24' Geodesic Dome Greenhouse Cover using Test Caps

https://www.ziptiedomes.com - This Zip Tie Domes video is an interview with Keith Harris on how to attach greenhouse plastic to a 24' geodesic dome using 4" PVC pipe Test Caps and carriage bolts. This attachment technique that Keith has developed takes up the extra greenhouse plastic at the bottom of the dome while reinforcing the grip between the hub and the cover. The test caps and carriage bolts were only used on the 1st tier hubs, as the top of the dome is pulled tight enough to not need to be secured directly to the dome. Prior to covering, the struts and hubs were painted with white acrylic latex to prevent the PVC pipe from out-gassing chlorine gas, which can degrade the greenhouse plastic. The PVC chlorine out-gassing can potentially shorten the life of 6 mil greenhouse plastic from 4-6 years down to 1 year. (Not in every case, but it does happen.) Also, prior to applying the covering, each of the hubs were covered with duct tape, or clear packing tape, to make certain that any rough edges on the hubs would not affect the greenhouse covering. The tape also helped the cover to slide on smoothly without catching or tearing on the hubs. The dome is 24' wide and 14' tall, and made entirely out of PVC pipe and plastic zip ties. No tools were required, other than a 12' stepladder. Construction was performed by one person in around 5 hours. Keith secured the dome to the ground using stakes and electric fence wire. We will have more videos about Keith's 24' dome in the future.