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
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.
Best for: Budget builds in dry, arid climates.
Price Range: $0.15 – $0.30 per square foot for coating materials.
Pros:
Inexpensive and easy to apply.
Provides flexibility to the roof surface.
Suitable for domes in desert-like conditions.
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.
Best for: General use in moderate climates, budget-conscious projects.
Price Range: $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot, depending on the shingle style.
Pros:
Widely available and affordable.
Provides solid weather resistance when installed correctly.
Architectural shingles offer enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
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.
Best for: High-performance domes in harsh weather conditions.
Price Range: $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot.
Pros:
Extremely durable and weather-resistant.
Flexible enough to conform to the dome’s shape.
Long-lasting with minimal maintenance.
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.
Best for: High-performance domes in sunny or moderate climates.
Price Range: $2.50 – $4.00 per square foot.
Pros:
Excellent UV and heat resistance.
Long-lasting and durable.
Strong, heat-welded seams for superior strength.
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 seam panels can be used but are better for larger domes and zomes with larger individual panels.
Best for: All climates, especially regions with heavy rain, snow, or high winds.
Price Range: $3.00 – $7.00 per square foot depending on the type of metal.
Pros:
Extremely durable and long-lasting (can last 40+ years with minimal maintenance).
Lightweight yet strong, ideal for dome shapes.
Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Available in various colors, finishes, and styles.
At Trillium Domes, we often recommend sheet metal roofing for its longevity and resistance to weathering. Plus, it pairs excellently with a high-quality underlayment, such as Ice and Water Shield, to prevent any leaks or damage to the dome’s internal structure. Our Ultimate Geodesic Dome and Zome Build Plans offer detailed instructions on how to correctly cut, shape, and install sheet metal panels, ensuring a tight, weatherproof fit that will last for decades.
6. Marine-Grade PVC Covers: A Flexible and Resilient Roofing Option
From our 20' / 6m Dome Plans - Built by Paula in Australia
Marine-grade PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a highly durable and flexible material commonly used in the boating industry, and it’s an excellent choice for dome and zome roofing in a wide range of climates. This material is designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments, making it resistant to UV rays, moisture, and extreme weather conditions. Its flexibility allows it to be easily fitted over the curved surfaces of a dome, while its strength ensures long-lasting protection.
Marine-grade PVC is also a versatile option for builders looking for different colors and thicknesses. It can be layered for extra insulation and is available with UV-resistant coatings to ensure it doesn't degrade over time due to sun exposure. One of the key benefits of marine-grade PVC is that it’s less expensive than rigid materials like polycarbonate or metal, yet it offers strong performance at a lower cost.
Best for: Mild to Cold climates, or projects requiring a flexible and waterproof roofing solution.
Price Range: $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot depending on thickness and coatings.
Pros:
Extremely flexible and easy to install over domes and zomes.
UV-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof.
Available in various colors and thicknesses to suit your design.
Can be layered for additional insulation or weatherproofing.
Marine-grade PVC covers are ideal for domes that need a lightweight, yet durable, roofing solution that can stand up to the elements. Our Geodome Dome and Zome Build Plans include detailed steps for installing marine-grade PVC covers, from securing the material to the frame to ensuring proper ventilation and water runoff. If you’re looking for a mid-range option that’s versatile, waterproof, and easy to work with, marine-grade PVC could be the perfect choice for your dome project.
7. Other Materials: ACM, FRP, and More
There are many other materials that can be used to cover dome or zome roofs, each offering unique benefits depending on the climate and your budget. Aluminum composite material (ACM) and fiberglass reinforced panel (FRP) sheets are great for durability and ease of installation. These can be installed over top a roof deck or in place of one. The installation would be more akin to solid polycarbonate that we use for dome and zome windows and greenhouses.
Additionally, materials like concrete, lime plaster, wood shakes, cob mixtures and aircrete bricks can also be used depending on the look and performance you're aiming for. These can be layered over the geodesic dome or zome frame to create a super strong and natural look. You can also cover the dome or zome with EPDM (pond liner) to create a living roof!
The Next Step Toward Roofing an Affordable DIY Dome or Zome
Now that you’ve explored the best roofing materials for domes and zomes, you should have a clearer understanding of which option is right for your project. Whether you go for a budget-friendly elastomeric coating or opt for the long-term durability of aluminum shakes, the right roofing material will ensure your dome stands the test of time.
Ready to start building? Our How to Build a Dome or Zome Woodworking Plans include step-by-step guidance for installing all the materials covered here. If you're still unsure about which option is best, feel free to reach out for advice or leave a comment below!
Looking for more resources? Visit our Build Plans page for detailed instructions on roofing, framing, and more, or explore our comparison chart to make your decision even easier.