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  1. #1
    Jim Hughes's Avatar
    Jim Hughes Guest

    Default Geodesic Dome House

    Do any of you have experience in inspecting these structures. I had the opportunity to look at this one yesterday. No real concerns. I am curious if there are any inherent problems with these structures. A friend of mine if looking at this fix-er-up-er!
    Thanks
    Jim

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    I've heard they are leakers because of all of the surface direction changes and accompanying joints, which all need to be properly sealed and flashed ... or they leak.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Jim Hughes's Avatar
    Jim Hughes Guest

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    Thanks Jerry! This one had a couple leaks with a relatively new roof.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Garland, TX
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    652

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    The ones I've done were just a house with a different roof. Leaks are the main thing I've encountered.

    On another note from previous clients.

    Market and efficiency

    You either like domes or hate domes and this can affect the marketability for resale. Narrows the pool of lookers, so to speak.

    We have one area where the whole cul-de-sac block is nothing but domes about a dozen total. They just don't quite fit into any neighborhood, in some peoples opinion and have been exclude from being built in some HOA controlled areas.

    Generally the "great room" is a waste of conditioned space or if they have utilized that space in the rooms design furnishings layout can be an issue for some because of the sloped wall to ceiling intersect.

    Last edited by BARRY ADAIR; 09-23-2007 at 01:22 PM.
    badair http://www.adairinspection.com Garland, TX 75042
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  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Connecticut
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    I remember going to a Thanksgiving bash at a colorado commune in the early 70's in a dome made of car hoods. It was 90 feet across. They had beer made with pot instead of hops. the local indian tribe rode in on horseback in traditional garb. Was a good time needless to say. Of coarse they were all too stoned to notice a few leaks. Hopefully your clients won't either.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Chicago, IL
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    I have two friends who lived in manufactured GDs. Both leaked. No matter what they tied to stop it.


  7. #7
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    michael, did they try the reefer beer?


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Chicago, IL
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    You know, I doubt either did!


  9. #9
    Ron Cherry's Avatar
    Ron Cherry Guest

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    Hi Jim, if your friend did not buy that fix-er-up-er dome, would you please send me the address? Thanks, Ron.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Georgetown, KY
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    538

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    Wayne

    Are you sure it was "they" or was it really "we"?

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  11. #11
    Larry Wilson's Avatar
    Larry Wilson Guest

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    Erby, from the pictures shown, I would suspect potential moisture/ insect damage to the siding and possibly the framing based on the lack of ground clearance to the siding.
    Larry W.
    South Carolina


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    erby, thats funny, yeah it's kind of fuzzy but i think the "they" turned into a "we" somewhere between thanksgiving and christmas. Or was it when the horses started doing Nixon impersonations


  13. #13

    Default Re: Geodesic Dome House

    With Zero overhang, potential leaks.

    I notice a bulge in the siding above the bush?? or bad picture??

    Other than that normal house problems.

    Rolland Pruner


  14. #14
    Carol Perkins's Avatar
    Carol Perkins Guest

    Lightbulb Re: Geodesic Dome House

    In cold climates some of those leaks may not be from the outside. The domes are very hard to get "attic ventilation" because "Where is the attic?". In climates were the vapor retarder is on the inside it takes an good installer who is very patient to get a good seal. And if the installer is not carefull there is no where for the moisture to go, so it rains back through the hole it seaped out of in the first place. The few I have seen here in Alaska are showing signs of moisture damage but I have inspected a couple where someone used ice and water shield on all the seams and urethane or foam insulation.


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