Another dome covering question/thread

skeetsh00ter · Post by **skeetsh00ter** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:25 am

So heres the deal. I've got plenty of used billboard vinyl to use to make a covering for a 3v 5/8 24' diameter dome.

I can't decide which direction to go for the cover though. Do I focus on simply providing the best shade possible, or do I make a cover that is as wind/dust/rain proof as possible? The chance of rain doesn't bother me too much, I'll have a fully covered monkey hut to hide in if it does end up storming. Same thing for the really ridiculous wind storms a la last year.

Just providing shade would be the least time consuming as well i think. I was planning on cutting out various traiangle/hexagon shapes and attaching those smaller pieces using grommets to the dome. This would allow plenty of ventilation and air flow (and rain and dust) through the dome which will hopefully keep it nice and cool.

I guess I'm still leaning towards just shade rather than all around shelter.

What would everyone else do>?

thirt33n · Post by **thirt33n** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:34 am

hole up in your monkey hut and pray for nightfall....and more monkeys...right UglyDougly?

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:35 am

I would go for a dust-proof enclosure. I have seen threads somewhere on how to wrap the dome with several pieces to do this. I personally have experienced billboard vinyl covered domes and they were significantly cooler than other structures and after the dust storms last year, not having to sleep in a dust covered environment would sure be a luxury. If your going to the trouble to make the dome frame, why not get all the advantage out of it you can?

skeetsh00ter · Post by **skeetsh00ter** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:43 pm

[quote="Teo del Fuego"]I would go for a dust-proof enclosure. I have seen threads somewhere on how to wrap the dome with several pieces to do this. I personally have experienced billboard vinyl covered domes and they were significantly cooler than other structures and after the dust storms last year, not having to sleep in a dust covered environment would sure be a luxury. If your going to the trouble to make the dome frame, why not get all the advantage out of it you can?[/quote]

Well if I go the dust proof route I would probably do the two layer technique. Have a solid inner layer, and a shade-y outer layer that will trap the warm air between the layers and keep the inside nice and cool...but that just sounds like way more work than I am willing to do on the playa.

Going just for shade I'll have individual triangles that can all be attached relatively quickly to the dome using rope/zip ties/bungie balls and grommets.

The dust of last year didn't bother me too much...I'd prefer to be dusty and cool than clean and hot any day.

Teo del Fuego · Post by **Teo del Fuego** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:20 pm

hey Skeet, say hi to all my friends back in ATL. (I talked three of 'em into coming for the first time this year.)

My first year we had a 25 foot dome covered in billboard vinyl. It was a fairly quick and easy wrap job that was tucked underneath the dome. I gotta tell ya, it was a lot cooler than the ambient temp in the daytime...course we had two doors open for ventilation. Closing the doors it was great during sandstorms.

You may be underestimating how time-consuming it will be to make and attach (even with bungee balls) all those triangular panels you plan on cutting and grommeting.

But hey, your mileage may vary.

Good luck and hope to see ya out on the Playa

skeetsh00ter · Post by **skeetsh00ter** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:39 pm

damnit TeodF...i really just wanted someone to confirm my original plans, but now you've got me thinking...

hmmm. too many choices!

I'll def tell your friends hi, are they going to be at Transformus by chance or will the big burn be their first. I think coming from across the country makes it even more special. At least it did for me last year.

I let you know what i decide about the dome.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:51 am

Your list of concerns:
1. Sun. It's that thing directly overhead. Mostly.
2. Wind. Mostly a stiff breeze, occasionally a gale, Cap'n.
3. Dust. Gets in everything no matter what you do.
99. Rain. What, you got a problem with mass mudbaths?