How to Attach a Geodesic Dome Covering for a Greenhouse

www.ziptiedome... - Using Zip Ties and our patented Zip Tie Domes hub design, a geodesic dome greenhouse cover can easily be attached to both the inside and the outside of a Geodesic Dome, which provides "dead air space" for excellent insulation.
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Custom Geodesic Dome Kits: www.ziptiedome...
Geodesic Dome Calculators: www.ziptiedome...
2v Geodesic Dome Plans: www.ziptiedome...
3v Geodesic Dome Plans: www.ziptiedome...

[@mfgc2610]

A flush cut wire cutter will cut zip strap flush to zip lock leaving a non-scratching, gougling or cutting nice clean edge. They are smaller to get inside. Sort of a set of diagonal cutter that doesn't leave sharp edges above the lock. Love the zip tie dome idea... Wonderful!

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is a great idea! Thanks for your comments.

[@nisw1918]

What a great idea what if you filled the hubs with expanding foam for even more strength and added rigidity of the joints . thanks again

[@nisw1918]

It would also protect the zip ties from UV damage if any .

[@nisw1918]

nisw1918 This great idea would also work with Bamboo .

[@ZipTieDomes]

nisw1918, That is a good idea. We see a lot of people who take this dome design to the next level.

[@sampowell8472]

I appreciate your videos and the dome system you have come up with. I would like to add for your consideration the use of hat channel furring for attaching the covering inside and out. I have a lot of experience building containment walls with 6mil poly, hat channels, and tek screws. I suggest attaching the hat channels to the pvc pipe inside and out. Apply double sided tape to the hat channels. Stretch the poly across one triangle. Fasten hat channels over the poly to the ones under. The poly will then be stretched very tight and add strength. Then do the same to the other triangles. You will end up with about three layers of hat channels on each side on each strut. Now you realize you could have used smaller pvc pipe., just enough to stand up the shape in the beginning. I would extend each section of poly across the hubs working from the bottom up. Regards, Sam. (This would comply with Bucky's concept of additive structure assembly/manufacturing.)

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is great, Sam. Thank you for the information. John Hurt

[@sampowell8472]

@@ZipTieDomes A water tight skin is the hardest part of dome building. 6 mil poly tightly captured on all edges and tight is extremely strong in the wind.

[@JohnGuest45]

There are much easier way to accomplish this. You`ll need to buy 6x more hat channel to attach the cover than the pvc tube needed to build the dome.

[@sampowell8472]

Not exactly 6x. But after doing this, you might realize you don't need the PVC tubing. But why not just split some next size tubing and use it to hold down the poly and tighten it.

[@JohnGuest45]

@@sampowell8472 Install some wiggle wire channels running from the top of the dome to the base ring and cut gores out of poly. Add a cupola to create a top vent and cover the top end of the wiggle wire channels

[@Sekir80]

Well, at 6:05 I started to feel I'm raving! :D

[@ZipTieDomes]

Scots Were Here!

[@Sekir80]

@@ZipTieDomes The tune just reminded me of Scooter's song I'm raving. It was a nice throwback.

[@anasqai]

Nice if like Telescope from inside to Look out. Maybe even does Igloo still exist? The alternative and new way definitely this will be liked alot.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, we have some people that use the domes as a cover for their telescopes. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@jimmahbee]

you could cover it with a thick lining and spray aircrete and have a super strong structure

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is where I am headed. Thank you for your comments. John Hurt

[@georgemasson6125]

You should buy a pair of electrical side cutters - makes cutting the zip ties far far easier than scissors.

[@ZipTieDomes]

That's a good idea.

[@sjr7822]

I was wondering- but, now I see, unique~I'm looking for simple reusable structure to use as a form for papercrete

[@ZipTieDomes]

You can cover the dome with a billboard tarp, the shoot the dome with shotcrete or papercrete. Then go inside the dome and cut the zip ties, remove the center rings, and slide the struts out of the hubs to take the dome apart, then build it again to make the next dome. Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. Thanks for your comment. John Hurt

[@josephdupont]

you can us a clothing iron and aluminum foil to seal the inner and outer films together if you want. or to repair.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Thank you for your comment, I appreciate the information. Yes, and you can also use a special tape made for greenhouse film to repair or to connect two greenhouse films together. They sell this tape at Grower's Supply, which is a division of FarmTek at this link: www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/prod1;gs_greenhouse_films;pg105434.html Thanks, John Hurt

[@josephdupont]

the beauty of the heat sealing is that you can build up as much thickness as you need as fastening points.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Thanks!

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

Why 3 zip ties? One long one would be cheaper.

[@ZipTieDomes]

POVAdventure, That is a great idea. The 3 separate zip ties do cinch down tighter, as you can pull on the 3 separate tabs independently. But one tie would be cheaper. Thanks, John

[@larrybrashear4988]

I think a combination of plastic sheeting along with a netting base may be just the thing for my peafowl aviary. Will contact for ring purchase. And thanks.

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is great! Here is our contact page: www.ziptiedomes.com/contactus.htm You are welcome to call us and we will work with you directly on your project. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@gary24752]

You need to come up with a removable twist on cover plate for each side of the hub to hold the plastic cover.

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is a great idea!

[@AlvaroMerle]

BUT THE MATERIAL IS NOT FLAT RIGTH? U HAVE TO MEASURE IT TO THE SHAPED FORM ?

[@iam4iamWe]

Brilliant

[@ZipTieDomes]

Thanks!

[@sjr7822]

Can this be done with a canvas covering the dome on the outside of the Dome?? I want a canvas (poor man's fiberglass method) cover for the dome. Canvas is covered with glue and latex paint to rainproof

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, canvas can be added for a covering. You can also cover the dome with fiberglass window netting, then cover it with latex cement for a covering. Search for "Latex Concrete Habitat" on Amazon or KZbin. I have covered my first dome this week using latex cement, and it works! Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@sjr7822]

@@ZipTieDomes I will search, Thanks for the quick response, how interesting. Did you do a video of the "Latex Concrete" technique

[@ZipTieDomes]

@@sjr7822 I am working on it, I have all of the footage but I have to edit it and make a good script.

[@sjr7822]

@@ZipTieDomes Thank you, we look forward to the video!

[@lapinfurax615]

Excellent !!!!

[@ZipTieDomes]

Thanks!

[@user-fn4tf4wp7n]

Wszystko fajnie ale proponuje obsypać krawędzie ziemią bo jak poderwie wiatr to razem z betonami wyląduje gdzieś wiem bo u mnie z 4 bloczkami fundamentowymi pawilon na stalowych niecienkich nogach odleciał, po tym jak stał ponad 2 lata na miejscu.

[@ZipTieDomes]

To jest świetny pomysł. Używamy krótkich kawałków prętów zbrojeniowych jako kołków do wbijania w ziemię przez otwory w piastach, które znajdują się na dole kopuły. Dziękuję za obejrzenie filmu. John Hurt

[@1Skeptik1]

Interesting and creative. ZIP Ties? I attached a licence plate to a utility trailer, after a few months became brittle from sun exposure, almost lost a plate. Good luck.

[@ZipTieDomes]

1Skeptik1, The sun's UV rays can cause problems. We use specially made UV resistant "black" 120 lb Heavy Duty Zip ties, not the cheap zip tie you can buy in a store. All of our parts are guaranteed for 2 years, including the ties. Thanks, John

[@jakechambers5087]

how do you get in and out?

[@polarisworks]

dig a deep trench into the soil ;-)

[@coachhannah2403]

polarisworks - The beaver lodge method could also work: underwater entrance!

[@_Gundy_]

The real question is, are you still wondering how to get in and out?

[@charleneboyd6071]

If you attach the inside cover first, when you do the outside how are you reaching the hubs on the very top? Are you skipping these?

[@ZipTieDomes]

The outside covering is pulled tightly over the top of the dome and does not start to have pleats in the covering until we get down the side of the dome. We take up the excess material in the pleats by wrapping the pleats over the hubs and zip tying the pleats/covering to the hubs. So we don't have to worry about attaching the outside covering at the top of the dome, as it is pulled tightly there. I have seen some customers attach both inside and outside coverings to every hub, it takes a little more time, but if you are in a high wind area, it would be worth it. That is a very good question, thanks! John Hurt

[@fares_of_arabia]

excellent stuff thank you

[@ZipTieDomes]

Thanks!

[@tonis2u]

Is it possible to have air blown in between the two layers as is the case with some high tunnel/hoop houses?

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, with the Dual Covering hubs, you could blow air between the layers, but the strut are between the layers of greenhouse film, and that keeps a good amount of insulated "dead air" space. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@kennyyang2566]

How long will the plastic sheets last under UV rate? Building a house

[@ZipTieDomes]

Professional greenhouse plastic film will last 4 years or more. Here is a source: www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/cat1a;gs_greenhouse_films.html Thanks, John Hurt

[@genocanabicea5779]

Attaching the plastic at the center could be held using a pvc cap.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, that would work just as well. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@stun9771]

Surely, erecting the covering onto the outside of the dome would be more efficient....tie at the top and bottom, and the structure if the dome supports the covering at all points of contact, placing on the inside means it is more susceptible to wind as it is not fully supported by the dome, and will move more... placing it on the outside also allows the use of double sided tape to secure the cover better along the lengths of plastic tubing...and effectively, you only need one cover, not one inside and one outside...although I guess in particularly cold areas, two layers would be better than one...

[@JohnGuest45]

Two covers are only beneficial if they both have airtight seals.

[@ZipTieDomes]

The two layers make a "dead air space" for insulation purposes. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@JohnGuest45]

@@ZipTieDomes wind hitting the poly will cause the air within the cavity to move, if it can move its not a dead air space. Dounle skin hoophouses maintain postiive air pressure in the cavity by using a blower and good cover seals (wiggle wire polylock etc). Fwiw, any gap wider than 3/4" will allow for convection currents to be set up inside the cavity, essentially a conveyor that will transport heat from the warmer inner cover to the colder outer where it is lost. This process is driven by temperature differential so a still or dead air space will have no effect. Theres no sense spending twice as much on poly and gaining little to no benefit from it except perhaps from a placebo point of view ;)

[@justinrussell7605]

So what keeps them planted to the ground during highwinds?

[@ZipTieDomes]

We put rebar stakes through the holes in the hubs that face the ground. The stakes are about 2' long and driven into the ground at a 45 degree angle. This holds the dome to the ground. Thank you for your comment. John Hurt

[@kennyyang2566]

I was wondering better geo disc covering has been discover?

[@ZipTieDomes]

Greenhouse film is a really good covering for a greenhouse. We are also experimenting with heavy duty coverings to build concrete domes. So it depends on what you are building as to what is the best covering for the dome. Thank you for your comment. John Hurt

[@danilocarno]

... min 3:06 Señor, en el mercado existen cinchos de 500 - 600 mm de largo. Un cordial saludo. ************** ... min 3:06 Sir, in the market there are belts of 500 - 600 mm long. A cordial greeting.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, you can use a single zip tie that is longer instead of 3 short zip ties. Thank you for watching this video. Sí, puedes usar una sola brida que sea más larga en lugar de 3 bridas cortas. Gracias por ver este video.

[@herro530]

do the standard hubs have a lip for 1 layer of greenhouse?

[@ZipTieDomes]

No, just the Dual Covering Hubs. www.ziptiedomes.com/geodesic-dome-hub-kits/about-geodesic-dome-hubs.htm

[@annmorgana2848]

has anyone ever tried using shrink wrap (that they use for storing boats) on one of these domes? and if so how did it work out?

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, here is a customer review where they used shrink wrap on our domes: www.ziptiedomes.com/customers/aaronbates.htm Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@annmorgana2848]

Zip Tie Domes thanks so much!

[@harleyb.birdwhisperer]

You don’t have to horse around folding the cover. Just throw it over and have 4 people pull the corners out, all standing about the same distance out.

[@ZipTieDomes]

It is great to have 4 friends to help. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@rickmartik7205]

why not offer zip ties long enough to go around the hubs using only one zip tie? would sure be easier to attach green house coverings!

[@ZipTieDomes]

Rick, Thanks for the idea. The shorter 8" zip ties are interchangeable with the ones needed to build the dome. And with these shorter ties, you have 3 tabs to pull on to help you cinch the ties down behind the hubs. But you are right, one single tie might be easier to use. I will consider changing over to one longer tie for our customers. Thanks again. John Hurt

[@JohnGuest45]

The only issue with these domes when used as a greenhouse is the covering method. You`ve got way too much spare material in the inevitable folds and pleats. Nothing destroys poly faster than it flapping in the wind. Having the PVC tubing in contact with greenhouse poly isnt a good idea either, the pvc outgasses chlorine which degrades it rapidy. It will also negate any guarantee you have regarding the lifespan of the poly.

[@ZipTieDomes]

+JohnGuest45 On the outside of the dome, the greenhouse film is stretched tight over the top of the dome, with the spare material taken up where the greenhouse film is attached to the Dual Covering Hubs at the top of the first tier, about 4' off the ground. Any remaining pleats are taken up on the bottom struts of the dome with fabric clips for snug fit. There really is no other solution, as greenhouse film comes in flat sheets, and is not a "fitted cover" or anything like that. So you are going to have pleats with a flat covering applied to a round dome, regardless So the Dual Covering Hubs are the only solution, that I know of, that does take up the additional spare material. The only other solution is Marine Shrink Wrap, but this material is not for greenhouses, as it is designed to last only one year. For the greenhouse film on the inside of the dome, there is no wind load, so the pleats are not a problem. The greenhouse film can hang somewhat loosely from each dual covering hub with no problem, as the film will not flap inside the dome. PVC does produced chlorine gas, which affects the greenhouse film on any PVC structure. We recommend that you paint the dome with white latex acrylic outdoor paint anywhere the greenhouse film touches the PVC. Also, you can use non-PVC clear packing tape to cover the hubs and struts. But a coat of white paint is much easier, and blends right in with the color of the PVC pipe. We have this and other answers on how to use our domes on our FAQ page. Thank you for your comment. John Hurt

[@michaelpaulzine6486]

Blowing air into the void will stiffen both sheets.

[@unicornadrian1358]

A heat gun will pull out a lot of the slack.

[@JohnGuest45]

@@unicornadrian1358 A heat gun will melt the plastic or cause it to stretch. Greenhouse poly is not like heatshrink :)

[@unicornadrian1358]

@@JohnGuest45 with careful use of heat most sheet plastics will shrink. If you nuke it then yes it will melt.

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

why not use 2 sheets on the outside?

[@ZipTieDomes]

There is better insulation with the dead air space between the two sheets, one on the inside and one on the outside. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@IronMan-yg4qw]

@@ZipTieDomes oh right.

[@tarakent8876]

How does one get inside?

[@ZipTieDomes]

Here is a video on how to make a door for a greenhouse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g53UfGuXiKmFga8 Thanks for watching. John Hurt

[@ing.juancarlosmelendezmari5986]

comentary, is thath zone acumulate rain, no good

[@ZipTieDomes]

You would put another layer on the outside of the dome for insulation, and to keep the rain out. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@marcellascotson4272]

How do I buy one of these?

[@ZipTieDomes]

+Marcella Scotson You can go to our website at www dot ZipTieDomes dot com. Sorry for the late reply. John Hurt

[@rockyjjones8989]

Why not just use sod, dirt or gravel. Would be much better because it would seal it to the ground.

[@ZipTieDomes]

You could do it that way too. Some people build a kneewall for a foundation for their dome, like this example: www.ziptiedomes.com/customers/nathanbyrd.htm Thanks for your comment. John

[@Greebstreebling]

what grade poly sheet do you use? What is the life expectancy? thanks Paul

[@ZipTieDomes]

Paul - You can purchase your greenhouse film from FarmTex at this link: www.growerssupply.com/farm/supplies/cat1a;gs_greenhouse_films.html They have various grades and years the film will last. Thanks, John Hurt

[@Lawiah0]

Use predetermined length of Bailing Wire; put Twist loop in both ends; secure wire around plastic and hub, and twist to tighten. www.glamoswire.com/sites/default/files/Single%20tie%20loop%20no%20background.jpg OR kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmKle4Slp9iUebM

[@ZipTieDomes]

Very good, thanks. John

[@MrGlorybe]

Never use rocks or concrete as anchors as a high wind will get them flapping all over the place and take lives. Use sand bags instead.

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is a good point. Thanks!

[@TheRebelmanone]

for as many zip ties you use you need t buy a zip tie gun, it will pull them tight for you and also cut them flush all at the same time. It is a relief on your hands big time, it works effortlessly.

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

There must be longer zip ties available to avoid all this daisy chaining.

[@ZipTieDomes]

Yes, we could provide longer ties, but you can cinch the zip ties down from 3 different angles using this method. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@harleyb.birdwhisperer]

Buy some longer zip ties.

[@ZipTieDomes]

That is a great idea.

[@internetparavecinos]

funny, thanks

[@ZipTieDomes]

You are welcome!

[@laverneepperson-harp1464]

I think this could be the answer for homelessness

[@ZipTieDomes]

It is a good start. Thanks for watching the video. John Hurt

[@RetriggerXXX]

Good idea! TNX!

[@ZipTieDomes]

+Султанов Равиль Thanks! John Hurt