Choosing the Best Roofing Material for Your Dome or Zome – The Ultimate Guide
You may want to build a dome and wonder – How do I roof and geodesic dome or zome? Choosing the right roofing material for your dome or zome is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance, especially when considering factors like climate and budget. Whether you’re planning an insulated dome for year-round use or a seasonal structure, there are many options available. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses depending on your environment, but making the right choice will provide you with a dome that’s protected from the elements and built to last. The materials presented below are specifically for geodesic dome and zome cabins, short term rentals, glamping, sauna and community spaces. For info on dome and zome greenhouse materials, check out this post. At Trillium Domes, we’ve spent years perfecting our dome designs, and our Ultimate Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans account for various roofing materials to suit different climates. This guide will walk you through the best options available, from traditional shingles to high-performance aluminum shakes, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs. By the end of this post, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect roofing material for your dome or zome! High Quality Roofing Underlayment and Roofing Materials Goes a Long Way to Protecting Your Dome or Zome! From our 20′ / 6m dome plans – Built by SeaTsu Sauna in Washington #1: Why Choosing the Right Roofing Material Is So Important #2: The Best Roofing Materials for Dome and Zome Structures #3: The Next Step Toward Roofing An Affordable DIY Dome or Zome Why Choosing the Right Roofing Material Is So Important The roofing material you choose will dictate your dome’s ability to withstand rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. It’s not just about aesthetics—your choice will affect how energy-efficient your dome is, how often it requires maintenance, and how well it handles long-term exposure to the elements. Historically, domes have used everything from shingles to sheet metal, and each material provides unique benefits depending on the environment. If you’re in a rainy area, you’ll want something water-resistant like aluminum or composite roofing. In arid climates, more affordable options like elastomeric coatings might be sufficient. With our Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans, we guide you through how to properly install each roofing material, ensuring the most efficient and durable outcome for your project. The Best Roofing Materials for Dome and Zome Structures Let’s dive into the most popular and effective roofing materials you can use for your dome or zome. As always, consider your climate, intended use, and budget when making a decision. I’ll also include some pricing information to help you estimate the cost of your roofing materials. 1. Elastomeric Coating: Budget-Friendly for Arid Climates From our 10’6 / 3.2m Zome Plans – Built by Oran in Wyoming Elastomeric coating is a cost-effective solution for domes in arid climates where rainfall is minimal. It’s an elastic polymer that can be applied over a plywood subroof and painted for added protection. However, this material is not ideal for rainy regions, as prolonged exposure to moisture will degrade the coating over time. For our customers building in dry climates, the build plans offer detailed steps for applying elastomeric coatings effectively, though we recommend more durable options for wetter environments. 2. Asphalt Shingles: Versatile and Cost-Effective From our 16′ / 5m Zome Plans – Built by Kate and Robb in Canada Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, and they’re a solid option for most dome projects. They’re relatively inexpensive, widely available, and perform well in a variety of climates. However, ensuring proper flashing and using a solid roofing underlayment are critical to preventing leaks. Our Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans cover how to install shingles on domes, emphasizing the importance of proper underlayment and flashing to ensure a long-lasting roof. 3. Aluminum Shakes: Durable and Ideal for Domes and Zomes Aluminum Shakes and Polycarbonate – From our 25′ / 7.5m Zome Plans – Laurel Zome BnB in Georgia Aluminum shakes is my personal favorite roofing material for geodesic domes and zomes. Their flexibility allows them to bend around dome facets, making them ideal for the unique geometry of a dome or zome roof. Aluminum is highly resistant to weather, including rain, wind, and snow, and when paired with a high-quality underlayment, it provides exceptional protection. In our build plans, we provide detailed instructions on how to properly install aluminum shakes on domes to ensure a tight, weatherproof seal that lasts for decades. 4. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): High Performance at a Mid-Range Price TPO and Polycarbonate – From our 25′ / 7.5m Zome Plans – Earth Alchemy in Georgia TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane that offers excellent UV and heat resistance. It’s a great option for domes in sunny areas and can be heat-welded to provide a strong, durable seam. This material is relatively cost-effective and performs well in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice for dome builders. If you’re looking for a balance between performance and cost, TPO is an excellent choice, and our geodome and zome woodworking plans detail how to properly apply this material to dome surfaces. 5. Sheet Metal Roofing: A Strong and Versatile Choice From our 30′ / 9m Zome Plans – Built by Austin Permaculture Guild in Texas Sheet metal roofing is another fantastic option for domes and zomes, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions. Whether you’re facing heavy rain, snow, or high winds, metal roofing provides excellent durability and weather resistance. It’s available in various forms, from corrugated metal sheets to standing seam panels, each offering different aesthetics and performance benefits. Sheet metal is particularly well-suited for geodesic domes due to its ability to conform to the dome’s shape when properly cut and installed. It’s also highly energy-efficient, reflecting sunlight and reducing cooling costs during hot summer months. Custom panels can be cut to fit the panels and even be hemmed together to prevent water ingress. Standing
