Question 1

How much does a fabric building cost in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario, a MegaDome fabric building typically costs $18–$45 per square foot for the structure, and $35–$85 per square foot turnkey with foundation, site work and installation. Final pricing depends on span, height, snow load, cladding, doors and site access — every project is quoted individually.

Question 2

Are fabric buildings cheaper than steel buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Ontario, an engineered fabric building is usually 20–40% less than an equivalent conventional steel building on a like-for-like basis, mostly because there is less steel, faster installation and a lighter foundation. Insulated cladding, doors and interior finishes narrow the gap.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Most projects receive a same-week budget number and a full engineered quote within 5–10 business days once the site details are confirmed.

Question 4

Are MegaDome fabric buildings engineered for Ontario snow loads?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every MegaDome installed in Ontario is stamped by a Professional Engineer to the Ontario Building Code and the site-specific ground snow load from OBC Supplementary Standard SB-1, including drift, sliding and unbalanced loads for the roof profile.

Question 5

What snow load and wind load can MegaDome fabric buildings handle?

Accepted Answer

MegaDome domes are engineered to site-specific ground snow loads of 40–120 psf and wind speeds up to 200 km/h across Ontario. Every structure is stamped by a Professional Engineer.

Question 6

How wide can a MegaDome fabric building be?

Accepted Answer

Clear spans range from 33 ft (DB Series) up to 200 ft (AR Series custom engineered). Length is modular and can be extended after installation.

Question 7

What foundation does a fabric building need?

Accepted Answer

MegaDome buildings can be installed on concrete piers, precast blocks, poured concrete walls, shipping-container walls or P2000 helical ground anchors. The foundation is engineered to the site's soil, frost depth and use case.

Question 8

Can I install a fabric building without a poured concrete foundation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. P2000 helical ground anchors and precast concrete blocks allow full permanent installations without a poured slab — ideal for remote sites, temporary uses and municipal salt storage.

Question 9

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Typical Ontario installations take 2–6 weeks on site depending on span and foundation type. A 60 ft × 120 ft dome on precast blocks is usually complete in about 3 weeks.

Question 10

Do you handle the full installation across Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building Depot is Ontario's authorized MegaDome dealer and delivers turnkey installations province-wide — Toronto, GTA, Ottawa, London, Windsor, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kingston, Barrie, Peterborough and everywhere in between.

Question 11

How long does the fabric membrane last?

Accepted Answer

The PVC-coated polyester membrane on a MegaDome carries a 25-year pro-rated warranty and typically lasts 25–30+ years in Ontario conditions before replacement.

Question 12

Can the membrane be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On DB and AR Series structures the membrane is replaceable in sections, and the hot-dip galvanized steel frame is designed to outlast multiple membrane cycles.

Question 13

Do I need a building permit for a fabric building in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any permanent structure over 10 m² requires a permit under the Ontario Building Code. Building Depot supplies the engineer-stamped drawings, structural calculations and site plan needed for municipal approval.

Question 14

What are MegaDome fabric buildings used for?

Accepted Answer

Salt & sand storage, aggregate storage, equipment storage, agricultural (hay, grain, dairy, livestock, horse-riding arenas), industrial (mining, manufacturing, recycling), aviation (aircraft & helicopter hangars), sports (indoor soccer, pickleball, tennis) and municipal public-works facilities.

Question 15

Can a fabric building be used for a horse-riding arena?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clear-span fabric buildings are ideal for riding arenas — no interior columns, translucent membrane provides natural daylight, and ridge ventilation keeps the interior climate stable year-round.

Question 16

Are fabric buildings approved for permanent use in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Building Depot engineered fabric building structures are engineered to the Ontario Building Code and stamped by a Professional Engineer for the specific site's snow and wind loads. They are permanent structures, not temporary tents.

Question 17

How does a fabric building handle Ontario snow loads?

Accepted Answer

Each building is engineered for the site's ground snow load — anywhere from 1.5 kPa in southern Ontario to 4.5+ kPa in the north. The arched geometry sheds snow naturally and the engineered truss handles the calculated load with safety factors.

Question 18

Can I finance a fabric building?

Accepted Answer

Most agricultural and commercial lenders treat Building Depot engineered fabric building structures as permanent capital improvements eligible for standard equipment or real-property financing.

Question 19

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We don't lend directly, but most Ontario agricultural lenders, equipment finance companies, and commercial banks finance Building Depot engineered fabric building structures as capital assets. We can provide the documentation your lender needs.

Question 20

Is the quote price firm?

Accepted Answer

Our quotes are firm for 30 days, subject to steel and membrane pricing. After 30 days we re-confirm material costs.

Question 21

Are there government grants for fabric buildings?

Accepted Answer

Several Ontario and federal agricultural programs (CleanFARMS, Sustainable CAP) can offset portions of a fabric building investment when used for manure storage, grain handling, or biosecurity. Check with OMAFRA for current programs.

Question 22

Can I install on existing concrete?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. We core sample the existing slab, check thickness and rebar, and have our engineer assess whether the anchors will hold the calculated uplift. About 60% of existing slabs we evaluate are usable.

Question 23

Do ecology blocks need to be anchored?

Accepted Answer

Yes — they are anchored to each other with rebar dowels and grout, and the building's base plates anchor to the top course. Properly installed, ecology block foundations are engineered structural elements.

Question 24

Do I need to be on site?

Accepted Answer

Not daily. We need an owner or authorized rep at the kickoff meeting, foundation pour signoff, and final walkthrough. Site supervision is our responsibility.

Question 25

Who handles the building permit?

Accepted Answer

We provide stamped drawings, structural calculations, and the engineering letter your municipality requires. Most clients have their general contractor or themselves pull the permit; we'll do it for an additional fee.

Question 26

Can we add a brine system later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We pre-plan electrical and plumbing rough-ins so brine making equipment can be added in year 2 or 3 without retrofit costs.

Question 27

What about sand-salt mix?

Accepted Answer

Sand-salt mix is even more corrosive than straight salt because the sand abrades coatings. Fabric is the only practical long-term storage envelope.

Question 28

Will birds nest in the structure?

Accepted Answer

Properly sealed end walls and screened ventilation prevent bird entry. Bird control is an installation detail, not a fundamental issue with fabric.

Question 29

Can I heat a fabric building?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it's rarely cost-effective without insulation. For livestock applications you usually don't need heat — the building captures solar gain and animal heat. For shop areas, insulation packages or in-floor heat work well.

Fabric Building FAQ — Ontario

Cost & Quotes

Engineering

Foundations

Installation

Membrane & Lifespan

Permits

Use Cases

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