[expand]The wall felt wrapped horizontally. The rectangular felt pieces perhaps two meters high by three meters wide covered lattice framework—the sections overlapping to prevent gaps, the attachment using ropes or wooden toggles, and the layering creating wind barrier and insulation. The wall felt quality varied—the wealthy families used thick high-quality felt changed frequently, the poor families stretched thin worn felt until it disintegrated, and the felt’s condition directly correlated with dwelling’s comfort. The wall sections numbered perhaps four to six pieces creating complete circle, the sectional approach allowing replacement of worn portions without re-felting entire yurt.
The roof felt arranged like shingles. The triangular or trapezoidal felt pieces covered roof poles—starting from crown and working downward, the upper pieces overlapping lower ones shedding water effectively. The roof felt was thicker than wall felt—receiving more weather exposure, bearing snow loads, and needing durability exceeding wall covering. The roof sections numbered perhaps eight to twelve pieces, the sectional approach again allowing partial replacement. The roof felt’s attachment was secure—the wind could destroy poorly secured covering, the storms could peel felt away exposing interior, and the loss during winter storm could kill family through exposure.
The door covering was heavy felt or leather. The entrance required flexible covering—opening for entry and exit, closing for weather protection—making solid door impractical for portable dwelling. The felt or leather panel hung from lintel, the bottom edge overlapping threshold preventing drafts, and the secured position using ties or weights keeping covering in place during wind. The door covering quality affected comfort dramatically—the poor covering allowed drafts infiltrating interior, the good covering sealed entrance effectively, and the winterized version might include multiple layers plus fur lining for maximum protection.
The smoke hole covering was adjustable. The felt flap attached to crown ring could be opened or closed controlling ventilation—the opened position allowing smoke escape during cooking, the partially closed position limiting heat loss, and the completely closed position being dangerous due to smoke accumulation but sometimes necessary during severe storms. The smoke hole adjustment required climbing onto roof or using long pole from ground—the frequent adjustments being impractical, the setting being chosen for prevailing conditions—making management decisions about optimal ventilation balance.
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