on the fabric over time, causing it to degrade quickly. Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor of your yurt and wipe down any surfaces with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals on the inside and outside, as they can damage the fabric or emit toxic fumes, which are dangerous to inhale. No yurt owner wants that!

You should clean your yurt after storms or periods of heavy winds, as branches and leaves can get caught in the tension bands and cause damage. Inspect your yurt after significant weather events, and clean or repair any areas that may have been affected.

Deep Cleaning Your Yurt

While daily cleaning is important, you also need to deep clean your yurt periodically. For the exterior, use a soft brush and a solution of mild soap and water to scrub the fabric gently. Then, rinse it thoroughly to remove the soap residue, and let it air dry.

Inside, vacuum or sweep the floors, paying close attention to the corners and crevices that can harbor dust and pests. Consider renting a steam cleaner for the floors and any fabric-covered furniture to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Wipe down the interior of the dome, the crown, and the windows with a mild soap and water solution. Again, let everything air dry before closing up the yurt.

If you have a woodstove or a heater in your yurt, clear out built-up ash and soot while deep cleaning the structure. Ashes can decrease the efficiency of the heating system and pose a fire risk. Always inspect your woodstove for signs of rust or damage, and hire a professional heating system repair technician for any fixes.

Deep cleaning keeps your yurt looking great and gives you a chance to inspect the structure for hidden issues. It also provides an excellent opportunity for preventative maintenance. For example, you could check the tension cables and look for signs of mold growth or pest infestations.

Check for Damage

Because yurts rely on tension for stability, you should regularly check the tension system for any signs of damage. Inspect the tension bands, ropes, and framework to ensure they are in good condition. If you notice any tears or holes in the fabric, repair them immediately with a patch kit. Check for loose or rusty hardware, and tighten or replace it as necessary.

It’s also essential to watch for pests that can damage your yurt. Rodents, insects, and birds may try to get into your yurt, so look out for any signs of entry near the ground, seal up holes, or use natural repellents to ward off critters.

Protect Against the Elements

Yurts are resilient in various weather conditions, but they aren’t impenetrable. During heavy rainfall, ensure the water drains away from your yurt and does not pool around the base. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, regularly remove snow from the roof to prevent too much weight on the structure.

You can also take preventative measures such as sealing any potential entry points for rain or wind. These small steps can go a long way in protecting your four-season yurt from the elements.

Inspect Your Yurt Annually

While it’s essential to keep a constant eye on your yurt, conducting a thorough inspection once a year is also a good idea. You catch potential issues before they worsen and cause big problems. Inspect the tension bands, ropes, framework, and fabric cover for signs of wear. Additionally, clean or repair any areas that need attention.

We recommend checking your yurt after each winter season. Heavy snow and ice can cause more significant damage to your structure than you expect, so make sure everything is in good condition when spring rolls around.

Properly Store Your Yurt

If you plan on storing your yurt for an extended period, you must do so correctly. Here are a few suggestions:

• Make sure every part is clean and dry.
• Ensure the storage area is large enough to hold all components.
• Store everything in a dry, climate-controlled area to prevent damage from moisture or pests.

Taking proper care of your yurt is crucial for its longevity, safety, and comfort. By following these tips and staying on top of maintenance, you can enjoy spending time in your yurt year-round for years!