General

Frames

Covers

Insulation

Flooring

Heating and Cooling

Electricity and Plumbing

Interior Design

Customization

Installation

Maintenance

Permitting and Security

Shipping

General

Q: What does Geodesic mean?

A: Geodesic refers to the use of points that share placement on a common curved surface and the chords (straight lines) that connect these points. The icosahedron is a platonic solid. Using the icosahedron and iterations of the icosahedron to smooth the profile, Pacific Domes structures retain the geodesic quality and the beauty and strength of the sphere, maintaining the geodesic principal.

Q: What is a dome?

A: A structure consisting of a partial sphere (usually about half of a sphere) used to enclose space. Domes are commonly used for homes, greenhouses, temporary structures or to enclose equipment.

Q: What is a frequency?

A: When talking about domes, frequency refers to the number of pieces that each edge of the base figure is divided into in the process of triangulating its sides. For instance, we might start with a base figure of an icosahedron and divide each edge of each triangular face into 3 equal lengths. Those new points are connected to divide the original triangle into 9 smaller triangles. Since the original edges were divided into 3 parts, we call this a 3-frequency dome. The frequency is commonly abbreviated as "f", so a 2-frequency dome is called 2f, 3-frequency is 3f, and so forth. The higher the frequency the more curved and sphere like the dome appears.

Q: Do people live in Pacific Domes?

A: Many of our customers purchase their domes to live in. The different cover materials we offer allow for use in any climate. We have insulation packages available that, in conjunction with a wood stove or other heating system, make the dome a comfortable space in cold weather. We also recommend radiant heat in the dome floor. Larger domes can accommodate lofts, walls, and other partitions to create separate rooms. All interior construction should be free standing and self supported. To see pictures of homes that people have created out of the domes, click here.

Q: What does the Basic Dome package contain?

A: The Basic Dome package includes: the .92” galvanized steel frame with hardware, the fabric cover of choice and shelter anchor plates.

Q:  What does the Deluxe dome package contain?

A: The Deluxe Dome package includes the Basic Dome package, zip-off roof screen, door screen(s), window screens (for diamond door only), round window screens, and base rollup screens. It also includes stove vent flashing and pipe cap, as well as a solar fan.

Q:  Does Pacific Domes make a greenhouse dome?

A: We offer Greenhouse Domes in all sizes.

Q:  Warranty information?

A: Pacific Domes guarantees the workmanship and craftsmanship of its products. With the purchase of the dome, the customer receives the Terms & Conditions of Sale along with the Warranty.

Q:  Do you have domes available for rent?

A: Yes! Pacific Domes are a wonderful space for parties, weddings, trade shows, festival booths, and retreats. We have an experienced and competent crew available to help with setup and takedown. Please call us for updated information on availability and prices.

Q:  Do you have a payment plan?

A: Our payment terms are 50% deposit at the time the order is made with the balance due before we ship.

Q: 
Do you offer any additional resources that I could consult other than your web site?

A: If you provide us with a mailing address and specifically request a “packet by mail”, we can send you a packet of information with a DVD and fabric samples.

Q:  Can you connect two domes together?

A: We are capable of connecting two domes together by Round Door openings with reinforcement hoops and a connector tunnel.

Q:  Do you sell used domes?

A: On occasion, we have demo domes for sale at a discount. Please contact our sales department.

Frames

Q: What are the dome frames made of?  How strong are the frames?

A: Our dome frames are made from galvanized steel. The steel, in conjunction with the geodesic design, creates an amazingly strong structure using a minimal amount of material. Geodesic domes are world-renowned for their strength and integrity. Depending on your situation and needs, we offer “heavy duty” 1.31”, through “extreme” 1.9”, frames in addition to our “standard” .92” frame.
Shelter Frames
Event Frames

Q:  What type of frame do I need?

A: The geodesic dome geometry is one of the sturdiest and most aerodynamic structures ever designed!

For areas with snow or strong wind, we will need to check our engineering program to calculate the tubing diameter required for your maximum snow and wind loads. You will need to contact your local County Building Department for your snow load and combined wind requirements as well as the seismic rating for the location.

Q:  What are the diameters of your frames and is there an extra charge for heavy duty frames?

A: The Standard diameter of our galvanized steel frames is .92". If a sturdier frame is required for snow or wind loads, there is an additional charge. A Heavy Duty 1.31" frame will satisfy most snow load requirements. We also make a Burly 1.66” and can make up to our Extreme 1.9” diameter for special load bearing needs.

Q: Can we order only the dome frame?

A: Yes, we offer the “frame only” without a cover. Some of our customers use our frames to cover with concrete, shot Crete, or ferro-cement. We have even had a few people cover their dome frame with paper Crete. Pacific Domes does not offer any advice or information in regards to these types of construction.

Q:  How are the joints constructed?

A: Both ends of each strut are flattened and a hole is punched through the flattened area. Four to six of the struts meet at each joint, or “hub”, and a bolt with a washer and a nut run through the holes at the ends of the struts.

Q:  How does the frame attach to the flooring?

A: Shelter dome packages come with heavy duty anchors that connect the dome frame to the dome deck or floor.

Covers

Q:  What type of cover do I need?

A: The main consideration in choosing fabric for your dome is longevity. The two causes of deterioration are UV and mildew. If you live in a dry desert-like area with high UV, we recommend SunLite painted with Thermoshield, which reflects heat and UV off of the dome cover and dramatically extends the cover’s life expectancy. We also recommend Tropical Plus because of its additional laminate coating protection against UV.
If you live in a damp or wet area with high moisture, we recommend Tropical and Tropical Plus (vinyl) fabrics because they have a smooth surface, are easy to clean and are more resistant to mold and mildew. Shelter Covers
Event Covers

Q:  What type of fabrics does Pacific Domes offer?

A: Our three main fabrics we use for Shelter domes are SunLite, Tropical and Tropical Plus. For Event domes we have EventLite, Event Vinyl, Black Out Vinyl, StretchLite and Theatre Fabric.

Q:  What is the life expectancy of the dome cover?

A:  With proper care, SunLite fabric will last 5-8 years. If painted with Thermoshield, the life of SunLite can be extended indefinitely.

The life expectancy of Tropical fabric is 8-12 years and for Tropical Plus the life expectancy is 12-20 years, both with proper care.

Q:  Can I apply the Thermoshield to the Tropical or the Tropical Plus materials?

A: Yes, it will adhere to all of the Shelter dome fabrics.

Q:  Can domes handle high winds?

A: As long as dome frame is an appropriate diameter of thickness for the wind load and the dome is properly anchored, our domes can withstand extreme wind speeds.

Q:  Can Domes handle heavy snow loads?

A: Our domes can handle most any snow load with the appropriate frame. Our engineering program will determine the tubing size required for the snow load in your area. We make up to 1.9” diameter frames for Shelter Domes.

Q:  What are the windows made of?

A: The windows are made of a UV protected CLEAR marine vinyl.
Shelter Windows
Event Windows

Q:  Can I purchase a replacement cover for my dome?

A: Reskins are available for standard and custom domes. We have customers that have been living in their dome for 25 years.

Insulation

Q:  Do I need insulation?

A: Your local weather conditions will determine whether or not you need insulation. The insulation that we offer can be used to keep your dome warm or cool. Having an efficient heating source will greatly affect your ability to keep your dome warm. A larger dome may present more of a need for insulation as it will be require more energy to heat the larger space.

Q:  Does Pacific Domes offer any insulation?

A: We offer two insulation options:

1. A Liner with Reflectix, which can be purchased “roof only” or “complete” or…

2. Thermoshield, painted on the inside of the dome instead of the liner.

Q:  Can I apply the Thermoshield to the Tropical or the Tropical Plus materials?

A:  Yes, it can be applied to all the shelter fabrics. We recommend spraying on Thermoshield (2 coats at least) for the most consistent coverage. If you choose to paint with a roller, a 3rd coat is recommended to prevent visible streaking.

Q:  Do the insulation linings also help to keep temperature down in the summer?

A: All of the insulation that Pacific Domes offers will help to keep the dome cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter.

Q: Which insulation is the best for extremely cold environments?

A: The most important aspect of keeping a dome warm and cozy is an efficient heat source. We also recommend radiant heat in the floor. For insulation you can choose either the Winter Liner or Thermoshield, depending on what works best for your needs. Thermoshield can be applied to both the inside and outside of the dome for maximum winter and summer insulation.

Q:  How is the dome ventilated?

A: Pacific Domes are designed with ventilation in mind. The roof, door, round windows, and portions of the sidewalls can be replaced with screens. If your environment doesn’t allow for screens, due to excessive rain fall, we recommend using a solar fan to aid in ventilation.
Shelter Dome Ventilation
Event Dome Ventilation

Flooring

Q:  What type of floor should I build?

A: We offer three different floor plans that work very well with the domes that we make. They are: Portable Mandala, Stationary Joist, and Perimeter Board. Many people pour concrete slabs or create Earthen floors using the Perimeter floor plans as a mold. You are welcome to use the suggestions we provide for Flooring, or create your own method.

Q:  Does the full dome kit include the floor?

A: We provide floor plans for three styles of floors along with material lists on our website under Floors. These plans have been used by many of our customers and have proven to work very well with our domes. There is also information on using Perimeter Boards for an earthen floor or for a concrete floor.

Q:  What do your suggested floor plans cost to build?

A: The best way to find the cost of our suggested floor plans is to take your preferred floor plan to the place you plan to buy materials and have them make you a bid.

Q:  I want to put a 30' dome on a concrete slab, how big should the slab be, if the dome is 30' diameter?

A: If you are considering pouring a concrete slab, please consult our perimeter board plans for pouring concrete. Click on Floors to download a PDF for the 30’ dome size, which includes the perimeter board plans.

Q:  Are special "heavy" foundations necessary if high winds are common?

A: To determine if a special foundation is needed to withstand high winds, check with your local City and/or County Building Department.

Q:  Does the dome have specific anchors for concrete versus wood floors?

A: The Shelter Anchors that are included in all Shelter Dome packages can be used with either a wood or concrete floor. The Shelter anchor plate bolts down into the floor and also has a tab sticking up that connects to the bottom hub of the frame, anchoring the frame to the floor.

Heating and Cooling

Q:  How should I heat my dome?

A: The most common method of heating is by wood stove, but any modern heating method will work in a dome. Radiant heat, solar, electric and gas are all compatible with our domes.

Q:  How should I cool my dome?

A: The domes are designed with several window screens, base screens, and a roof screen. This ventilates the dome well, helping to keep it cool. A solar fan is included in the Deluxe dome package and it can also be purchased separately. It is recommended for helping to exhaust hot air from the top of the dome. Traditional Air Conditioning units may be installed as well.

Q:  How do I install a wood stove?

A: If you are using the wood flooring plans that we have provided, we recommend that you create a rock or sand hearth to put your stove on. To install your stove on the hearth, follow manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. The Deluxe Dome Package is equipped with metal stove flashing and a cap. For the Basic Dome Package, the wood stove set-up can be purchased separately. The piping will run from your stove through the flashing and above your dome. All of the piping that is used in association with the stove should be double walled pipe. The piping that runs through your flashing and above the dome should have an outer 8” diameter and an inner 6” diameter.

Electricity and Plumbing

Q:  Can you run electricity and utilities into the dome?

A: If you have access to utilities, they can be run into the dome. Typically this is done through the floor. Outlets can be placed on the floor, or on any walls or partitions that you build inside.
If you drill an appropriate diameter hole you can run pipes up through the floor wherever you want them.

Interior Design

Q: What is possible inside of a dome?

A: Anything is possible. The space is open for your creativity and the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!

Q:  Is it possible to create separate rooms in the dome?

A: There are many ways to use the space that a dome offers. Sizes 24’ and larger allow space for a loft to be built. Traditional walls can be built within your dome if you desire. All lofts, walls or partitions should be built free standing and self-supporting. Some people have used screens to separate the space.

Q:  Do you have any floor plans?

A: We provide floor building plans on our website that can be downloaded for free.
Shelter Dome Floor Plans
Event Dome Floor Plans

Q:  What about amenities such as stoves and plumbing?

A: When it comes to modern amenities in a dome, most anything is possible. We offer links to sites about composting toilets, solar fans, solar heating products, air chairs, and floating beds! Piping and wiring for plumbing and electricity can be run through the floor of the dome.

Customization

Q:  Can I customize my dome?

A: For an additional charge, we would be happy to customize your dome. Please be aware that customization may extend the time it takes for us to create your dome.

Q:  We prefer to have two doors in any living quarters where we reside. Can this be done?

A: Adding a door can be done, but may require moving windows or screens to a different location. There is an additional cost for adding doors and for adding or moving any of the other elements. This is considered customization and will increase the time it will take to create your dome.

Q:  Can these domes be sprayed with foam and concrete?

A: It is possible to spray your dome with foam and concrete. Pacific Domes does not offer any advice or information in regards to these types of construction.

Q:  Could we use one of your covers to fit over a dome that we make?

A: We will need information on the frequency and exact length of your homemade struts (center of the hole to center of the hole measurement) to see if our dome covers will fit. If your strut length measurements do not match ours exactly, one of our covers will not fit your homemade frame.

Installation

Q:  Will Pacific Domes erect the dome for me?

A: Yes, although our Owner’s Manual has enabled our customers to set their own domes up with ease. We do recommend hiring one of our staff members for 36’ and larger diameter domes, although we have had customers accomplish the set-ups on their own. Please contact us and give you a quote if you require assistance.

Q:  Can I put it together myself?

A: The 16’, 16’Tall, 20’, and 24’ domes can be constructed with help from a few friends. It is difficult to construct domes larger than this without mechanized assistance.

Q:  How do I attach the Dome to the flooring or deck?

A: We provide you with Shelter Anchor Plates for Shelter domes that will secure your dome to the floor or decking. They attach to the dome frame at the base hubs and bolt into the floor, deck or concrete slab.

Maintenance

Q:  What do I need to do to take good care of my dome?

A: To insure your domes new and clean appearance and to prolong the life of your dome cover, do not allow dirt or stains to build up on the fabric. Clean your Tropical fabric every 180 days, and your Tropical Plus fabric once a year. Be sure to clean both sides as needed. You can clean your dome using a power nozzle and/or a mild soap solution and scrub brush. Only use mild soap and water with a SOFT bristle brush or rag on your dome. NEVER USE SOLVENTS, HEAVY BRUSHES, WIRE PADS OR HIGH PRESSURE STEAM CLEANERS TO REMOVE DIRT OR STAINS OFF YOUR DOME. Always rinse the dome thoroughly with water after cleaning to remove any traces of cleaning solutions.

Regularly brush out the bottoms of all the window pockets where the rain will wash down dirt and leaves, and the bottom of the dome, where dirt collects between the cover and the floor.

NEVER LET ANY TYPE OF SOLVENT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SURFACE OF THE DOME, AS IT WILL DAMAGE OR REMOVE THE TOP COAT. THIS INCLUDES MEK SOLUTIONS, PETROLEUM AND SILICONE BASED PRODUCTS.

Q:  How do I winterize my dome?

A: Please visit our Insulation & winterizing pages.

Q:  How do you overcome breathability in the rain in a hot climate?

A: If you are in a hot and wet climate and must keep your circular windows sealed, we recommend a solar fan. The Solar Fan attaches to a round window opening toward the top of the dome. A solar fan works very well by drawing in cool air from the bottom and blowing hot air out of the top of the dome.

Q:  How do I clean off mildew?

A: To prevent mildew, keep your dome well ventilated and dry. Store your dome as dry as possible. Sponge down all mildew areas with a strong bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water). Wear gloves and have your dome well ventilated to avoid inhaling fumes. Mildew will turn pale when it dies. Always rinse with clean water following a bleach treatment!

Natural mildew treatments:

1. One of our customers gave us this recipe as both a curative and preventative for mildew growth.

• 2 ½ gallons water
• 20 drops Tea Tree Oil
• ¼ cup Borax
• ½ cup white vinegar

2. Spray mildew with hydrogen peroxide. Wash with a thin paste of lemon juice and borax to inhibit new mildew formation.

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Lemon Juice
• Borax

Permitting and Security

Q:  Can I install a locking door?

A: Yes! Our pre-hung door opening creates a space that will allow for you to install a conventional door.

Q:  I am wondering about zoning constraints related to residential dome structures within an urban environment.

A: Zoning issues vary from city to city and county to county. Our domes are far from a conventional home. We can provide a structural analysis document that will show that our domes meet county requirements for seismic, wind load, and snow load. This usually satisfies the building departments for rural areas. We have put up many small domes within city limits in back yards with no problems. A large dome for a primary residence within city limits will require approval from the local Building Department.

Q:  How do I deal with zoning permits?

A: Zoning and permitting varies widely between different states, counties and cities. We have a structural analysis program that will determine whether a particular size dome will meet your county’s requirements for max wind, max snow and seismic resistance. The analysis document has a fee that is applicable to the purchase of your dome. Please call us if you have any questions.

Q:  Are special "heavy" foundations necessary if high winds are common?

A: Heavy foundations may or may not be required if you are in a particularly high wind environment. This would be something that your local building department may require.

Shipping

Q:  Can we pay for the dome when we receive it?

A: We require payment in full before your dome is shipped.

Q:  Can you ship to Canada or other countries?

A: We can ship outside of the USA, but the costs vary greatly with the size of the dome. Duty and import taxes are the responsibility of the dome purchaser. Shipping timelines vary for ocean and airfreight. When you’re ready to order, we can give you a shipping quote.

Q:  What is the shipping size and weight?

A: The shipping size and weight of each “basic” dome package can be found on the appropriate dome size page. Up-graded frames and added components will increase the basic weights listed on our website. Please contact us with your specific dome needs for the most accurate weights.
Shelter Dome Specifications
Event Dome Specifications

Q:  How long does it take to receive the dome once it’s ordered?

A: Generally, a SunLite dome will be finished 4-6 weeks after the 50% deposit is received. All vinyl domes will require 6-10 week production timeline. Custom orders will extend this time frame, please contact us for delivery times.

Q:  How long is it from the time when I order, to the time when I receive it, if I only want the frame?

A: A “frame only” can generally be finished and shipped within a week or two, depending on the production schedule.

Q:  What if I need my dome sooner than the time frames you have listed?

A: Our standard Production Schedule is 4-6 weeks (for each dome) from the date the 50% deposit is received. We always do our best to meet client deadlines and work as quickly as possible, but please be aware that any orders placed with shorter delivery times will be charged a Rush Order Fee of 20%.

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