An Option to Avoid with Stitched Seams

The Ecker dome-home — after the Airform was inflated, its perimeter was sprayed with leftover, two-part, closed cell foam. It’s clearly visible as a bright yellow band along the foundation.

The Ecker dome-home — after the Airform was inflated, its perimeter was sprayed with leftover, two-part, closed cell foam. It’s clearly visible as a bright yellow band along the foundation. (Chris Ecker)

Off with the band! — two years later the foam band was chiseled off the foundation so exterior finish work could begin. In the photo’s lower right corner, note the tanned UV discoloration on the foam’s surface and the small puddle along the metal strapping.

Off with the band! — two years later the foam band was chiseled off the foundation so exterior finish work could begin. In the photo’s lower right corner, note the tanned UV discoloration on the foam’s surface and the small puddle along the metal strapping. (Chris Ecker)

An oxidized nail — the nail piercing the metal cladding in the left hole is oxidized. Beyond the empty nail hole, the two nails on the far right do not appear affected. The right-most nail is through a strapping overlap. There is a tiny gap of un-caulked seam just above the residual foam upper border. This photo also shows the dark grey foundation concrete still curing just under the Airform rope.

An oxidized nail — the nail piercing the metal cladding in the left hole is oxidized. Beyond the empty nail hole, the two nails on the far right do not appear affected. The right-most nail is through a strapping overlap. There is a tiny gap of un-caulked seam just above the residual foam upper border. This photo also shows the dark grey foundation concrete still curing just under the Airform rope. (Chris Ecker)

A puddle — here a small puddle of water drips out from behind the Airform rope. There was a small void behind the Airform and above the strapping where the foundation ring crowned outward along the highest border. Note the proximity of the seam to the puddle.

A puddle — here a small puddle of water drips out from behind the Airform rope. There was a small void behind the Airform and above the strapping where the foundation ring crowned outward along the highest border. Note the proximity of the seam to the puddle. (Chris Ecker)