In the words of Buddha, “All things are impermanent.”

Over the years, we have found that a few simple and preventative maintenance procedures will keep your dome performing well and lasting for many, many years.

We are providing a suggested maintenance program that can be performed by you, your maintenance crew or by a Growing Spaces crew. Given appropriate and timely maintenance, the Growing Dome will give many, many years of growing pleasure. This series of web pages is to provide information about our newly instituted Dome Service and Maintenance Program.

Like any large investment item such as a car, boat or home, the dome requires ongoing maintenance over the years. We do our very best to build the dome from high quality and long lasting materials, and feel we have succeeded in creating a low maintenance product. Enjoy.

Please feel free to call us at (970) 731-2120 with any questions you may have .

Sincerely,

Udgar Parsons

Executive Director Growing Spaces.

 2-3 Year Maintenance Procedures

• Check glazing, screws and tape.
• Check for backed out screws, rescrew or replace.
• Check for tape leaks at screw heads or tape crossover points. (Remedy: place small squares of tape over leaks.)
• Siding and trim strips, check and replace with new screws as needed.
• We also suggest applying a new coat of solid cedar stain, if needed, to the siding to maintain its quality appearance.
• Vents – check on tape over vent hinges and retape if necessary. Apply aluminum tape to slow down degeneration of hinge tape.
• Check and oil vent activators and verify correct operation.
• Dome structure, check for tightness of structural nuts and bolts. Tighten, if necessary.
• Conduct a general visual inspection of door, north wall insulation, water tank and undersoil heating system. Take action, if necessary.

5 Year Maintenance Procedures

• Repeat the 2-3 year maintenance program.
• Check all tape for integrity. Replace or augment as needed.

 DOME SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE

The systems inside the dome require very little maintenance.

The Water Tank

The tank needs to be kept topped off to within 2-3” of the underside of crossbar or, in the case of the circular tank, the top of the tank wall. Many people are concerned about keeping the water in the tank clean. This can be handled in different ways.

The use of a solar fountain or filter pump is an excellent way to maintain cleanliness inside the tank. Changing the water every 6-12 months is helpful, using a pool vacuum to remove any algae.

Many people are using the tank as an indoor pond and add floating aquatic plants and fish to the pond. The plants themselves, and water snails, can thoroughly clean the water, thus eliminating the need for regular cleaning of the tank. This is an area we are still researching and learning about. We will add information to our website and update our newsletter when appropriate.

The Undersoil Heating/Cooling System

The undersoil heating/cooling system is very self-sufficient. Its main effectiveness is in heating the soil during the winter, which also helps to keep the temperature in the dome higher, and in the summer, when it augments the cooling systems. Some people turn the system off during the spring and fall in order to increase the life of the fan. The switch can occasionally suffer from corrosion and will need to be replaced in this case

The Vents

We recommend that the restraining cords on the top vents be inspected regularly. They keep the wind from tearing off the vents. Check and oil vent activators, especially the threads on the adjusting nuts or pistons, and verify correct operation. Check screws for tightness.

The Structure

The wall of the dome is a fiber cement siding that is painted. Every three to five years, you may want to apply a new coat. This material should last much longer than the T1-11 wood siding.

The nuts of the dome structure may tend to loosen due to the shrinkage of the wood over time and it may be necessary to tighten up these nuts every two to three years.

 Maintenance Approximate Cost

For Growing Spaces® to carry out your two-year program,
the cost would be determined by the size of dome, and would be in the area of:

• 15’ dome $125.00
• 18’ dome $150.00
• 22’ dome $195.00
• 26” dome $225.00
• 33’ dome $260.00
• 42’ dome $380.00

This cost is for materials and labor. If any items fall outside the warranty period, the cost would be over and above the routine maintenance procedures.

The cost of the 5 year program would be based on an estimate we can provide (approx. $20.00hr /crew person plus materials). If your dome is within a 25-mile radius of our Pagosa Springs shop, we will travel to your site at no charge. Outside the 25-mile radius, the charge for travel will be $.55 per mile, each way, lodging and meals may also be required.

 Contact

We hope you enjoy your dome and that it gives you many years of pleasure. Please stay in touch with us and let us know of your experiences. Our website includes a dome owner forum which allows you to share your acquired knowledge with others and to learn from them as well.

For more information or to place an order, contact us at: