How to make an igloo in the snow
The UK continues to weather the Beast from the East this week with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero temperatures.
Several centimetres of snow has also fallen across the country bringing the usual disruptions to travel and services.
However, for kids, there is something joyous about the fluffy white stuff.
Hundreds of schools expect to remain closed today across the UK with 400 in Scotland alone as a result of snow which will bring glee to the faces of many pupils across the country.
Expect to see lots of snowmen, sledging and snowball fights. But have you ever tried to make an igloo?
Well, for those who would like to try something new today and attempt to build a temporary Arctic home, there are some simple measures to summon the Eskimo and the Inuit within you.
How to make an igloo
Measurement
Firstly, make sure that you have the correct measurement for your icy home.
It is advised to not exceed 10 feet. Anything bigger would require a perfect dome, which is extremely difficult to build in an open field or garden.
Materials
You may be thinking this is obvious: snow? Yes, of course you need the lovely white stuff, but you need to avoid the top powder and use the denser stuff below it to help your igloo stay in place.
Construction
Build mounds of snow until they harden, or cut blocks of snow from the ground.
A good tip to follow is to create your blocks from inside the creation first, then move outside to make the rest.
The bricks of your igloo should spiral upwards in one continuous coil, therefore you should cut the blocks into a spiral layer, leaning one block against the next.
It is important to keep the interior wall smooth which will allow moisture to run down the side of the wall, and prevent dripping from the ceiling.
An easy way to make a doorway is to simply cut your doorway out of the wall.
Afterwards, you then take the block of ice you removed, cut it in half, and lean the two sides together to make an arch over your igloo doorway.
This is beneficial as it helps to keep your body heat inside.
Leave a vent at the top
You can also cut vents into the side. Otherwise you might suffocate in your awesome ice fort.
Spray with water
No we’re not telling you to blast it on high pressure until it drops, but hosing a layer of water over your igloo with help to reinforce the structure.
A freezing layer of ice will help to keep it up standing for longer.
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