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The Benefits of Using Polycarbonate Translucent Wall Panels When Building a Pole Barn By Locke Building – The Pole Building Experts
When building a pole barn, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right materials for your walls and roofing. While many options are available, polycarbonate translucent wall panels stand out as an excellent choice for enhancing the functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics of your structure. Whether you’re constructing a storage building, a workshop, or an agricultural building, polycarbonate panels offer a range of benefits that can significantly improve your pole barn.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key advantages of using polycarbonate translucent wall panels in your pole barn construction project, focusing on natural lighting, energy savings, and aesthetics.
1. Natural Lighting – A Bright, Welcoming Environment
One of the most immediate advantages of polycarbonate translucent panels is the incredible amount of natural light they let into your pole barn. Polycarbonate panels allow sunlight to filter through, brightening up the interior of your barn during the day. This can create a more pleasant working or storage environment, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Polycarbonate light panels on a pole building
By incorporating polycarbonate wall panels into your design, you can minimize the need for costly lighting fixtures. This not only saves on upfront installation costs but also helps reduce ongoing electricity bills by maximizing the use of natural light. Whether you’re working on a farm, in a workshop, or storing equipment, the natural illumination from polycarbonate panels provides a safer and more inviting environment.
2. Energy Savings – Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs
Energy efficiency is a growing concern for many property owners, and polycarbonate translucent panels can help you address this issue. These panels are well-known for their excellent insulating properties. Unlike traditional glass or metal walls, polycarbonate panels help maintain a consistent temperature inside your pole barn by reducing heat transfer.
In colder parts of the Pacific Northwest polycarbonate panels help keep the warmth inside by minimizing heat loss and letting sun through. Conversely, in warmer months, these panels can help reduce the amount of heat entering uninsulated barns, creating a more comfortable indoor environment. By improving insulation and reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling, you can save money on energy bills and make your pole barn more environmentally friendly.
3. Aesthetics – Enhance the Look of Your Pole Barn
In addition to the practical benefits of polycarbonate translucent panels, they also offer aesthetic advantages that can significantly enhance the look of your pole barn. These panels come in a variety of finishes, including clear and frosted options, allowing you to choose the ideal look for your building.
Clear polycarbonate panels, for example, can create a sleek, modern appearance, while frosted or tinted panels offer a more subtle look that blends seamlessly with the surroundings. The natural light filtering through the panels also contributes to an inviting, warm ambiance that traditional solid walls can’t match. This can increase the curb appeal of your pole barn, making it not only functional but also visually appealing.
Additionally, because polycarbonate panels are lightweight and easy to install, they can be seamlessly integrated into the design of your pole barn without adding unnecessary weight or structural complexity. This makes them an ideal choice for both new construction and retrofitting existing barns.
4. Durability and Low Maintenance
Another key advantage of polycarbonate translucent panels is their exceptional durability. Polycarbonate is a highly resilient material that can withstand extreme weather conditions, from heavy winds to intense sun exposure and even hailstorms. Unlike fiberglass that deteriorates quickly or glass, which can shatter easily, polycarbonate panels are impact-resistant, offering long-lasting protection for your pole barn.
Polycarbonate panels also require minimal maintenance compared to other materials. They resist yellowing, cracking, and fading, ensuring that your pole barn retains its appearance and functionality over time. This makes polycarbonate a smart investment for long-term use, helping you avoid the costs and hassle of frequent repairs or replacements.
5. Eco-Friendly Option
Polycarbonate is also an eco-friendly option when building a pole barn. The material is recyclable, meaning it can be repurposed at the end of its life cycle. By choosing polycarbonate panels, you’re helping reduce the environmental impact of your building project, making it a more sustainable option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
When building a pole barn, polycarbonate translucent wall panels offer a variety of benefits that go beyond traditional materials like steel or wood. With enhanced natural lighting, energy savings, improved aesthetics, and durability, polycarbonate panels make a smart choice for any pole barn construction project. Not only do they help create a brighter, more energy-efficient, and visually appealing space, but they also provide long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
At Locke Building, we specialize in building custom pole barns designed to meet your unique needs. Our team of experts can help you make the best material choices for your building project, ensuring that your pole barn is not only functional but also energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Contact us today to get started on your next pole barn construction project!
Incorporating polycarbonate translucent panels in your pole barn isn’t just a trend – it’s a long-term investment that offers lasting benefits in terms of lighting, energy savings, and the overall look of your structure. Make your pole barn stand out with this modern, practical material.
Ensuring Snow-Ready Roofs: How Locke Buildings Properly Sizes Trusses for Your Snow Load
Oregon’s diverse landscape is one of its most appealing qualities, but it also means the weather conditions and challenges can vary greatly depending on the region. While some areas see mild winters, others experience heavy snowfalls that can significantly impact structures. If you’re planning a pole building, whether for a home, barn, or storage, it’s crucial to consider how snow will affect your roof, and that’s where we come in. At Locke Buildings, we take the time to properly size trusses to handle snow loads specific to your location, ensuring your roof is both sturdy and safe.
Understanding the Snow Load Challenge
When it comes to roof design, snow load is one of the most critical factors that can impact both the structure’s integrity and longevity. Snow can accumulate quickly, especially in higher elevations or areas prone to winter storms, creating additional stress on the roof structure. If the roof is not designed to handle the weight, it can lead to structural issues like sagging or, in the worst-case scenario, collapse.
Oregon’s snow load requirements vary from region to region, and it’s essential to understand how much weight the snow can add to a roof before construction begins. This weight depends on several factors, including:
Geographic Location: Coastal areas typically receive much less snow than the higher elevations of the Cascade Mountains or areas near the Gorge.
Snow Density: The type of snow—whether it’s light and powdery or heavy and wet—impacts the load. Wet snow is far denser and heavier than dry snow.
Roof Slope: The steeper the roof, the less snow accumulation it may experience. Flat or low-pitched roofs, however, can accumulate significant snow and require more robust support.
Why Proper Truss Sizing Matters
At Locke Buildings, we understand that getting the right truss for your roof is crucial, especially when it comes to handling snow load. Trusses are the backbone of your roof system, providing support and evenly distributing the weight from above. If the trusses are undersized or improperly spaced, they can fail under the pressure of a heavy snowstorm, potentially leading to costly repairs or dangerous structural damage.
That’s why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach when designing trusses for our pole buildings. Instead, we:
Assess Your Local Snow Load Requirements: Before we begin designing your building, we consider the specific snow load requirements for your area. Oregon has different snow load zones, and we make sure to meet or exceed the building code standards for your region, accounting for both historical snowfall and the risk of heavy snowfalls in the future.
Use the Right Lumber: The type of lumber used in trusses is also crucial for supporting the weight of snow. Heavier snow loads require stronger, more durable lumber. At Locke Buildings, we only use high-quality wood that’s properly graded to ensure the trusses are robust enough to handle the load.
Customize Truss Design: Depending on the size of your building and its roof pitch, we’ll customize the trusses to ensure they meet the exact needs of your snow load. For example, a larger building or one with a flatter roof might need more robust trusses or additional bracing to provide proper support.
Factor in Future Snow Loads: In some cases, snow loads can vary from year to year, with some winters bringing more snow than others. We take into consideration the potential for heavy snowfalls and factor in safety margins to ensure that your roof is prepared for a range of conditions over its lifespan.
The Importance of Professional Assessment
While it may be tempting to cut costs by going with a generic truss design or standard roofing material, this approach can put your building at risk. Working with a professional team like Locke Buildings ensures that your trusses are tailored to your needs, including snow load considerations. Our experienced designers and builders are familiar with the various building codes across Oregon and the different environmental factors that can affect your roof’s performance.
How We Ensure the Best Results for Your Building
Here’s how we ensure that your pole building is snow-ready:
Personalized Consultations: We’ll start with a consultation to understand your location and project needs, giving us the information we need to choose the right truss design and materials for your building.
Engineering Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in designing pole buildings that are structurally sound, ensuring your roof can withstand both the snow and the tests of time.
Top-Quality Materials: From lumber to steel components, we use only the highest quality materials that are up to the task of handling the snow loads typical of your region.
On-Site Assessment (if necessary): In some cases, we may perform an on-site evaluation to ensure that the unique characteristics of your land are factored into our design.
Snow Load and Your Peace of Mind
At Locke Buildings, we understand that building a structure that can handle Oregon’s unpredictable weather requires more than just high-quality materials—it takes a careful design process tailored to the specific conditions of your area. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure that your pole building’s roof is designed to safely carry the snow load, whether you’re in the coastal lowlands or the snow-heavy mountains.
With the right truss design and proper lumber, you can rest assured that your building will not only handle snow but stand strong for years to come. If you’re in the process of building a new pole structure and want to ensure it’s properly designed for the snow loads in your area, contact Locke Buildings today. Our team is ready to help you build a safe, durable structure that can handle whatever weather comes your way.
Stay safe, stay strong, and build with confidence!
Let me know if you would like to adjust anything or if you have additional topics you’d like to cover!
The Potential Effects of Tariffs on Oregon’s Pole Building Industry and How Locke Buildings Is Navigating It
The pole building industry in Oregon, like many others, faces challenges from the global market. Although Locke Buildings does not directly purchase metal from China, it’s important to understand how tariffs—particularly on steel and aluminum—can still affect our pricing. In this blog post, we’ll break down the potential impacts of tariffs on both metal and wood costs, and how Locke Buildings is navigating these changing market dynamics.
Tariffs and Their Ripple Effect on Metal Prices
While Locke Buildings does not source its metal from China, tariffs imposed on Chinese steel and aluminum imports still have a far-reaching impact. The reason for this is the interconnected nature of the global steel market. Tariffs on imported metal can drive up the cost of steel and aluminum in North America by restricting the supply of cheaper foreign metal. With less supply, domestic producers often increase their prices to meet demand, causing an increase in overall material costs.
For companies that rely on metal components—such as the steel used in our pole buildings—these price hikes can be unavoidable. Even if we don’t purchase directly from China, the overall shift in pricing from domestic suppliers can affect the cost of materials we use in our buildings. This means that, despite our efforts to maintain competitive pricing, the economic effects of tariffs on steel and aluminum can trickle down and affect our customers as well.
The State of Wood Costs: A Sweet Spot for Customers
Fortunately, not all building materials are affected in the same way. Wood, which plays a significant role in our pole building projects, has been holding steady at favorable prices. After a period of inflationary pressure on lumber costs, wood prices have recently experienced a much-needed stabilization. This offers a bit of relief in the face of rising metal prices and provides an opportunity for customers to get the best value for their investment.
At Locke Buildings, we are currently in a position where we can take advantage of this “sweet spot” in wood pricing. The steady pricing of lumber allows us to continue providing high-quality structures without passing on significant cost increases to our customers, at least in regard to the wood components.
How Locke Buildings Is Responding to Market Changes
At Locke Buildings, we’ve always prided ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable pole buildings to our customers. While tariffs on steel and aluminum may present challenges, we’re actively working with suppliers to secure the best possible pricing. We maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, ensuring that we can mitigate the impact of price fluctuations as much as possible.
Additionally, because we use both wood and metal in our structures, the steady pricing of lumber allows us to offset some of the costs incurred by rising metal prices. We’re committed to keeping costs manageable while maintaining the high standard of service and quality our customers expect.
What Does This Mean for You?
While the pole building industry in Oregon and beyond may face some hurdles in the coming months due to the shifting metal prices, you can rest assured that Locke Buildings is doing everything we can to keep pricing competitive. Our team is closely monitoring material costs and working with trusted suppliers to ensure that we’re always offering the best value.
If you’re planning a pole building project, now might be an excellent time to get started—especially with the favorable wood pricing we’re seeing today. While the situation around metal tariffs is dynamic, we will continue to adapt and find ways to minimize cost increases for our customers.
What is Next?
Even though Locke Buildings doesn’t directly purchase metal from China, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports can still affect pricing in the broader market. That said, we are fortunate to be in a position where wood prices remain stable, allowing us to keep costs down for our customers. Our team is actively managing these challenges and is committed to providing high-quality pole buildings at the best value possible.
If you have any questions or are considering a new pole building, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help guide you through the process and ensure your project stays on track—both in terms of budget and timing.
Stay tuned to our blog for updates on the latest trends in the pole building industry and tips for your next construction project.
At Locke Buildings, we are committed to providing high-quality products at competitive prices. However, the impact of these tariffs will significantly affected the cost of steel and other essential materials. We strive to minimize the effect on our customers, price increases are necessary to maintain the quality and reliability you expect from us.
If you are considering a project in the near future, we encourage you to lock in current pricing as soon as possible before these changes take effect. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions or provide updated quotes based on your needs.
We encourage you to contact us soon.
Call Monday thru Friday 7am to 5pm PST – 503-630-3183
Locke Buildings is inviting local contractors to partner with us in the Pacific NorthWest to provide exceptional service in the pole building industry. In our 26 years of experience we have built literally thousands of pole buildings and our expertise is well known.
The crews at Locke Buildings know what will work and what won’t work regarding pole buildings and requires the skill of many different crews (excavation, framers, metal workers). Locke Buildings is looking for local contractor crews to partner with us in expanding the pole building teams available in this area.
Locke Buildings wants to plant seeds in the pole building community in the Pacific NW. If you are a local contractor interested in partnering with an established company, contact us today. You will be glad you did!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
The Locke Buildings Team
PS. Please feel free to share this with a contractor you know who would be interested.
First of all you only have one week left on the amazing Get BBQ Ready For Summer Deal! Buy a pole building from Locke Buildings during the month of April and you can choose either one of these amazing gifts FREE! Don’t hesitate! You could be a grill master sooner than you think🍔
1) Contact Locke Buildings and get your new building needs met from start to finish. We do it all and you get to watch it happen! In our 26 years of experience we have built literally thousands of pole buildings and you will have our expertise at your disposal throughout the entire process.
2) Design your own building and have Locke Buildings work with you to see your new building dreams come true. If you need help at any stage during the build (maybe you need excavation help) we will be there for you. Contact the Locke Buildings Sales Team to iron out all the details.
3) Not only design, but build your own building from the material kits which Locke Buildings supplies. We have highly detailedHow To videos available on YouTube to help you on your DIY journey (videos include excavation, putting posts in, framing, adding metal, installing doors and windows, everything you need). Locke Buildings can connect you with a number of subcontractors (adding more every day) to spread the workload and better serve our clients.
Customers purchasing one of our kits generally shop around for the best prices. Our kits use upgraded materials—no green lumber which shrinks and bows, plus all of our trim is 29 gauge making it thicker and better quality than most other kits. We also recommend our customers install plywood on the roof for a better roofing system capable of weathering storms or heavy snow and ice. For the cost, it is a valuable addition to your kit.
Coming soon we will have an interactive manual which can be used on your phone during the DIY building process. What could be simpler? Locke Buildings makes getting a pole building as easy and painless as possible. Contact us today!
DIY or We Can Do It For You
The Locke Buildings Team
PS. If you are a contractor or you know a contractor who would like to partner with Locke Buildings to serve customers in the Pacific Northwest, give us a call.
Many years ago a pole barn was an easily built, open structure to stack hay, shelter animals or store equipment. Today the term is no longer pole barn, but pole building because the structures we design at Locke Buildings are more versatile, varied and frankly more attractive. We have built thousands of pole buildings and we are VERY good at what we do. We are on the leading edge of the newest technology, building materials and up-to-date design processes.
This week we are building a horse stable for a family, in time for one of their mares to foal. Locke Buildings is partnering with Train 2 Reign and the Design Your Life high school training class for a Spring Break Work Project. These projects have been highly effective in teaching students work ethics, team work, the value of preparation and so much more.
Brianna Price, one of our Design Your Life students and her sister, Alyssa, board their horses on farms near their home. It hasbeen the girls’ dream to have their beloved horses living, eating, playing, foaling and finding shelter on their family’s property. One of their horses is due to foal in May. This new pole building, which Brianna will be helping to build, will mean their mare will have a stall that is suitable to foal in.
Here are the Project Details: Building is 20’x36’x13’4” with a single slope roof. Three 4’x8’ and one 12’x8’ slider doors. Students will be observing, learning and involved with the following construction skills: measuring and cutting 2×6 boards, framing walls, doors, and roof. Raising the roof using a strategic pulley system, drilling screw holes in metal to prepare for installation, installing metal siding and trim, as well as installing sliding door roller kits. If you want more information about strengthening our community by giving back through Train 2 Reign, check out our website t2r.net.
In the meantime, contact Locke Buildings for all your shop/storage/farm/ commercial needs. You can get answers in minutes with our Design Your Own Building link. Locke Buildings are customizable, multi-purpose, easy to design and order, durable and attractive. Let us help you expand. You won’t be sorry you called the Northwest Leader in Pole Buildings—Locke Buildings.
Our Project Manager at Locke Buildings, Jason Locke, lives by the motto:
His dedication to making a difference in every area of his life is never more evident than in his service to our customers. Jason is up at 5am, lining up which projects to visit and buildings to inspect before he has his first cup of coffee. Our crews know with each inspection, Jason will hold them accountable to the high standard of quality at Locke Buildings, and they meet it every time.
In honor of National Employee Appreciation Day this Friday, March 1, we want to tell you about our outstanding employees. If you have met anyone on our team then you already know the integrity and commitment to service we have at Locke Buildings. From quotes, to excavation, to framing and metal, our team is committed to your satisfaction with every building we construct or deliver.
Locke Buildings has an intense commitment to our employees, knowing it will contribute to the success of our customers. We have a team of loyal, smart, hardworking, long-term and well-compensated employees who provide superb quality service to our customers.
These are the incredible people who will oversee your building needs from start to finish:
Marketing Team I Jason Roeder, Team Leader
Sales Team I Andy Price, General Manager
Design and Engineered Plans Team I Josh Horgos, Team Leader
Delivery and Materials Team I Mike Wodesky, Team Leader
Project Manager I Jason Locke
Excavation Team I Tyson Johnson, Team Leader
Framing Team I Multiple Team Leaders
Metal Team I Multiple Team Leaders
Final Walkthrough With ClientI Jason Locke, Project Manager
Thank You Cardfrom the Sales Team
Locke Buildings is continually seeking new ways to improve, such as emerging methods utilizing new technology, tools, and equipment. If we find a better way, we implement it right away! With better products and cutting-edge designs, we don’t fall behind, but continue to be leaders in the industry!
This video demonstrates a new way that Locke Buildings is using on certain projects (when appropriate) to raise the roof trusses without the use of a crane, which is usually utilized.
Talk with us to find out if this may be appropriate for your new project.
Click below to download a 6 Step document that will assist you in laying out your new pole building. (Note: This file is 6.6 mb. It may take a while to download on slow internet connections.)
One of the integral components to everything Locke Buildings does involves metal siding and roofing materials. We thought you would enjoy a link to the Metallion Color Assistant (MCA) so that you have the option to test out and view a selection of choices of colors for roofing, siding and trim. You can also do this for Residential, Commercial and Agricultural style buildings. (use the upper right-hand corner of the MCA to chose your building style.)
Understanding the Snow Load Challenge
