FAQ
1. Question: I was wondering if these domes could be stored over the winter in Northern Canada. I am concerned about the snow fall and I have read that the domes would need to remain heated so they do not collapse from heavy snow. What are the options for storing them over the winter?
Answer: If no one is looking after the dome throughout the season, we recommend removing the dome cover. Keep the clean and dry cover in a dry place, off the ground, and out of the reach of rodents.
2. Question: Hi! I'm looking at living in either canvas tent, yurt or geodesic dome. How the domes compare and differ to canvas tents or yurts?
Answer: The main advantage of the dome structure over tens and yurts is its shape. Domes are very aerodynamic and can withstand hurricane winds without collapsing if properly anchored. Secondly, domes are much more energy efficient as the surface and energy losses are minimal. Geodesic domes easily shed snow with the help of wind. They have been used in Antarctica to protect equipment since 1971.
3. Question: What about in the summer or in hot climate? How do you keep them cool?
Answer: In order to keep the dome tents cool:
1. Get the tent into the shade. The dome should be put in a shady location. Your best option here is to place your dome in the shade—natural or man made.
2. Use a white cover for optimum heat reflection and include many vents within the structure.
3. If you live off the grid, we also sell solar-powered fans that can improve air circulation inside your dome.
4. Alternatively, if you have access to utilities, an air conditioning unit is an option.
5. Additionally, you may want to consider using a Thermoshield roof coat on the outside of the dome. It assists in deflecting the sun's rays away from the tent's inside. This cooling paint is a special kind of coating that works in two ways: resisting and reflecting heat. This keeps your home, dome tent, or other building cooler.
4. Question: Will the dome tent keep mice and rodents out?
Answer: We would be lying if we said the PVC cover prevents mice and other small wild animals from entering the dome. The solution to the mice problem lies in structurally raising the dome deck off the ground and limiting the possible routes of entry. And also proper outdoor behaviour: airtight garbage disposal, cleaning up, and storing food in airtight containers.
5. Question: I wonder if the dome would require a building permit?
Answer: Geodesic dome building permits and regulations differ by state, province, city, and county. Officials from the various municipalities have different views on the domes. Often, domes are considered "semi-permanent or temporary" structures, which gives you considerable leeway.
We recommend contacting your local building department to find out how they interpret your dome and which building regulations/codes apply. We will provide you with all the needed information on our structures to help you meet the necessary building permits, and we also have engineering services available.
6. Question: What is R-Value of your Insulation layer?
Answer: Our cloth insulation has been tested and rated in clo units, just like the insulation qualities of clothes. And the R-units apply mostly to construction materials.
But the measurement units of both clo and R are the same. So we can convert one into another. Here is a quick glance at the clo units:
CLO VALUE (ICL VALUE)
Clo value is a measure of the thermal resistance value of clothing, especially as it relates to relative human comfort within that clothing at a given set of conditions. Clo value is approximately calculated by multiplying R value by 1.136:
- ICL = R * 1.136
So, we have a report where a testing company measured our insulation at 3.24 clo.
3.24 / 1.136 = 2.85
The R-value equivalent is 2.85 R
7. Question: What is wind and snow load of your geodesic domes?
Answer: We have our standard engineering report available for all dome tent sizes listed online, built with 1" (26 mm) diameter galvanized steel frames for the three most popular sizes: 16.4 ft (5 m), 19.7 ft (6 m), and 23 ft (7 m). Calculations for 1.25'' (32 mm) diameter pipes are available for each size as well: 16.4 ft (5 m), 19.7 ft (6 m), 23 ft (7 m), 26 ft (8 m), 29.5 ft (9 m), and 32 ft (10 m) dome tents.
This standard engineering report is FREE with any of the six sizes of dome tents listed on our website and will be available to you after you place your order with us.
8. Question: How much is it to deliver the dome to my address?
Answer: All our prices are available on our website with included shipping for continental North American deliveries. You simply add all of the items, you plan to purchase, to your cart, and the total will be your quote. The price you pay includes delivery fees, custom duties, and other charges.
The price is based on a single unit purchase and is only for Canada and USA continental locations (some exceptions apply). If you are looking to purchase multiple units, please contact us for a custom quote and discount information.
9. Question: What is the difference if I install insulation between cover and frame or inside the frame of my dome tent?
Answer: Some customers like to have the dome frame exposed and seen from inside the dome. We can make an insulation layer to be fitted over the metal frame. This way, the customers have access to pipes to hang plants, pictures, etc.
However, we recommend installing the insulation on the inside of the frame. It creates multiple air pockets that help keep the indoor temperature more stable.
10. Question: How can I get a quote for one geodesic dome tent delivery to Canada or USA?
Answer: You have to add all the items you plan to purchase to your cart, and the total is going to be your quote. Taxes apply only to Canadian deliveries.
11. Question: How can I get a quote for multiple geodesic dome tents with delivery to Canada or USA?
Answer: Please Contact Us for a custom quote and bulk discount estimate.
12. Question: How can I get a quote for one or multiple geodesic dome tents with delivery anywhere in the world?
Answer: Please visit our World Wide Shipping page.
13. Question: What is the warranty on the domes and components?
Answer: Our domes' galvanized steel frames are covered for 24 months (some conditions apply) from the delivery date. Our domes' vinyl covers are covered for 18 months (some conditions apply) from the delivery date. All the accessories and elements are covered for 180 days from the date of delivery.
Please find the Glamping Dome Warranty in our Policy to check the terms and conditions of the dome tent warranty.
14. Question: What king of platform shell I build for my geodesic dome?
Answer: Our domes are equipped with 15 heavy duty brackets that allow you to secure your dome to a wooden deck, a concrete pad, or directly to packed ground.
We recommend building dome platforms in a circular or 15-sided (pentadecagon) shape that is close to the geodesic dome base shape and size. This is necessary to prevent the rain water or melt water from getting under the dome cover and inside the dome. In this case, the water runs down off the cover directly onto the ground.
And if you choose to build a rectangular platform, please keep in mind that you will have to either raise the indoor flooring or make a perfect cover-to-platform seal. We provide dome base size drawings for every dome size.
15. Questions: Are there materials used for dome tents that are resistant to rips caused by bears, lions, and other predators?
Are there any bear-proof geodesic dome tents on the market?
Answer: Double PVC coated polyester mesh is used to make the covers for all of our dome tents. The thickness ranges from 19 oz/sq. yd. (650 g/sq. m.) to 28 oz/sq. yd. (950 g/sq. m.) and higher thickness is available for special requests. This coated polyester material is heavy and, consequently, a strong material with greater abrasion resistance.
This dome tent fabric is heavy and strong but not resistant to rips caused by predator animals. Bears and lions are among the world’s most powerful predators, with enormous strength and intimidating teeth and claws. If they were determined enough, not even a residential home or enclosed vehicle could stop them. They can rip locked car doors off cars if they see a cooler inside. They can break down the doors of houses to get into kitchens.
There is no fabric that can be used for a dome tent that will keep a bear out. Therefore, the best way to defend yourself is to ensure that you never store anything resembling food in your dome tent house.
For a dome tent to be resistant to bears or other predators, the dome cover would need to be made from Kevlar material or heavy ballistic fabric with enhanced tear resistance. Even then, there are no guarantees.
Can Kevlar fabric be used to make the cover for the dome?
No, unfortunately this fabric is not suitable for the dome cover. If Kevlar is exposed to water frequently enough, the fibers of the material may eventually weaken and break down. So, it is not waterproof. Also, Kevlar fabric can not be placed in direct sunlight.
16. Question: We have 23 ft (7m) dome tent. Our long term plan was to add an inch of spray foam in the triangles. We also have the thermoshield paint for the inside that we've not applied yet, should the spray foam go first or second? Also, with all our projects, we are more short on funds then we'd planned, and we're considering using "great stuff" insulation in a can, would that still be safe on the interior of the dome?
Answer: The customer is planning to use GREAT STUFF Insulating Foam Sealant BIG GAP FILLER along with the Thermo-Shield paint. So, we contacted both Thermo-Shield and Dupont companies to get more information on both products and their application.
Thermo-Shield manufacturer replied: the thermo-shield paint should always be applied as the last layer. We received no confirmation if the paint will adhere properly when applied on the foam. We recommend running a small test to see if the foam and paint will work well together.
DuPont contact center replied: "We currently do not have data for Great Stuff™ foam products being used in your application (to insulate a dome tent).
What I can tell you is Great Stuff™ foam bonds to most construction materials including lumber, plywood, particleboard, foam board, masonry, metals, drywall, concrete and foam panels.
Great Stuff™ Insulating Foam Sealant products are very sensitive to UV light. Exposure to UV light, even indirect sunlight, will cause the foam to darken to an orange or reddish-brown color in a matter of days or weeks. Constant exposure to direct sunlight will eventually cause the foam to break down and crumble apart. The foam must be painted or coated with a UV resistant coating if used outdoors.
Great Stuff™ products can be painted with any commonly available latex paint. Avoid petroleum or oil based paints as they might partially dissolve the foam. The foam must be painted or coated with a UV resistant coating if used outdoors.
I would also test a small area to see if it will work for your needs before completing the entire project.
Great Stuff™ Insulating Foam Sealant products should not be used around heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, or recessed lighting fixtures where it contacts heat conducting surfaces. Cured foam is combustible and may present a fire hazard if exposed to flame or temperatures above 240F (116°C).
This product is flammable during dispensing. Do not smoke or use near open flame. Shut off pilot lights and sources of ignition until tack free.
Can contents are under pressure. Do not place in hot water. Do not puncture, incinerate or store at temperatures over 120F.
The contents of the Great Stuff™ should be as close to room temperature as possible when dispensed. The application temperature should be from 40°F to 120°F (5°C to 50°C)."
PLEASE NOTE: any cover or frame modifications you make are at your own risk. We will not be liable for any damages that may occur when using foam spray. If something happens to the dome pvc cover or frame (due to foam spray impact), the damage will not be covered under our warranty.