Anyone tried Gore-Tex for a Dome cover?

ernestgo · Post by **ernestgo** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:19 pm

I have a lead on some reasonably priced Gore-Tex fabric that we're thinking of using to cover our dome. Anyone have any good reasons why it might be a bad idea to use Gore-Tex? Any feedback is welcome.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:23 pm

(trying to think this through) Heavy, opaque and water proof. Possible to turn into kite in high wind. Cut holes, no longer waterproof. Wild ass guess, goretex isn't used often because of expence. If it's cheap that may not be an issue.

But this is completely speculative.

capjbadger · Post by **capjbadger** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:15 pm

Cost would be my only problem... I would think plastic tarp would be just as waterproof and alot cheaper..

ernestgo · Post by **ernestgo** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:25 pm

What I've heard about plastic tarps is that they're certainly wind and waterproof, but they don't breath and so under the right weather conditions it can get hot and muggy in the dome.

bdeywoo · Post by **bdeywoo** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:26 pm

You will bake yourself if you use it. You'd need very good air circulation to be in it during the daytime.

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:34 pm

The only time I would use goretex is as a rain fly if rain was imminent. Otherwise it's not a good choice for the reasons mentioned.

bb

ernestgo · Post by **ernestgo** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:49 pm

A rainfly is exactly what we're planning to use it for.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:49 pm

ernestgo wrote:What I've heard about plastic tarps is that they're certainly wind and waterproof, but they don't breath and so under the right weather conditions it can get hot and muggy in the dome.

I thought that Gore-tex was meant to be waterproof too.

ernestgo · Post by **ernestgo** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:55 pm

Yes, Gore-Tex is waterproof yet it breathes. I believe it's also lighter than a plastic tarp. These are some of the reasons we're interested in using it. The cost is much greater than a tarp, but we'd like the inside of the dome to be tolerable even during a daytime rainstorm.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:55 pm

Think about cutting a large hole in the center top. Make a cover for the hole if it rains. Face your door to the east. That will be the cool side in the afternoon. Hot air expands and go's up. THe space needs a cool air to replace it. SHould draw like chimney. A fan would help. Bring tarps as a second.