Dome Shelter FAQ - Quality Domes Direct

How to build a Shipping Container Dome Shelter. Common questions ranging from site preparation, to tools and equipment, warranties, delivery and installation.

How do I know which Dome Shelter is right for my needs?
That’s a good question. We normally begin with asking “how much space do you have, what are you going to use it for”. Then we can work with you and understand how mich space there is available to site the containers and shelter. Given the different widths of the roof trusses and whether the dome is to be mounted on the outer or inner edge of the top of the containers, there are options you need to know.
Do I need special shipping containers?
First of all, every container dome shelter we offer is compatible with 20 foot and 40 foot long shipping containers. In metric, that is any 6m long or 12m long shipping container is compatible with our shelter structures.
What sizes of container dome shelters are available?
Given there are 2 major sizes of shipping container used for dome shelters, 20ft/6m and 40ft/12m, our sizes refer to the width of the dome itself. When using 2 x 20foot shipping container as the base for the shelter, choose from three widths, 12 foot, 26 foot and 33 foot. This is the total width of the span of the dome at the bottom edge. The metric sizes are 6m, 8m and 10m widths which can be connected to 20 foot/6m long shipping containers. These width are based on fitting the dome structure to the inner top edge of both shipping containers, although, they can also be fitted to the outer edges of the container.
Do the steel dome structures and truss base plates need to be welded securely to each container?
Not necessarily. Welding base plates to shipping container shelters is recommended for larger structures 40 foot wide and more. Typically our 4040ft, 6040ft and 7040ft container shelters are welded to the top edge of each container, as it is a more durable and permanent fixture, adding another layer of strength to the shelter base.
Is there a limit to how many containers I can stack on top and still attach one of the dome shelters to it?
Work, Health and Safety regulations permit stacking shipping containers one of top of each other, using special twist lock mechanisms to lock the botton container with the top. These specifically casted twist lock connectors lock into the shipping container corners together by way of the corner casting block. Each corner casting block has 3 holes, a top hole (where our Quicklock connector fits into), a side hole called the Stadium and a front hole called a Shield. The Stadium and Shield holes are not used in the installation of one of our dome shelters. However, they are useful for attaching additional light poles, timber battens, solar panels etc. Remember, a shipping container has 8 corner castings, 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom. Use these anchoring points to enhance the use of the dome shelter.
Does the Dome Shelter kit come with everything required to build it for the price quoted, or is there anything else needed like special tools?
Each Quality Domes Direct Dome Shelter Kit (attaching to 2 shipping containers), has every component and part needed to anchor the shelter to the tops of the containers, construct the dome and fit the roof cover. Every Dome Shelter has everything you need, such as base plates, trusses, roof purlins, tension tubes, angle seats, ropes, bolts and connectors. As far as special tools go, for our Quicklock series all that’s required is basic hand tools, including electric drill (battery preferred), sockets and spanners for 8mm, 10mm and 12mm bolts and fastners, hex keys in the aformentioned sizes, a torque wrench (optional), hammer, ladders, etc.
How do you anchor the steel dome structure to the container?
It depends on the size of shipping container and the dome span as to which anchoring method is used. Our container dome shelter fixings consist of a ‘Quicklock’ system that attaches into the corner casting of the shipping containers. There is also a welded bracket design, where base plate brackets are mounted and secured to 2 top corners of the container. The fixing brackets can be a combination of welded/bolted, or all welded, and bolted only.
I’ve never built a Container Dome Shelter or other large shelter before, realistically, do I need special equipment?
As you would imagine, a container dome shelter is a big piece of kit made from hot-dipped galvanised steel tube – it weighs a bit. Given the apex (from the floor to the top of the shelter) starts at around 4.9m, getting the trusses up into the air and fixed to 2 Genral Purpose, 2.6m high shipping containers, requires some lifting equipment. Depending on what you have available, we recommend a scissor lift, cherry picker, mini crane, spider crane, telescopic crawler etc. Don’t risk any accidents when installing the roof structure, use the correct equipment to get the job done safely.
How long does it take to build a container dome shelter?
Construction times can vary depending on the size of the shelter. Under normal circumstances, a 2 to 3-man crew can build one of our smaller Dome Shelters in as little as 2 days. Planning is an important stage to a successful build. Taking the time to prep the site and locate the containers the exact distance apart is the key to a swift and easy build. Make sure there space around the dome is adequate enough to allow the work to continue uninterrupted, and plant and equipment in the surrounding area does not pose a risk to others in the vacinity.
How heavy is the dome and all the accessories?
A standard 20x20ft dome kit is 225kg, increasing in weight as the dome shelter size increases. A 70x40ft dome shelter kit weighs approximately 2000kg. Smaller dome kits can be loaded onto a ute or trailer. Larger dome kits may require a forklift or crane truck.
What’s the widest dome you sell for a 20ft/40ft container?
The widest dome to fit a 20ft dome is 33ft/10m, and for a 40ft container the widest is 70ft/21.3m. These spans can be achieved when the dome trusses are fitted to the inner side of each container or post.
What materials are used in the construction of the dome?
The dome cover/canopy is a 3-ply heavy-duty commercial/industrial PVC. The thickness and weight of the cover is either commercial 650 GSM or industrial grade 900 GSM. The frame is a hot double-dipped galvanised steel tube for extra strength.
What height are the dome shelters in the middle?
Depending on the size of the containers and span of the shelter, the apex will vary from 4.9m to 9m – that’s 12 to 29ft.
Is the dome shelter structure and roof covered by a warranty?
Yes, there is a 10 year Warranty on the steel structure, and 8 Year Warranty on the PVC cover.
How high is the dome in the middle?
It depends on the container size and distance between each container. The highest point of the dome arc can be anywhere from 4.9m to 9 .m
What is the wind rating where I live?
Dome shelters are rated for Australian wind region B; they can withstand winds up to 180 km, and come with an engineering certificate. We can also advise you of the wind assessment in your location.
Do all container domes come with an End Wall?
Some do, some don’t. See the complete range of dome shelters and find the perfect shelter for your needs.
If I want an End Wall with my shelter, are they wind rated?
Every End Wall supplied has a built-in safety feature with four wind sockets to allow airflow, and in case of a storm, it won’t create a wind tunnel.
Can container mounted dome shelters be completely sealed with a front and end wall?
Yes, most container mounted dome shelters
Do I need a permit to build a dome shelter?
Generally speaking, if the shelter is to be used in a commercially zoned location, there is no requirement to get a permit. However, we strongly advise you to seek advice and confirmation from your local council. Other considerations involve being located in a residential area, or you’re close to a floodplain or close to a river bank.
Can the dome shelter canopy be fixed so it spans to the outside of shipping containers?
Yes, the dome shelter can be fitted to the outer edges of the containers, creating a weatherproof area on top of each container of around 14.8m2, for a 6 foot container. However, mounting the shelter on the outside edge reduces the working space diameter on the ground by almost 5 metres. Depending on the size of the containers used, mounting on the outer edge of the container reduces the total working area on the ground by 28.8m2 for a 20 foot container and 57.5m2 for a 40ft container mounted dome.
Can installation be arranged?
Depending on your location, installation can be arranged with certified installers.
Is delivery included in the price?
Delivery is not included in the advertised price. We can however arrange affordable, Australia wide delivery through our extensive freight partner network.
Can the dome shelter be delivered to a residential address?
Yes, however, please note that freight companies may charge extra for a residential delivery. Additional freight costs can include a ‘heavyweight residential’,’ 2-men delivery’ and ‘over weight’ surcharge. We do our best to arrange the most affordable shipping solution. We recommend it is best for delivery to be to a commercially zoned address.
If the dome shelter kit is delivered to a depot close to where I live, can it be loaded straight into our trailer or ute?
Our shelter dome kits are well-packaged and sealed in a crate (approx 190cm long x 50cm wide and 70cm high), direct from our manufacturing facility. Our depots are mostly equipped with a forklift, which with the aid of straps, can load the crate onto your vehicle.
What size domes are available?
There are many different-sized dome shelters. There are 3 shelter sizes to fit a 20ft shipping container and 5 dome sizes for 40ft containers. We also have 2 double-truss dome designs for the larger shelters with a 60-70 foot span. There are also a range of smaller dome shelters available for cars, caravans, livestock, and the like.
Do you have dome shelter available now?
Yes, stock of all kinds of shelters are readily available. However, this can be dependent on the size and number of dome shelters requested.
What sort of warranty do you have on the dome shelters?
There is a comprehensive Ten-Year Warranty on the frame and 8 Year Warranty on the PVC cover.
If I purchase a shelter today, how long would it take to get it delivered?
Quality Domes Direct have depots in Western Australia, Victoria, and the Gold Coast, Queensland. If you purchase on the East Coast, shipping can take around 5 days. On the west coast allow 10 to 12 business days. For South East Queensland customers, pickup can be arranged from our Gold Coast location at Molendinar.
What is the typical lifespan of a dome shelter?
The structure itself has a long lifespan, because of the hot-dipped, galavanised tube design. The lifespan of a typical PVC cover can be up to 15 years. One of the proven ways to extend the lifespan of a PVC shelter cover is to periodically tighten the cover ratchets every three to six months to ensure the tarp is always tightened to it’s optimum level.
Do I need containers to set the dome shelter up?
Yes, some of the shelters need containers; although we have dome shelters which use traditional posts anchored into the ground, retaining walls, concrete blocks and fixed directly onto a concrete slab. Our system is so flexible that it’s possible to anchor only one side of the shelter to a container and leave the other side mounted on any support type you can imagine.

I am getting two shipping containers delivered and need to know exactly where to put them. Do you have site preparation and assembly plans I can see first?
Yes, we have all the necessary site preparation and shelter footprint information you need to set out the shipping containers at the precise distance apart.
I have a small farm and want to store machinery, trucks and trailers etc. Do you do front closable sections as well as the back wall?
Yes – we can provide fully enclosed shelters, either container mounted or mounted on steel posts. See our range of shelters and sheds here.

Can I request a no-obligation free quote?
Sure, we can arrange a quote for you.

The 40×20 domes were a very cheap way of quickly erecting lightweight, weatherproof structures for sandblasting and painting. By fully enclosing them with end panels, they can be heated during cold or damp weather for painting purposes, enabling us to meet our contract time frames.

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Bruce M Bruce M - Nabis Marine Contractors

We bought two domes to store our sales stock of forklifts and access equipment. A very economical option to protect our equipment and it works a treat we couldn’t be happier.

Andrew Bailey United Equipment Branch Manager

Huge thank you to the team at Quality Domes Direct! We are so happy with our new shelters, which have allowed us to expand our operation efficiently and below budget. The guys went above and beyond as well, helping us locate an amazing site. Cheers guys

Shane-Scholefield testimonial factory buys australia

Shane Scholefield Factory Buys Australia

If you need a shipping container dome then Quality Domes Direct are the guys you need. Very knowledgeable & helpful people. Very happy

Scott-Tamborine-Dragon-Fruit-Farm testimonial

Scott Tamborine Dragon Fruit Farm

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