Spray foam insulation is gaining recognition for its versatility, applied in structures such as geodesic domes nestled in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley.
This region attracts visitors year-round, offering activities like hiking, swimming, and hot springs. Glampings has surged in popularity among the unique accommodations available, with geodesic domes providing a blend of outdoor experience and modern amenities.
However, inadequate insulation can render these structures uninhabitable during the harsh Canadian winters, impacting the guest experience.
Element Spray Foam, located in Abbotsford, BC, has been addressing insulation challenges since 2012, helping clients enhance energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. Founded by Ryan Esau and Colin Willems, the company utilizes their backgrounds in carpentry and chemistry to serve a diverse clientele.
Over the past decade, the team has expanded to eight employees, tackling insulation projects across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors. Their expertise is particularly valuable for businesses aiming to optimize energy efficiency and improve profitability.
According to an article published by Spray Foam Magazine, two recent clients, brother-in-law business owners managing Airbnb properties, highlight the impact of proper insulation on rental income. One operates Cultus Lake Glamping in Chilliwack, BC, featuring stargazer tents and a geodesic dome, while the other runs The Lodge on Harrison Lake, which recently added a geodesic dome to its offerings.
Although visually appealing, the initial designs of these domes struggled to retain heat in winter, forcing the owners to leave them unoccupied for nearly half the year. The cold climate challenges prompted the owners to seek effective insulation solutions to maximize their investments.
Willems noted the issues faced by the Cultus Lake dome’s owners, stating, “They were having trouble keeping guests comfortable in the cold, to the point they weren’t comfortable renting them out when temperatures got too low.” Recognizing the need for improved comfort, the owners contacted Element Spray Foam for a consultation in February 2024.
The geodesic domes, constructed from prefabricated kits designed for glamping, were initially equipped with reflective bubble liner insulation. However, this option was insufficient against the severe winter temperatures in British Columbia.
After discussions with the owners, the Element team concluded that closed-cell foam insulation would provide a more effective and permanent solution. Willems explained, “It can get pretty windy out on the lake, so the foam helps keep everything more comfortable and stable,” promising better heat retention and increased structural integrity.
During the consultation, Willems examined the unique structure of the domes, featuring a powder-coated steel frame and thick PVC canvas stretched tightly over it. An additional mildew-resistant fabric liner inside the dome enhanced its appearance. This unique composition required careful planning for the spray foam application, with the Element team opting for SES Nexseal 2lb closed-cell foam to ensure proper adherence to the PVC canvas.
Preparation was essential as the Element team requested that the PVC canvas walls be stretched tightly and most furniture removed prior to their arrival. This ensured a clean work area for the foam insulation application. While some furniture could not be removed, the team protected the remaining items with plastic coverings to prevent overspray. They applied the spray foam directly to the PVC canvas, followed by reattaching the inner fabric liner, ensuring a clean and precise process.
The insulation work involved spraying two inches of foam in the Cultus Lake dome and three inches in the Harrison Lake dome, located further north and facing harsher winter conditions. Both domes measure approximately 24 feet in diameter. Despite the cold and unpredictable weather in February, the Element team completed the Cultus Lake dome in a day and a half, followed by the Harrison Lake dome in mid-March.