Here are 3 tips to save money on aluminum parking lot and highway signs.
Using rolled aluminum provides a seamless look for parking garage directional signs
Hi all, this is Larry with Signs West Outdoor of Las Vegas with this months helpful news release.
This month we will provide you with 3 tips that will save you money on aluminum parking lot and other highway types of signs.
Use these 3 tips below, before you buy aluminum:
- Parking Lot signs
- Garage Structure directional signs
- Highway signs
- Handicap Parking sign
- Park and school rule signs
- No parking signs
- No Smoking signs
- Other informational outdoor aluminum signage
Yes, you may use theme types of signs for amusement parks, ski lodges, resorts, etc. and other sign substrates for the above list but this release is just for aluminum signs.
Tip number 1, using the proper aluminum thickness will save you money.
Here is a typical parking structure information directional sign made from .040 aluminum because its flush wall mounted
Normally aluminum parking lot and traffic control signs come is three main thickness.
They are .040, .080 and .125 aluminum.
The higher the number the thicker the sign.
So how will this save me money?
Well, as you probably guessed, the thicker the aluminum the higher your cost will be and visa verse, the thinner then the lower cost.
You want to use .040 aluminum for parking signs, garage structure lot ID, directional and informational signs if you are able to mount these signs directly onto walls or flat surfaces.
Why? Well, .040 aluminum is rather thin and will bend easily if one bumps into it. If .040 aluminum is post mounted for example, it will bend when bumped.
When .040 is mounted directly on a flat surface like a brick wall or other flat surface it will not bend at the same time you still get all the advantages aluminum signs offer.
Aluminum signs last a long time, do not rust and best of all, .040 is very low cost. Therefore, ask for .040 aluminum if you have a flat surface to mount to and save some money.
See some photo’s on this release showing flat surface mounted parking signs.
NOTE: Highway signs are always going to be required to be .125 or thicker. This is the most expensive type of sign not only because it’s a highway sign but must meet current traffic sign codes including a certain reflection grade finished surface.
NOTE II: Use .080 aluminum for post panel or free standing single pole mount aluminum parking, handicap, no smoking, informational and directional signage. .080 is thick enough to hold it’s own if bumped into yet not to thick and expensive like interstate and highway signs.
Tip number 2, add a slight radius or rounded corners to your aluminum parking signs.
Notice how these .080 aluminum ‘ No Smoking ‘ signs at hospital have radius corners
This maybe obvious but some sign company’s may not round the corners of aluminum parking or lot signs.
Why is this important? and how will this save you money when ordering aluminum parking lot signs?
Imagine walking in a parking lot or along a sidewalk and stepping off a curb and accidentally walking into or bumping into a no parking, no smoking or handicap parking sign?
Imagine if the corners of the sign were not rounded with a slight radius edge? Can you say ” Ouch “!
That’s right, straight cut aluminum is sharp and could cut a gash into someones body, face or worse case an eye.
It will tear clothing, jackets and skin.
You save money by eliminating the danger of a pointed sign edge hurting someone.
A slight rounded corner may produce an ouch but it will not cause an injury like a pointed sign corner.
A good rule of thumb is use at least a 3/8 inch to 1/2 radius on all parking and rule type signs between 18×24, 24×30 to 30×36 up to 48×48 inches in size.
Most sign companies will not only radius the corners but also dull stamp the edges of aluminum signs so there are no sharp edges. Make sure you are getting a dull edge and round corner sign before you order your next round of parking lot signs.
See the photo’s on this release, see how all these parking and highways signs have radius edges?
Tip number 3, graffiti proof your parking lot signs.
Typical school and public park signs are made from heavy gauge aluminum for long useful life
We all probably know, graffiti on a sign will increase cost because the signs will need to be replaced or the graffiti removed.
Ask your local sign company if they provide graffiti protection or if the signs come with graffiti proof surface.
After all, who wants to buy the same sign twice or even more?
That about does it for this months release. There are other ways to save money on parking lot ID, directional and highways signs.
Like ordering simple break away post for private parking lot and commercial center type of signs. Why? If a car hits a sign with a breakaway post (like almost all highway signs) then a lot less damages occurs.
If you are looking to save some money on aluminum lot ID, garage structure, all types of parking signs, traffic directional and informational or even highway signs, then contact www.signswestoutdoor.com and get expert help today.
Until next months, may you this release be useful.
