Jacob and Josh - I really hope you guys pursue your interests to build with Velcro. I really feel it is the way to go.
In the past few weeks I refurbished my H7 modified stretch yurt to use Velcro seams so it is now a combination of Bi-Di taped hinges and Velcro/Cordura straps. It is now a 0% waste (no tape needed for assembly) hexayurt and I am very happy with the outcome! We used it at PEX Summer Festival earlier this month and it worked great. As an added bonus, I found that I could vent the yurt by slipping open the Velcro on a small roof section and fold it back. Instant fresh air gratification! And it would have been impossible to do that with a taped yurt. Like my (newer) H12, I used the same formula of 500D cordura, Barge Glue, and 2" wide velcro. Worked like a charm. Josh: If you have any photos yet I'd love to see if you have any mods or variations in your build. Jacob: For any yurt, surviving high winds is going to depend a lot on how you rope/stake down the construction. I think many people make a mistake of putting their guy lines at 90 degree angles to the ground. But for better wind shear resistance it is better to have some angle, like 30 or 45 degrees. I have no doubt that the Barge Glue and cordura is going to hold up to the wind; the bond to the Thermasheath panels is as strong or stronger than Bi-Di tape. Velcro has excellent side shear grip but poor vertical grip -- that is what makes Velcro useful and reusable. All of your straps should use only sideways shear stress in your design. If any strap is at an angle other than sideways shear, Velcro is going to be your weakest link. Also bear in mind: the wider the Velcro, the more strength you get. I have not felt that anything wider than 2" was necessary, but you can certainly buy wider stuff. I'l be honest and say I haven't tested either yurt in the rain so I don't know how well the Cordura and glue seals resist water. But if you're careful to keep the glue evenly spread and are careful to squeeze out air bubbles when you attach pieces together, you should have a very good waterproof seal. For the first (and probably only) time, BOTH of my hexayurts are going to be on Playa at the same time, in the same camp. I'm excited! --Wolf -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "hexayurt" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/hexayurt. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
