MegaDome Domestic vs imported fabric buildings: 13 reasons why.
When investing in a fabric building, the actual value lies far beyond the initial price tag. It’s about engineering integrity, material quality, structural longevity, and peace of mind. While imported structures—particularly from China—may seem attractive on the surface, they often fall short in the areas that matter most. At MegaDome, we build more than just structures—we deliver confidence.
Here’s why MegaDome buildings are the smarter long-term investment.
Engineered for Your Site, Not Mass Produced
Every MegaDome structure comes with a site-specific engineering stamp signed by a licensed Canadian engineer. This is not just a document—it’s your guarantee that the building complies with local building codes for wind, snow, and seismic loads.
By contrast, many imported fabric buildings are mass-produced without adaptation to site-specific conditions. They often lack the sealed engineering documents required for permits or insurance approval in North America, which can create headaches later on.
MegaDome domestic vs imported fabric buildings. Why?
- Faster permits
- Easier insurance approval
- Code-compliant structures
Insurance Made Simple
Insurability is often overlooked—until it becomes a problem. Because MegaDome buildings are engineered, stamped, and designed to meet North American code, they are readily insurable.
Another key point of domestic vs imported fabric buildings, insurers may refuse coverage or require expensive third-party evaluations. Worse, in the event of damage, claims may be denied due to non-compliant design.
MegaDome domestic vs Imported fabric buildings
MegaDome provides a structure that you can insure with confidence from the very beginning.
Oval vs. Round Tubes: Why Shape and Strength Matter
At the heart of every MegaDome structure is a custom oval steel tube, a design proven to be up to 4 times stronger than comparable round tubing. It isn’t just a shape difference—it’s an engineered advantage that translates into safer, longer-lasting buildings.
MegaDome tubes are:
- Made of certified, graded galvanized steel (Galvalume)
- Rated at a minimum yield strength of 50 ksi, making them 52% stronger than standard commercial tubing
- Available in HD (2″ × 3″ 9/16) and HHD (3″ × 4″ 5/16) profiles, with multiple gauge options (11 to 16 gauge)
- Designed to maximize contact with the membrane, reducing wear and extending Lifespan
In contrast, most imported structures utilize thin, round commercial tubing, often made from unverified or low-grade steel, which struggles under snow or wind loads and contributes to premature structural failure.
MegaDome vs Imported fabric buildings – Why it matters:
A stronger frame means fewer repairs, better membrane tension, and a building you can trust year-round—even in harsh climates.
Galvanization, Designed to Last
The structural performance and longevity of your fabric building depend primarily on the quality of its steel coating. At MegaDome, we exceed industry standards by offering both pre-galvanized and fully hot-dip galvanized oval tubing, including advanced Galvalume galvanization for maximum corrosion protection.
Superior Protection with Galvalume Coating
Galvalume is a premium steel coating composed of:
- 55% aluminum – enhances corrosion resistance
- 43.5% zinc – offers sacrificial protection
- 1.5% silicon – stabilizes and improves heat resistance
This combination forms a durable barrier that resists corrosion far better than standard galvanized steel, making it ideal for harsh North American environments, such as coastal, agricultural, or industrial zones.
Depending on the components in question, Harnois selects the most appropriate type of galvanization, such as Galvalume and PowercoatTM. All these components have superior strength, compared to products with standard galvanization, as shown by the salt spray test. Harnois PowercoatTM offers exceptional performance in more than 3,000 hours in salt spray test*.
Galvalume vs. Galvanized: What’s the Difference?
| Property | Galvalume (MegaDome) | Standard Galvanized Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Composition | Zinc-Aluminum-Silicon alloy | Zinc only |
| Corrosion Resistance | ⭐ Superior | Moderate |
| Heat Reflectivity | High | Lower |
| Surface Hardness | Slightly softer (less wear on membrane) | Slightly harder (resists small dents) |
| Typical Lifespan | Up to 2–4x longer | Shorter in aggressive conditions |
Our Commitment to Quality
- Our tubes can be pre-galvanized or hot-dip galvanized on the inside and outside, providing superior protection against corrosion and significantly extending the life of your building.
- Imported buildings typically use round tubes and may feature electroplated or thin-galvanized coatings that degrade quickly in harsh conditions.
MegaDome Domestic vs Imported fabric buildings:
- Oval tubes for greater strength
- Full hot-dip galvanizing
- 15-year steel warranty
Membrane Quality You Can Count On
The membrane is your building’s first line of defence against the elements. MegaDome structures feature NovaShield® HDPE membranes, recognized for superior UV resistance, durability, and longevity.
You can also choose:
- Standard membrane
- Fire-retardant membranes (for compliance or industrial needs)
- Exclusive: Our agricultural membrane offers 30% light transmission (compared to ~16% in standard membranes), which is ideal for livestock.
In contrast, imported buildings often rely on PVC membranes that degrade more quickly, turn yellow under UV exposure, and are more prone to tearing—especially in cold climates.
MegaDome domestic vs Imported fabric buildings – Warranty comparison:
MegaDome: up to 15 years
Imported: often 1 year or none
Why Choose MegaDome Over Imported Structures?
| Feature | MegaDome (Engineered in Canada) | Typical Imported Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Certification | ✅ Site-specific stamped engineering plans | ❌ Often lacks engineer review or local compliance |
| Insurance Compatibility | ✅ Easy to insure thanks to sealed engineering | ❌ May not meet North American insurance criteria |
| Steel Tube Design |
✅ Oval tube – higher structural strength and membrane longevity (52% stronger)
|
❌ Round tube – less structural rigidity
|
| Galvanization Level | ✅ Hot-dip galvanized for superior corrosion resistance | ❌ Thinner zinc layer, less protection |
| Membrane Quality | ✅ HDPE by NovaShield, durable & UV-resistant | ❌ Often PVC, prone to cracking and discoloration |
| Optional Membranes | ✅ Fire-retardant and agricultural (30% light transmission) options | ❌ Standard membrane only (~16% light transmission) |
| Custom Arch Spacing | ✅ Adjusted based on wind/snow load and usage | ❌ Fixed spacing not optimized for local loads |
| Building Length | ✅ Unlimited – tailored to your needs | ❌ Limited by prefabricated design constraints |
| Foundation Compatibility | ✅ Supports 7 types (anchors, concrete blocks, rails, slabs, etc.) | ❌ Typically limited to anchor type only |
| Doors | ✅ Custom garage door sizes available | ❌ Often limited to small roll-up doors |
| Steel Warranty | ✅ Up to 15 years | ❌ Typically 1 year |
| Membrane Warranty | ✅ Up to 15 years | ❌ Typically 1 year |
Built to Fit—Not to Fit In
One of the key benefits of choosing MegaDome is flexibility in design. Every structure is tailored to your specific needs:
- Unlimited length
- Custom arch spacing based on snow and wind loads
- Multiple width profiles
- Seven foundation options (helical anchors, concrete blocks, steel rails, poured slabs, etc.)
- Custom garage door sizes to accommodate your equipment or operations
MegaDome domestic vs imported fabric buildings:
In contrast, imported buildings typically come in a few predefined sizes with fixed spacing, anchor-only foundations, and limited door configurations.
MegaDome Domestic vs Imported fabric buildings – Result:
MegaDome adapts to your operation—not the other way around.
Foundation Flexibility for Any Site
Not every site is the same—and your foundation shouldn’t be either. MegaDome buildings can be installed on:
- Concrete blocks
- Helical anchors
- Steel rails
- Grade beams
- Poured concrete slabs
- Treated timber walls
- Custom foundation systems
MegaDome domestic vs imported fabric buildings often limit you to anchor-based systems, which may not be suitable or code-compliant, depending on your site.
With MegaDome, your fabric building sits on the proper foundation for your climate, soil, and usage—not just the cheapest one.
Garage Doors for Operational Efficiency
MegaDome offers custom garage doors in virtually any size, letting you accommodate large farm machinery, trucks, or industrial equipment.
MegaDome domestic vs imported fabric buildings are typically limited to standard roll-up doors, which may not meet your access needs or integrate well with your operations.
Function meets flexibility:
Whether it’s height, width, or multiple garage doors, MegaDome ensures you have the appropriate access to your building.
Long-Term Value with Industry-Leading Support
We stand behind our products with 15-year warranties on both steel and membrane components. Our quality control processes, from material sourcing to final inspection, are rooted in over 60 years of North American steel structure expertise.
MegaDome domestic vs imported fabric buildings, on the other hand, often come with minimal warranties (if any), limited recourse, and no local support.
When something goes wrong, you’re often left without any customer service.
Sourced and Manufactured in Canada
From raw materials to finished structures, MegaDome buildings are engineered, sourced and manufactured in Canada. That means:
- Predictable lead times
- Local technical support
- Consistent quality control
- No supply chain surprises
With domestic vs imported fabric buildings, delays, language barriers, and inconsistent shipping costs are common—and support can be virtually nonexistent once your building ships.
Built by Experts. Backed by Support.
Beyond the product, MegaDome delivers project management, certified installation teams, engineering support, and after-sales service that you can trust.
Domestic vs imported fabric buildings? You’re often left to assemble it yourself—or find someone willing to take the risk of installing an unverified system.
Domestic vs imported fabric buildings : Final Thoughts
A MegaDome building is an investment in quality, durability, and peace of mind. You get a structure that meets your exact needs, withstands the harshest North American climates, and is fully supported by local experts.
Domestic vs imported fabric buildings might promise savings upfront—but those savings can quickly disappear in engineering delays, insurance issues, costly repairs, or early replacement.
Choose the building that’s built to last. Choose Domestic vs Imported fabric buildings
*Salt spray test: Standardized evaluation of the resistance of metallic materials to corrosion, with or without coating, temporary or permanent protection against corrosion. The conduct of these tests is based on different standards (ASTMB117, DIN 50021, EN ISO 9227). In all cases, the parts to be evaluated are arranged in a test chamber in which a saline solution is vaporized at a certain temperature. The test can be performed continuously over a period of six to more than one thousand hours. The materials most resistant to corrosion may be subjected to longer tests. The salt spray test will give different results from corrosion under normal conditions. This is a method of quality control overlay used in the industry.