Hayward, CA – Site Surveys Are Super Important!

SignWorks has many evacuation projects in the works and as a consequence has performed a number of site surveys recently.  It’s easy to understand why they are necessary for evacuation maps.  How else would the designer/technician map out the egress route for the building or know where to place the extinguishers, pull station and other symbols on the maps, or know when to vary the lay out by floor when there are differences, which there usually are?  That being said, there are plenty of other instances where a site survey is needed:

• Replacement sign faces
• Multi story building signs
• Building Renovations
• Fire Safety

When we are asked to work on replacement sign faces that insert into a sign cabinet the issue is that the measurements must be exact.  Often the rim of the cabinet can make it difficult to know the exact measurements of the sign panels themselves.  Typically, we will need to send the technician to the site to slide the faces out and get an accurate measurement since acrylic and Lexan, used for backlit cabinet signs, need to be cut in a shop environment.  And, depending on the height above ground where the sign is being mounted and the size of the insert (sign panel), a lift or boom may be required.  Large sign panels are not handled easily using ladders.

Likewise, when signs are being mounted on a multi-story building we need to visit the site to determine the type of lift that will be needed.  If the surface is flat and without protrusions such as awnings and canopies, a straight scissor lift up to a few feet below the mounting location, will work.  If not, any articulating lift or boom will be required.   We also use the survey time to figure out the mounting hardware and logistics.  A stone surface mount will require specialized drill bits.

When buildings are being renovated, part of the process will require a review by the fire department.  In addition to the evacuation map guidelines, there are guidelines for stairwell signs and other faire safety signs that denote where fire control equipment is located. The regulations can vary by city and our property management and building owners will often need our assistance in interrupting exactly what is required.

SignWorks has long been a go-to source for evacuation maps and building signs of all types.  We work with a variety of building owners and property managers as well as corporate clients, contractors and architects.  We have provided signage for projects large and small throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and have been doing so since 2008.  Connect with us soon if your company is contemplating a building renovation and will need signage updates. You can reach us by calling (510) 357-2000.  To learn more about us and our recent projects, please visit our website where you can view recent blog posts and photographs.