Inadequate wall structures and water damage are additional factors to consider when doing a wall installation.
SMC: What are some common mistakes or oversights that can compromise the safety and longevity of a sign installation? How do you ensure these are avoided?
JL: We’ve seen a lot of signs fall off walls because the anchors were too small or not sufficient for the wall type. Stucco is one of the main issues with signage, as an installer will think the anchor is biting into something, but really, it’s in an empty void. We’ve also seen a lot of signs fall off walls because they didn’t properly silicone the top of the sign, so water damage caused the plywood of the backer to rot. Sometimes installers will strip the anchors in concrete applications. You really need to know your hardware and your wall type, and it’s better to go overboard with your hardware than use just enough.
The through-wall method is pretty much the best, safest method of attachment. We use it for heavier signs that have a lot of weight. We also use it if the wall is not adequate, such as a stucco wall. Of course, sometimes we don’t have that luxury, so we have to find the framework behind the wall and tag into the framework or the studs. Sometimes we have to use an expandable mechanical fastener, where we push the toggle bolt in, the butterfly pops open, and it grabs onto the back of the wall. As it’s tightened, the butterfly gets tightened against the back of the wall. That’s another good method of attachment, provided the sign is not too heavy.
Choosing a fastener is one of the most important parts of an installation. The three main steps are determining the wall type, determining the proper fastener, and making sure the installer is qualified. Experience really makes a difference.
SMC: How do you co-ordinate with architects, engineers, and other project teams to ensure a successful and secure sign installation?
JL: First, review the drawings. Site meetings are also very important, because sometimes architects and engineers don’t have the same thoughts as the installer. Sometimes it looks really good on paper, but when it comes down to doing it, it’s not feasible. Communication is crucial, from start to finish. Review the drawings, go to the site, review the site, and then have everyone meet there afterwards. Make sure the whole team is on the same page and understands whether or not the installation can be done the way they specified it. A lot of it is educating the architect or the engineer, because it’s hard to engineer a sign. It’s such a vague structure. It’s not like a house where they’ve built so many of them. Signs can be very unique to engineers and architects. Therefore, it’s all about educating people and working with them closely, and usually, the job goes off without a hitch.
