What maintenance does an Ekodome need over the years?
Simple routine care to keep your hard-shell Ekodome performing for decades
Ekodomes are engineered as long-life structures, and their maintenance needs are minimal compared to tents, soft-shell domes, or steel-frame systems. With basic routine care, your dome will stay functional, watertight, and visually clean for decades.
Below is what you’ll need to do over the years.
1. Keep the Dome Clean
Periodic cleaning preserves appearance and prevents buildup that can trap moisture.
• wash panels with mild soap and water
• avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals
• rinse gently to remove dust, pollen, and post-storm debris
• for polycarbonate, use only poly-safe cleaners
• glass panels can be cleaned like standard architectural glazing
Cleaning frequency depends on your environment. Forested, dusty, or coastal regions may need seasonal washing.
2. Inspect and Maintain Seals
Even though the structure itself doesn’t require resealing, it’s good practice to check key points annually:
• around doors
• around operable windows
• around HVAC or chimney penetrations
• any area where homeowners added their own caulking
If you see worn caulk or silicone, remove and reapply using an exterior-grade sealant suitable for the panel type. (If unsure, contact aftersales for product recommendations.)
3. Maintain Healthy Ventilation
A well-ventilated dome lasts longer and reduces moisture stress.
• use passive vents and windows regularly
• add fans or dehumidifiers in humid climates
• prevent long-term condensation by balancing temperature and airflow
Good ventilation protects both the panels and any interior finishes you’ve added.
4. Check Hardware Periodically
The aluminum frame will not rust or degrade, but it helps to do a quick annual check:
• look for any loose screws (rare, but possible after strong weather events)
• confirm door hinges or locks are tight
• verify anchors are still secure if the dome is in high-wind regions
If you live in hurricane-prone zones, check anchors before and after storm season.
5. Touch Up Any Frame Scratches
The powder-coated aluminum frame is highly durable, but occasional touch-ups keep it looking new.
• use RAL 7016 matte DTM paint for small scratches
• clean the surface first
• apply thin layers and allow it to dry fully
This is cosmetic, not structural.
6. Maintain the Interior Module (If Installed)
If you have a Lite or Plus interior module:
• treat it like a tiny home
• check plumbing joints annually
• ensure ventilation remains open
• clean cabinetry, fixtures, and the loft area as normal living space
The module is self-supported, so it doesn’t affect the dome structure.
7. Seasonal Checks for Harsh Climates
Climates with heavy snow, extreme humidity, or strong winds may require seasonal attention:
• clear excessive snow from lower panels
• check for debris buildup around the base
• ensure drainage paths remain open
The structure itself is engineered to withstand load, but clearing snow helps take stress off exterior finishes.
8. Replacement Panels if Needed
One advantage of Ekodome’s modular design is that each triangle is independent.
If a panel ever gets damaged, you can replace only that single piece rather than the entire shell.
Replacing a panel is a straightforward process and can be handled by a homeowner or contractor.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
Unlike PVC domes or steel-frame structures:
• no fabric replacements
• no anti-rust treatment
• no repainting every few years
• no structural maintenance cycles
• no tensioning or re-tightening of membrane systems
Ekodome is a prefabricated, rigid building system, not a tent.
If You Need Help
For any maintenance questions or if you’re unsure about a specific issue, email aftersales@ekodome.com. Our team can guide you, recommend products, or review photos to help you diagnose anything unusual.