screendomesubpage.htm
AMERICAN INGENUITY'S
SCREEN DOME KITS
HOW IS THE SCREEN DOME KIT ASSEMBLED? We recommend a concrete slab or possibly a 12" wide concrete footing for the foundation. Both will match the shape of the screen dome. We utilize concrete anchors to hold down the screen dome. If you purchase a screen dome there is no charge for the stock screen dome plans.
Working on the ground, assemble the framework of 2 x 2 aluminum ribs from top to bottom, row by row, bolting the ribs to the hubs. Roll the spline into the grooved ribs, stretching the screening and securing the edges. Lift up the framework as each row is assembled and screened, then attach it to your concrete or wood foundation when complete. Conceal any electrical wiring for waterproof outlets or lighting in the framework. Place and mount the screen door as you choose.
Yes, the screen dome can be attached to a basement. The screen dome is constructed from conventional aluminum patio extrusion, screening and spline. To attach to a concrete dome or a basement, we ship aluminum extrusion that would be custom cut on site during the assembly process.
TELL ME ABOUT THE SCREEN DOME'S STRENGTH:
Our screen domes comply with the Florida building requirements. It is not necessarily the wind that will do in the screen dome, it will be the debris that is being hurdled around by the wind. When you know there is a hurricane coming, we recommend that you remove some of the screening and the screen doors on each side of the screen dome so the wind can pass through more easily. Plus during the assembly we recommend that you install an I bolt in the concrete slab directly beneath the screen dome top center. Prior to the high wind you can run a cable from the top center of the screen dome to the concrete slab to help hold the screen dome down.
We do not guarantee the screen dome to withstand hurricane winds. The following are some real life examples: For example we have a 40 screen dome at our dome offices. The aluminum geodesic skeleton withstood 80 mph winds but some of the screening was blown out.
For example, Glenda Busick owned a 25 screen dome. During the last Hurricane Jeanne, a large branch from an oak tree was hurdled onto some of the riser ribs weakening the screen dome. Then the 80 to 100 mph winds blew in some of the sections.
WHAT SNOW LOAD WILL THE SCREEN DOME TAKE? To give you a look at the strength of the screen dome here is an example of the 34' Dome, it can support about 20lbs per sq. ft. snow load and could be modified to withstand 30lbs per sq. ft. A 34' or smaller domes can support light snow of less than six inches. If you are going to incur heavier snow or ice you should be prepared to put additional bracing under the hubs until the heavier ice or snow melts.
A 40' Screen Dome, can support about 10lbs per sq. ft. snow load and could be modified to withstand 20lbs per sq. ft. I do not know if that loading is enough for your area. You would need to contact your building department and see what they say your snow loads are.
We do not have any experience with ice. I recommend you contact a local company that constructs conventional screen enclosures and ask them what loading ice causes, etc.
WHAT IF MY SCREEN DOME GETS DAMAGED? The extrusion (aluminum ribs), screening, screen door, and spline used in our screen dome kit are the same items that conventional patio enclosure companies use. So if you mean the extrusion, screening, screen door or spline are damaged then you can purchase those items from your local companies or from us. If you buy through us you have to pay shipping whereas you could pick it up locally. If you mean if the aluminum hubs are damaged, then those would need to be purchased from us because we have them special made.
WHAT DOES THE SCREEN DOME KIT CONSIST OF?
The extrusion and screening used in our screen dome kit is the same that conventional patio enclosure companies use. The screen dome kit includes:
· 15 riser and 120 precut Aluminum ribs 2"x2" bronze or white.
· Aluminum hubs.
· 3' screen door.
· Fiberglass screening gray or white.
· Stainless steel hardware.
· Mounting spline and roller tool
· Detailed slab plans
· Assembly instructions.
HOW DO I ORDER THE SCREEN DOME KIT? Screen Dome Kits will be placed on the schedule for production upon the receipt of a 30% deposit. The balance plus shipping, in the form of a cashier's check or money order, is due 1 week prior to shipment. All payments should be made in US funds. Florida residents add 6% sales tax on the price of the kit.
TELL ME ABOUT THE SHIPPING COST: Screen Dome Kit may be shipped on the same truck as a Dome Building Kit at no additional charge. If ordered separately allow for common carrier trucking charges, estimated to be between $295-$1,000 depending on size and distance. For example the shipping cost on screen domes to Salida Colorado 81201 from our zip 32955 is about $1 per pound or:
25: $510
30: $530
34: $660
40: $780
WHAT ARE THE SCREEN DOME SHIPPING WEIGHTS?
27-510 lbs, 30-530 lbs, 34-660 lbs, 40-780 lbs.
WHAT IS THE DELIVERY TIME ON THE SCREEN DOME KITS? They can be shipped about 6 weeks from date of order.
WHAT IS THE SCREEN DOME KIT FIRST FLOOR SQUARE FOOTAGE?
SIZE 22' 27' 30' 34' 40' 45'-60' NA
SQ.FT. 373 540 665 853 1,179
WHAT IS THE COST FOR THE SCREEN DOME KIT WITH SCREENING AND WITHOUT SCREENING?
SIZE 22' 27' 30' 34' 40' 45'-60' NA
KIT W SCREEN 2,550 2,877 3,113 3,442 3,849
W'OUT SCREEN 2,935 3,222 3,558
Due to potential fluctuations, specifications and prices may be subject to change without notice.
CAN THE SCREEN DOMES HAVE SOLID TOPS? We have had clients install canvas into the top panels or screw galvanized panel to the top panels if you are not in snow country. Yes you can install solid fabric, etc in the triangular panels. We had one client install SunCloth (a UV resistant fabric canvas). To assure whatever you want to install will fit in the aluminum extrusion channel, you may want to purchase some aluminum, screen roller and spline from your local screen enclosure company. This way you can make sure it fits.
CAN YOU USE GLASS IN THE PANELS INSTEAD OF SCREENING? We aren't sure if the frame will hold the glass panels, as it has never been done due to the high cost involved. The glass would need to be tempered so if it broke it would shatter into small pieces instead of sharp points. The glass dome would not be weather tight because of all the seams. We believe it would be better to purchase glass enclosures from companies that market such products then the bugs are worked out.
DO YOU SELL GREENHOUSE DOME KITS? No, but screen dome kits without screening may be utilized for a greenhouse by installing greenhouse plastic.
D0 YOU KNOW OF ANY GREEN HOUSE COMPANIES? Yes.
Growing Spaces Box 7052, Aspen Colorado 81611, 303-923-5713
Solar Prism MFG POBox 29, McMinnville Oregon 97128 503-472-1285
We found the Gronhaus's companys name in Florida Today in March 2002. The green house kit called GabelHaus is a steel framed greenhouse with Solaron fabric. It covers 60 sq.ft. and touts a center height of more than 8. The MiniHaus model sells for about $130, compared to about $400 for other portable residential greenhouses. The kit takes about 30 minutes to set up. It is one of five new greenhouses the company offers in the European tradition of a glass greenhouse.
CAN THE SCREEN DOME BE ADDED TO A CONVENTIONAL HOUSE? You most certainly could. The only thing is since you would not be hooking it to one our dome homes we could not give you instructions on how the two meets. We do give instructions on how to build the screen dome just not to an already existing house.
DO YOU KNOW OF A SUB-CONTRACTOR THAT KNOWS HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE SCREEN DOME KITS? We do have experienced sub-contractors that build the domes for the customer at a fee.
TELL ME ABOUT THE SCREEN DOME FOUNDATION... It can be a footing or a concrete slab. Mark the location where the Riser Ribs will be bolted to the slab. If you assemble the screen dome first, it will be more difficult to access the center of the slab and make measurements. At the bottom of each Riser Rib there will be an aluminum angle that is inserted inside the Riser and bolted to the slab. Mark the location on the slab for each of these bolts and drill a hole into the slab to later fit the concrete anchor.
CAN CONVENTIONAL SCREEN PORCHES BE ATTACHED TO THE CONCRETE DOME?
Yes, screen porches with or without a roof can be added or attached at entryways. We do not have a design for any style other than the screen dome but screen enclosure contractors would not find it difficult to provide you with a design that would even include a sloped roof, etc.
WILL THE SCREENING BE AFFECTED BY CAT CLAWS? Go to your local screen patio store and buy enough aluminum and screening to make a 4'x2' section. Have the screening installed in the aluminum and take it home and see what your cats claws do to it. Personally I have a 34' screen dome that sets on a planter. At one time our cat would periodically stay on the screen dome and we did not have any trouble with his claws and the screening. Although I don't remember seeing her every climb the screen dome.