[expand]The exterior felt layers provided weatherproofing and insulation. The application proceeded systematically: wall felt sections were placed first, overlapping slightly and secured with ropes passing around entire yurt. Roof felt sections followed, arranged like shingles with upper layers overlapping lower, water running down overlaps rather than penetrating interior. The crown felt wrapped around opening’s upper edge, its removable section allowing smoke control.
The layering strategy used different felt qualities appropriately. The outermost layer was coarsest, thickest felt—providing maximum weather resistance, accepting abuse from sun and rain, protecting inner layers from wear. The middle layers were medium-grade felt, primarily providing insulation through trapped air spaces. The innermost layer was finest felt, creating finished interior appearance, potentially decorated with appliqué or embroidery. The total felt weight was substantial—perhaps 200-300 kilograms for medium-sized yurt—but provided insulation rivaling masonry walls.
The attachment system used ropes woven from horsehair, wool, or occasionally plant fibers. The ropes passed around yurt’s exterior in several horizontal bands, securing felt layers to structure, preventing wind displacement, and providing decorative element through colored or patterned cordage. The door felt—usually white felt for symbolic reasons—attached separately using ties or toggles allowing opening and closing. The felt covering’s careful installation was crucial—improper overlap allowed rain penetration, inadequate securing risked wind damage, incorrect tensioning caused wrinkles accumulating water.
The maintenance required regular attention. The felt was removed annually or semi-annually for cleaning, airing, repair, and storage during seasons when thinner coverings sufficed. The sun fading and rain damage affected exterior felt more severely than interior layers, requiring periodic replacement. The wealthy families owned multiple felt sets—heavy winter coverings, lighter summer versions, elaborate decorated sets for special occasions—rotating them appropriately.
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