FAQ
Shipping
You can expect to recieve your order within 10-15 weeks. Shipping times vary based on loction and importing timelines.
Yes! Free shipping for 48 continguous states. If you live in Hawaii or Alaska, send us an inquiry.
We ship from Long Beach, California. If you live on the west cost, you might be eligible for faster shipping. Contact us for more details.
Assembly
We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build your dome. Assembly can take as little as 6 hours with a 3-5 person crew. Tools such as a ladder, drill, and wrench are required. We recommend hiring a contractor to come out and help for ease and assurance.
When choosing a platform, you must consider your local topography, building codes, and your personal goals for the site. It's best to consult with a contractor or engineer prior to your build.
A wooden deck or concrete pad would be ideal for your dome. We recommend building platforms in a circular or pentadecagon shape close to the base size of the dome. Keep in mind that your fully assembled dome will weigh almost 800 lbs.
We recommend vinyl plank flooring. It's easy to install, stylish, and water resistant! You can find the materials at your local hardware store. It's best to install this after building your platform and dome to ensure the right measurements.
Temperature Regulation
In addition to thermal insulation, Domes can be heated in the same ways as any home. If you live off-grid or plan to use your dome for other purposes like cooking food, then wood stoves are a great option. You can also use propane gas heaters, pellet stoves, or heat pumps.
In the summer, your Dome can get quite warm with direct sunlight shining into it. If you're looking for a way to maintain constant ventilation in your home, consider adding one of our Solar Fans. These will help keep constant ventilation even in overcast whether. You can also add air conditioning units or glass windows.
Maintenance
We recommend that you use a pressure washer or sponge with soap to remove debris and algae from your Dome's cover. The pressure wash should be done only a couple times a year by a professional.
To keep your PVC windows clean and visible make sure to only use non-abrasive rags or sponges with soap. If you have a pleather liner, clean it off using damp cloths that are free of any cleaners; just be careful not scrub too hard on these materials as they can get damaged easily by abrasion.
Although it's unlikely, the dome cover is still susceptible to tears from branches or other sharp objects. Repair tears immediately using either a fabric repair tape or sealing with a patch of PVC fabric and polyurethane glue.
Warranty
If you encounter a problem with the quality of the steel tubes or PVC cover, send us an email with pictures to help us address the problem.
As long as the parts were handled and maintained properly, we can send replace parts. The warranty lasts one year, and after that we can offer discounts if you need additional replacements.
All of our domes are delivered in highly durable wooden crates. In the rare circumstance that you receive damaged goods, we are happy to replace them. You will need to notify us within 10 days of recieving your order, so make sure to check all the parts at the time of delivery!
We do not accept exchanges or returns as each dome is made-to-order. Please select your options carefully and let us know if you have any questions!
Permitting
It all depends on your location and local building codes.
Domes are technically semi-permanent structures so permitting may not be required. However it is your responsibility, as the buyer, to check your local permitting and zoning laws.
If the building department is not familiar with geodesic domes, you may need to show them structural drawings along with a structural analysis report.
We can provide these after purchase, but if they require a site specific engineering report, extra fees may apply.
Precautions
The dome cover is highly resistant to mildew, but in the colder months, moisture can build up in the dome and form on the fabrics inside the dome. Make sure your dome is properly ventilated with a solar fan, vents, and glass opening window. Add a wireless dehumidifier for extra precaution.
The structure of the dome is made of hot dipped galvanized stainless steel so it is unlikely that it will develop rust.
However if you live in a humid environment or plan to build a shower inside the dome, make sure to check for signs of rust. This can happen at the connecting bolts if the dome is not properly ventilated. If you notice rust, treat it right away with a metal preservative.
In rare circumstances, your dome can become electrically energized by lighting. If your dome structure is not directly touching the earth then it needs to be grounded with an 8 AWG copper wire. Contact us for more information.
Also make sure to NEVER install any appliances, devices, or cables directly on the steel pipe frame. This can cause an electrical charge to run through the structure.
It's best to build the dome on a circular or pentadecagon shape platform close to the base size of the dome. This allows the rain to roll off the cover to the ground, instead of seeping under the cover.
If you are building on a platform bigger than the dome, you can use aluminum strips and an electric drill to seal the dome cover to the platform. We provide these with sizes: 16ft and 20ft.