Throughout history, geodesic domes have been used in a variety of building types, including homes, military radar stations, and tourist attractions.
However, due to the challenging math and engineering needed, as well as the inconsistent materials and building methods employed by DIY builders, their appeal has been limited.
Many people were discouraged from pursuing dome construction as a result of the frequent leaks, inadequate insulation, and inadequate window and skylight apertures that plagued amateur-built structures.
Even a geodesic dome constructed by the inventor of the Geodesic dome himself – Buckminster Fuller – had issues, such as heating up like a greenhouse and continually leaking.
So far, the limited appeal of geodesic domes is a result of these difficulties.
There are a ton of edge joints on a dome, and each one is open to the elements. It’s important to make them leakproof. It’s difficult to make them leakproof without using exact tolerances.
That’s why geodesic domes built by amateurs often lead to failed results, with leakages, insufficient insulation and also misplacement of window panels and skylights. In order to prevent leaks you need to use proper seals.
Seals of many kinds, including the following, can be applied to geodesic domes:
- Gasket seals: These seals are used to make an watertight seal between two surfaces and are produced from flexible materials like rubber or silicone.
- Weatherstripping: This kind of seal is applied to gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to stop water infiltration and draught.
- Seam seals: The seams between various parts of a geodesic dome, such as the triangles that make up the framework of the dome, are sealed using seam sealants.
- Glazing seals: In order to stop water infiltration, these seals are used to seal the margins of windows and other glazed apertures in a geodesic dome.
You should also determine the measurements of the edges and triangles with the help of a proper geodesic dome calculator, like acidome.ru. Only selecting the proper materials and having skilled labor are left as issues.
But by far the most efficient solution to all these problems is to use computer-precut kits to build your geodesic dome, no matter if you intend to use it for glamping, for your own home or for a greenhouse.
The geodesic kits are usually quality designs. They are structurally reliable and are made watertight by using specialized seals.
Ekodome, one of the most popular geodesic dome companies these days is using integrated TPE, SEBS, and EPDM seals to ensure watertightness at placement spots for cover panels and stop any leaks from connection points.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that is commonly used for seals, gaskets, and other applications that require a flexible and durable material. EPDM seals are made from this material and are used in a variety of applications to create a watertight seal between two surfaces.
One of the main advantages of EPDM seals is their durability. They are resistant to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and many chemicals, which makes them suitable for use in a variety of environments. EPDM seals are also flexible, which allows them to conform to different surfaces and create a secure seal.
EPDM seals are commonly used in the construction and automotive industries, as well as in a variety of other applications. They are often used to seal doors, windows, and other openings to prevent drafts and water infiltration. They can also be used to seal joints and seams in structures, such as geodesic domes, to prevent water infiltration.
Overall, EPDM seals are a durable and reliable option for creating a watertight seal in a variety of applications.
Discover more about the high quality of the DIY geodesic dome kits from Ekodome and their embedded sealing and easy assembling process – Click here!