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Yurt Living: Solutions to Mold Fears

Blue Ridge Yurt

You may be surprised to learn that yurts have fewer mold issues than most conventional buildings. Yet it is a frequent question with legitimate fear of health issues that can derive from mold. Yurts of Hawaii addresses mold on their FAQ page because after all, they most frequently build in the rain forest.

No doubt about it, the best mold prevention anywhere on anything is air flow and sunshine. Other yurt sites address mold issues differently, typically focused on the material, ─ but the essential requirement is ventilation. To conclude that the vinyl material is a better mold prevention than the canvas with acrylic coating, or otherwise, is speculative.

All successful yurt makers do their research to select mold-resistant fabrics. Below are some construction and exterior tips verified in Hawaii, but beneficial anywhere:

  • Elevate the yurt, preferably a minimum of three feet.
  • Clear trees and large plants, preventing shady moist areas, three to five feet around the exterior of the yurt, or the lanai/decking. (That means no hovering tree limbs).
  • Maintain landscaping to prevent constant shade, allowing at least partial sun on all areas of the roof.
  • Install the gutter system properly, ensuring no continuous drips.

>>Next: Tips to avoid interior mold.

Written by Delia Montgomery

I am Delia, d/b/a Chic Eco on www.ChicEco.com, and established myself as an eco fashion guru by learning "who makes what in the world of environmental fashion and design."

Enjoy reading some of my freelance writing about environmental design, fashion and art -- from both consumer and supplier perspectives. You may notice I focus most on individual eco designers, movers and shakers.

From sustainable fashion apparel to paint and flooring, discoveries are a rush. I get my kicks this way. I also offer sales representation of earth-friendly designed products for wholesale buyers. Retailers may take advantage of my services with factory-direct pricing. Spend less time sourcing and prevent green-washed purchases!

My other forte is connecting suppliers with business-to-business tools. Aspects of my business vary with consulting services while I'm proud to be the aide that embraces unique and innovative gigs.

I'm originally a Kentucky Blue Grass gal who relocated to Maui early 2006 and the tropical Puna District of Big Island, Hawaii late 2007. Walk the talk is my motto here.

Early 2009 I constructed a yurt home office in a semi-urban setting on a tiny lot. My water comes from the sky, contained in a catchment that's not likely to dry in this rain forest. The electric is designed for solar conversion. I grow about 30% of my food organically, compost, and recycle to the hilt. Permaculture with a full eco system is my gardening style.

In fact, gardening is my ultimate joy. I seek gigs like design, weeding and planting between other jobs. My love is Hawai'i which has more climate zones than any state. There are frequent earthquakes here, typically under a 3.0 magnitude, and I happen to dig the vibrations. It's a wonderful simple life in paradise. As I grow older and wiser, I become more and more grateful.

And the Cleanse Continues

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