Dome homes had already existed since the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean era. They are known to be powerful since the earlier period. They are simple kinds of dome homes composed of timbers, mud-brick, and sturdy stones.
Nowadays, most dome houses are in-built fiberglass or reinforced plastic. There are also some which are a product of a single thick layer of concrete and other materials for their shell. They are a one-piece form of dome home called monolithic which implies “one stone”.
This type of dome home has a uniform exterior that makes it extra durable and airtight.
Yet, the composition of dome homes actually varies on what type and size of the dome house the client wants. There is actually a large array of dome homes to settle on to suit the requirements and budget. There are simple and portable dome designs built from a PVC pipe or galvanized steel conduit frames protected with plastic sheeting.
While there are different types of dome homes made of different materials, it is also important to note how long these types of dome homes last.
So in this article, we will discuss the hot trend of circular living to see how long does dome houses last.
How Long Can a Dome Home Last?
A traditional house may last for many years, depending on what type of construction materials it is built. A dome home, on the other hand, can last for 40 years to a century.
Yes, dome homes can last to a century. But modern homes can last to a minimum of 40 years depending on the material used, as well as, the extent of care given to it.
Today, Intergalactic Dome Houses are the most advanced, durable, and easy-to-transport dome houses on the market.
An upgraded intergalactic dome house has a lifespan of 50 years. It can:
- Have a 2.5 inches thick wall
- Connect to multiple domes with pre-built tunnels
- Be installed in 3 hours or less
- Have different colors and designs for the outer shell
- Have its insulation integrated into the walls
A 20 ft Mars Dome Home has been used all over the globe and has a lifespan of 40 years! With its unique structure and durability, it can be used in some coldest and remote condition areas.
What’s great about the 20 ft Mars Dome House is that it is portable. Customers love to use them as mountain rentals and Airbnb rentals. They also like connecting them to multiple domes to have a single home dwelling.
Dome homes have also been used by the UN, RedCross, and other organizations that provide shelter and care to those who have been greatly affected by natural calamities.
The most common types of domes are Geodesic and Monolithic Domes. These dome houses are known for their strength to withstand tornadoes, category 5 hurricanes, earthquakes, and heavy snow. These characteristics make them the ideal house structures for any type of environment, especially in an increasingly volatile climate. If you live near flood-prone and disaster areas, a dome home could be an enticing option.
Geodesic Domes are known to be extremely strong due to their sturdy arches and rigid triangles. While the monolithic type of dome is known to be the most disaster-resistant.
Modern dome houses made of fiberglass reinforced plastic are equally known to be strong and are widely used today. The durability and permanence of fiberglass predominate the life expectancy of domes manufactured from steel, aluminum, copper, concrete, and other popular dome materials.
Fiberglass dome homes don’t need an internal support structure and only at a nominal 3/16-inch thickness. They’re much lighter in comparison to other materials in dome homemaking.
The advantage of a fiberglass dome house over other materials is that it can be molded into intricate shapes. The shapes can be curved, grooved, and crinkled. It can be contoured in different ways and thicknesses.
The single thick layer of concrete or the fiberglass-reinforced plastic for their shell is durably equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions like strong winds, earthquakes and are resistant to rots and bugs.
Advantages of Getting a Dome Home
Dome homes have been already used since ancient times. It is undeniable that it is very useful and could last longer than the typical home.
Dome homes can resist natural elements such as wind and snow. It is heat and fire-resistant. It promotes efficient air circulation and keeps the temperature throughout the structure. Most importantly, it doesn’t break the bank and is low in maintenance.
They definitely make a good housing alternative not only for their sturdy structure but also for their cost. Choosing a dome home will not only save you from possible calamities but also from possible big expenses.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Dome Home?
Building a new dome home requires a lot of energy and money, from its construction site down to the framing, plumbing, and installation of floors and roofs.
The construction process with a dome home is the same, but it is more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Depending on the size of a dome home you want, a 12ft monolithic fiberglass dome house can be put up quickly. Other companies offer a 4-hour setup, with a helping hand. Some companies boast their product.
For example, a 20ft upgraded intergalactic dome house can be set up by just a total of nine pieces and it will only take you a matter of three and a half hours. The best thing is that you can also DIY (Do-It-Yourself).
On Choosing the Right Dome Home For You
To be able to choose the right dome home for you and your family, it is important to know the basic information about dome homes.
You should know that purchasing a dome home from a seller or a company must include a dome kit, the dome itself, pre-installed insulation and tubing for electrical, windows, a door, and of course, the warranty from the company.
And while you can build your own dome home by yourself, you might take longer than expected. It is also important to take note beforehand of how long you want your dome house to be constructed.
But the best thing to really do to be able to choose the right dome home is to talk to the experts or the manufacturers or dome homes. Dome home experts will help you in choosing the right design, the materials you want to cover the overall shell, the size, and the interior structure. They will help you achieve your dream dome home.
The willpower to build a dome home requires place, reasoning, lifestyle inspection, career, and family living style. You need not only think about the cost but of the entire construction process.
Conclusion
The Dome’s shape and immanent structural integrity make it both stronger and more energy-efficient than a typical or traditional family home dwelling.
Dome houses can last for as long as 50 years to centuries depending on the type of material used. With minimal maintenance and continuous care of the structure, it can last up to several centuries even. It can definitely last long and is a good housing option.
